About Alcatraz Island
Alcatraz reveals stories of American incarceration, justice, and our common humanity. This small island was once a fort, a military prison, and a maximum security federal penitentiary. In 1969, the Indians of All Tribes occupied Alcatraz for 19 months in the name of freedom and Native American civil rights. We invite you to explore Alcatraz's complex history and natural beauty.
Plan a Visit
Core visitor information on this page is sourced from the National Park Service. NPD proximity sections use NPS reference coordinates and straight-line distance. Local source bundle updated Sep 27, 2026. View the official NPS page.
Weather & Conditions
The climate on Alcatraz is unpredictable and can change suddenly. Cold, foggy mornings may give way to sunny afternoons, which in turn can shift quickly back to more fog and blustery winds. The most pleasant weather usually occurs in spring and fall. Summers tend to be cool and foggy, winter…
NPS Reference Location
Park state / territory membership: California. This map uses the National Park Service reference coordinate. It may represent an administrative or reference point rather than a park entrance, trailhead, visitor center, or the nearest access point. Use the official NPS directions below when planning travel.
Operating Hours
Access to Alcatraz Island is via commercial ferry service. For ticket reservation and schedule call (415) 981-7625 or go to www.alcatrazcitycruises.com. The ferry schedule changes seasonally. Alcatraz is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day. Once on the island you can stay up to the last ferry. Be aware that tickets sell out quickly and reservations are recommended. Tickets go on sale 90 days in advance.
Activities
Current Alerts
You can help prevent vehicle break-ins in parking lots. Before leaving your car to catch the ferry: 1) Remove all valuables, 2) Lock your doors. 3) Take your wallets, purses, backpacks, keys, key fobs, cell phones, and electronics with you. Read article for more details.
Until approximately 2028, a portion of the cell house will be closed to visitors for important historic preservation work. We apologize for any inconvenience. Learn more at https://www.nps.gov/alca/alcatraz-historic-preservation-projects.htm
Getting There
The Alcatraz Ferry Terminal is located on Pier 33, near the intersection of The Embarcadero and Bay Street. Ferry tickets are required to get to Alcatraz. Purchase tickets through https://www.alcatrazcitycruises.com/ Commercial parking lots are available near Pier 33, but it is recommended to use public transportation. Visit Transit.511.org for more information on getting to Pier 33 and be sure to check the hours for parking garages.
View Official DirectionsContact & Address
The NPS-listed address may be an administrative office, visitor center, mailing/contact location, or other park facility rather than a park entrance.
Topics & Themes
Things To Do
Visit the New Industries Building
Visit the New Industries Building to see exhibits on Prison Labor and the commemorative exhibit, Red Power on Alcatraz: Perspectives…
Birdwatching on Alcatraz
Alcatraz Island is home to thousands of birds. Bring your binoculars and the NPS app to learn about our avian…
View the Alcatraz Fire Engine
Restored in 2003, this historic Diamond T Fire Engine can be viewed in the garage of the Quartermaster Building.
Tour the Cellhouse
Listen to the voices of formerly incarcerated men and the correctional officers who guarded them, as they tell you the…
Explore the Agave Trail
Birds, tidepools and stunning views of the San Francisco can all be found along a short walk on the Agave…
Visitor Centers
Dock Ranger Station
The ranger station at the Alcatraz Island Dock is staffed at all times. Staff here can help you with directions, information, Special Ranger and Junior…
Nearby National Park Service Sites
These sites are ordered by straight-line distance between NPS reference coordinates. This is useful for comparison, but it is not road mileage. Trails, parkways, rivers, and distributed units may extend far from their reference point.
Nearby Cities for Trip Planning
These cities are ordered by straight-line distance from the NPS reference coordinate. They are comparison starting points, not official park gateways or road-distance estimates. Trails and other distributed units may extend far beyond this reference point.
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