Alcatraz Island
- Home
- Attractions
- Alcatraz Island
Located just over a mile offshore from San Francisco, California, Alcatraz Island is a small island that was famously used as a federal prison from 1934 to 1963. It housed some of the most violent and notorious prisoners of its time, including Al Capone and James "Whitey" Bulger. Previously, the island had been used as a military fort starting in the 1850s and was also home to a military prison around 1910.
Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary, also known by its nickname, "The Rock," was a maximum-security prison, known for being nearly impossible to escape from, as it is surrounded by the chilly and rough waters of San Francisco Bay. The property was acquired by the National Parks Service in 1972. Alcatraz Island joined the National Register of Historic Places in 1976 and became a National Historic Landmark in 1986. Today, it's one of the most popular places for travelers to tour when visiting San Francisco, and it houses occasional art exhibits and temporary installations.
How to Get There
San Francisco International Airport is the closest airport to Alcatraz Island. Take the historic San Francisco streetcar of the MUNI F line to reach the landing at Pier 33 where the ferries depart. To reach Alcatraz Island, you'll take a ferry that departs from Pier 33, Suite 200 in Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco.
Rent an RV For Your Visit to Alcatraz Island
Visit Alcatraz Island
No visit to Alcatraz Island is complete without a tour of the cell house building that was home to the notorious federal penitentiary, but as you tour the island, you'll notice there's more to it than just the cell house.
Take time to view the historic lighthouse next to the warden's house that dates back to 1854. If you're a bird-watcher, you'll want to stop by the Nesting Seabird Sanctuary to observe the multitude of gulls, night herons, cormorants, and pigeon guillemots that live there. Prisoners once tended to the lovely gardens that dot the island; now the Garden Conservancy does the work.
San Francisco experiences mild weather year-round, making a visit to Alcatraz Island suitable in any season.
Ticket Information
The National Park Service strongly encourages purchasing tickets in advance of your visit to Alcatraz Island. Ticket costs start at $45.25 and include ferry transportation to and from the island, entrance to the cell house, and an audio tour. The ferry is run by Alcatraz City Cruises, and you'll have to head to their website at CityExperiences.com in order to reserve and pay for your tickets. The ferry operator also offers a full-day cruise package that includes additional sightseeing, and there is an evening tour and a behind-the-scenes guided night tour option as well.
Family-Friendly Options
Because visiting Alcatraz Island involves a fair amount of walking uphill and climbing a lot of steps, you may want to reconsider visiting with children younger than 6. The audio tour lasts for about an hour, which may be too long for younger children. However, kids of all ages will love the 15-minute ferry boat ride. Upon arrival at the island, they can join the Junior Ranger program to enjoy interactive activities. You may want to bring your own pens and pencils, as they often run out. When planning your trip with kids, remember that food and drinks other than water are not allowed on the island, so you'll have to finish up your snacks on the ferry.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit
Once you land on the island, you can attend a brief orientation with a staff member, who will offer suggestions about how to best enjoy your visit. Make sure to grab a free map of the island and access the cell house audio tour, which is included in your ticket price. Take your time and explore the island at your own pace. Although the island is most famous for its former penitentiary, you'll also want to visit the lighthouse and some of the other buildings on the island during your trip.
Finally, remember to visit the special museum exhibits before returning to the city. The gift shop is located near the ferry dock, making it the perfect final stop on your tour. Plan on spending at least three hours exploring the cell house and the island. Ferries to return to Pier 33 leave roughly every half hour.
Alcatraz is open every day except Christmas, Thanksgiving, and New Year's Day.
Alcatraz Island Accommodations
Campgrounds Nearby
Overview
As San Francisco's only group campground, Rob Hill offers a national park camping experience just minutes from the city. Here you will have access to all of the recreational opportunities the Presidio of San Francisco has to offer, including hiking and biking trails, scenic overlooks, picnic sites, beaches, a golf course, and so much more. The campground's spacious campsites make it a perfect choice for groups of all kinds, including multi-family gatherings, school field trips, and scout troops. To learn more about the campgrouns rules we ask you to please read over the Terms and Conditions . We look forward to welcoming you to Rob Hill!
Recreation
Located at the Golden Gate, the Presidio of San Francisco is a place to escape in nature and explore key moments in history. The park features San Francisco’s best hiking and biking trails, scenic overlooks, picnic sites, beaches, a golf course, and other top attractions. And the Presidio is home to more than two-dozen visitor-serving businesses , including multiple museums, a golf course, and hotels and venues for celebrations and meetings .
There are a dozen major trails in the Presidio and eight scenic overlooks. Whether you are looking for a leisurely stroll or a challenging hike, the Presidio has a trail for everyone. Learn more about hiking and biking trails on the Presidio Trust website .
Visitors who wish to take advantage of the Presidio's many scenic bike routes can rent bikes through the Bay Wheels Bike Share program or at the Sports Basement on Crissy Field. Learn more about biking in the park on the Presidio Trust's biking page .
In addition to the many hiking and biking trails, the Presidio is home to some of the best beaches in San Francisco. Whether you’re looking to dip your toes in the water and splash with the kids, toss a Frisbee near the Golden Gate Bridge, or watch the sun set over the Pacific Ocean, we’ve got great choices for you. Learn more about our beaches on the Presidio Trust's beach page .
Facilities
Located at the Golden Gate, the Presidio of San Francisco is a place to escape in nature and explore key moments in history. The park features San Francisco’s best hiking and biking trails, scenic overlooks, picnic sites, beaches, a golf course, and other top attractions. And the Presidio is home to more than two-dozen visitor-serving businesses , including multiple museums, a golf course, and hotels and venues for celebrations and meetings .
There are a dozen major trails in the Presidio and eight scenic overlooks. Whether you are looking for a leisurely stroll or a challenging hike, the Presidio has a trail for everyone. Learn more about hiking and biking trails on the Presidio Trust website .
Visitors who wish to take advantage of the Presidio's many scenic bike routes can rent bikes through the Bay Wheels Bike Share program or at the Sports Basement on Crissy Field. Learn more about biking in the park on the Presidio Trust's biking page .
In addition to the many hiking and biking trails, the Presidio is home to some of the best beaches in San Francisco. Whether you’re looking to dip your toes in the water and splash with the kids, toss a Frisbee near the Golden Gate Bridge, or watch the sun set over the Pacific Ocean, we’ve got great choices for you. Learn more about our beaches on the Presidio Trust's beach page .
Natural Features
The Presidio is a natural oasis right next door to a big city – a place where you can experience wildflowers, watersheds, and wildlife on an afternoon hike. It is also a where important work is being done to revitalize natural areas and to show how people and the environment can thrive in harmony. At the Presidio, you can explore habitats that have been lost in the urban Bay Area; see a fox or a hawk hunt for their next meal; or stroll around a natural lake that has been brought back to life.
Mountain Lake, one of San Francisco's last surviving natural lakes, is located less than two miles south of Rob Hill on the southern edge of the Presidio. Since 2013 the Presidio Trust has been working with scientists, academic institutions, and volunteers to help revitalize the lake. Polluted soil and invasive species were removed from the lake, and native plant and animal species, such as the Western Pond Turtle and Pacific Chorus Frog are being reestablished. In addition to the many resident species that call Mountain Lake home, 65 migratory bird species have been document visiting the lake on their journey along the Pacific Flyway.
Experienced and newer birders alike will also want to visit Crissy Marsh and Quartermaster Reach Marsh , located about two miles northwest of Rob Hill. The fresh water that flows through the Presidio's largest watershed, the Tennessee Hollow Watershed ultimately meets the salty waters of San Francisco Bay here, creating a vibrant destination for more than 100 bird species, including those stopping for rest as they make their long journey along the Pacific Flyway.
Campers interested in learning more about some of the unique plant life that can be found in the Presidio are encouraged to visit the Ecology Trail . A little over one mile in length, this trail passes through lush restored serpentine grasslands where, from spring to early summer, you may see the endangered Presidio Clarkia and other native wildflowers in bloom. You'll also find yourself amid towering redwoods, oaks, eucalyptus, Monterey pine, and Monterey cypress at various points along the trail.
To learn more about the natural history of the Presidio, visit the Nature and Sustainability page on our website.
Nearby Attractions
In addition to the many places to visit within the Presidio, there is so much to explore in San Francisco itself. You can visit the Golden Gate Bridge, explore endless dining opportunities, visit a museum, and so much more. Visit the SF Travel website for tips to help you plan your visit to the city.
Located just over one mile from the Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center , the campground makes for an excellent base camp for groups wanting to walk or bike across the Golden Gate Bridge. Check with the Golden Gate Bridge Highway and Transportation District for tips to make the most of your visit to this beloved International Orange icon.
Campers looking for more national park experiences can explore the other units of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA), including Fort Point National Historic Site , Muir Woods National Monument , and Alcatraz Island . Stretched across 80,000 acres north and south of the Golden Gate Bridge, the 37 parks sites of the GGNRA constitute one of the world’s largest national parks in an urban setting. In total, the GGNRA has more than 130 miles of trails, and 1,200 historic structures, making it a wonderful place to explore for nature lovers and history buffs alike.
Charges & Cancellations
Reservation holders may make up to two changes per reservation. A service fee may be charged at the time a modification is made depending on the changes.
Customers may cancel their reservation prior to arrival both on-line and through the call center. A $10 service fee will be withheld from any refund for a cancellation. Cancellations less than 14 days before the arrival date will pay a $10.00 service fee and forfeit the first night's use fee.
Please read Recreation.gov's Rules and Reservations Policies for more information.
Overview
Kirby Cove is located just north of the Golden Gate Bridge at historic Battery Kirby. Visitors are awarded breathtaking views of San Francisco, its famous Golden Gate Bridge, and the rugged Pacific Coast of northern California. Please note: The parking area for the campground is a short walk from the campsites, so RV or car camping is not allowed at Kirby Cove Campground.
Recreation
Hiking, picnicking and taking in the beautiful views from Kirby Cove are among the park's most popular activities. Visitors also enjoy exploring Battery Kirby, a historic army battery in use from 1898-1934. The Point Bonita Lighthouse and Nike Missile Site SF-88 are also close to the campsite.
Facilities
Hiking, picnicking and taking in the beautiful views from Kirby Cove are among the park's most popular activities. Visitors also enjoy exploring Battery Kirby, a historic army battery in use from 1898-1934. The Point Bonita Lighthouse and Nike Missile Site SF-88 are also close to the campsite.
Natural Features
Kirby Cove offers a coarse-sand beach with spectacular views - when it's not foggy - of the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and northern San Francisco, including the historic Presidio. The cove is nestled at the foot of the craggy Marin Headlands and has beach access. A steep, mile-long trail to the cove begins at the parking area above Battery Spencer on Conzelman Road. The path descends through a stately grove of Monterey, cypress, pine and Blue Gum eucalyptus. Coastal sage and colorful Lupine dot the hillsides. Temperatures are mild year-round. Expect lows from 50-55 degrees and highs from 60-65. Fog is prevalent in the summer months from May-Sept. It is best to bring clothing that can be layered. Lightweight summer clothes are rarely comfortable to wear at Kirby Cove.
contact_info
For facility specific information, please call (415) 331-1540.
Nearby Attractions
The San Francisco Bay Area has no shortage of fun and interesting things to do and see. Awe-inspiring Muir Woods National Monument, with its old-growth coastal redwood forest and numerous hiking trails, is just a 20-minute drive from Kirby Cove. Mount Tamalpais State Park, with hiking and sweeping views of the Bay Area, is another 10 minutes past Muir Woods.
Downtown San Francisco offers a myriad of restaurants, shops, museums and tourist attractions. Fisherman's Wharf, Alcatraz Island and Chinatown are popular destinations. Visitors love riding San Francisco's world famous cable cars up and down the city's hilly streets.
Charges & Cancellations
The Kirby Cove Day Use Site must be cancelled or modified more than 14 days before your check-in date otherwise it will be considered a late cancellation.
You may also refer to Recreation.gov's Rules & Reservation Policies. To initiate a refund request more than 7 days after your reservation, call the recreation.gov call center at 877-444-6777.
Candlestick RV Park is situated on the site of an old stadium. It is within walking distance of Candlestick Point State Recreation Area, and Bayview Park is also nearby. Plus, Highway 101 is only a few minutes away.
Activities Near Alcatraz Island
Things to Do
Fisherman's Wharf
The ferries to Alcatraz Island depart from Pier 33 in Fisherman's Wharf, which is itself one of the most popular tourist destinations in San Francisco. At Fisherman's Wharf, you can watch chocolates being made and sample the wares at Ghirardelli Square, visit the Wax Museum, or watch a colony of urban sea lions that call the area home.
The Musée Mécanique at Pier 45
For something unique, take time to visit the Musée Mécanique at Pier 45. This is a collection of over 300 mechanical arcade games and artifacts, most of which you can play for a quarter or two.
The Cartoon Museum
Visitors of all ages will love visiting the Cartoon Museum.
National Parks
National Sites
Weather, Safety & Accessibility
Weather & Packing
When planning your trip, be prepared for chilly, windy, and moist weather no matter the time of year. The weather can be unpredictable and change quickly, so it's wise to dress in layers with a light jacket. Rain can fall at any time, though the rainiest months are November through March. Because surfaces at Alcatraz Island can be damp and slick, avoid wearing sandals, high heels, or open-toed shoes.
Safety & Accessibility
Alcatraz Island has made every effort to ensure that all visitors are able to experience the island, including an audio-described tour and Braille posts for wayfinding, as well as a Braille transcript of the tour. You can also access an ASL version of the tour on a handheld digital device. Service animals are always welcome at Alcatraz Island.
Note that you'll have to climb quite a few stairs when visiting Alcatraz Island, but for those with limited mobility, there is a shuttle that can take you to and from the cell house.
A limited number of accessible parking spots are available on a first-come, first-served basis at Pier 33. You'll need to show your placard to the parking attendant in order to access them.
Conclusion
A visit to Alcatraz Island starts with a ferry ride offering a great view of both the island itself and the city of San Francisco. Make sure to spend time wandering about the island after your tour of the cell house. You'll love learning about this fascinating part of American history as you visit this famous landmark.
FAQ
There are some tent camping options nearby, though reservations usually sell out months in advance. Travel north to Petaluma to find a KOA if you're looking for RV camping, or check out other nearby options such as Golden Gate Trailer Park in Marin County or Treasure Island RV Park in South San Francisco.
The ferry departure location at Pier 33 is not particularly RV-friendly. Street parking is very limited and mostly metered with a short time limit. There are plenty of nearby parking lots, though even those are often full, particularly on the weekends.
Parking for any vehicle can be difficult to find in the area. Taking public transportation is strongly encouraged. Fortunately, this is fairly easy to do, since Pier 33 is served by the historic San Francisco streetcars. Take the MUNI F line to get to Alcatraz Landing at Pier 33 in Fisherman's Wharf. Tickets to Alcatraz Island usually sell out at least a month in advance, so plan accordingly. Note that there are limited restroom facilities and no food service on the island.
Yes, but note that children will need to climb several steps in order to access the cell house. Discounted tickets are available for children, and kids under the age of 4 are admitted free of charge.
No, pets are not allowed.