Apr 27, 2021 · Plan on spending at least a few hours on Alcatraz exploring the exhibits, checking out the video presentations or audio tours. Jr. Ranger books and programs are often available, and ranger …

Alcatraz Island (/ ˈælkəˌtræz /) is a small island about 1.25 miles offshore from San Francisco in San Francisco Bay, California, near the Golden Gate Strait. [1] The island was developed in the mid-19th …

Nov 26, 2025 · Alcatraz Island, also known as ‘The Rock,’ a rocky island in San Francisco Bay, off the coast of California, in the United States. From 1934 to 1963, a facility on the island served as a …

Today, Alcatraz is not just a place—it’s a purpose. It uses its complex legacy to spark public dialogue, connecting the past to some of the most pressing issues facing our nation today.

In 1854, the West Coast’s first lighthouse was built on San Francisco Bay’s Alcatraz Island to guide the ships coming and going through the Golden Gate. Government officials quickly decided that the tiny, …

Oct 27, 2009 · Today, historic Alcatraz Island, which was also the site of a U.S. military prison from the late 1850s to 1933, is a popular tourist destination.

From 1909 through 1911, the military prisoners on Alcatraz built the new prison, which was designated the Pacific Branch, U.S. Disciplinary Barracks for the U.S. Army. It was this prison building that later …

Sep 26, 2025 · 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 …

Alcatraz is in the bay and visible from San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge. It is best known for its years as a federal prison, from 1934-63, but its history is much longer.

Whether immersing yourself in history, experiencing arts and culture, spotting wildlife, exploring the historic gardens, or soaking in the awe-inspiring views, we'll help you make the most of your visit to …