alcatraz virtual tour

Please enable Javascript!

Interesting Alcatraz Facts

• Famous people who were prisoners on Alcatraz Island include Al Capone, Machine Gun Kelly, and the "Birdman of Alcatraz" - Robert Stroud.
• The "Birdman of Alcatraz" was not allowed to have pets on the island. He had his birds when he was at Leavenworth Prison.
• In 1963, a few Alcatraz prisoners attempted to escape from the island. They are believed to have died in the attempt. No bodies were ever found.
• The old Alcatraz penitentiary claimed that no prisoner successfully escaped. There were a total of 14 escape attempts.
• In 1969, a group of Native Americans chartered a boat and landed on Alcatraz. They occupied the then abandoned island until 1971, carrying out various protests against federal policies directed at Native Americans.
• Alcatraz Island often appears in popular culture. It is especially known for appearing in movies, with examples including Birdman of Alcatraz (1962), Escape from Alcatraz (1979), The Rock (1996), and Catch Me If You Can (2002).

Alcatraz Island is legendary in American culture, primarily because of its role as a maximum security prison from 1934 to 1963, during which time it incarcerated such notorious outlaws as Al Capone, "Machine Gun" Kelly, and the pop-culture hero known as the "Birdman of Alcatraz." It has a lesser-known history as an internment center for Native American members of the Hopi tribe, who were mis-identified as "savage Apaches" in news articles. They were incarcerated in 1895 after protesting against having their children forcibly sent away to schools in the East. In more modern times, Alcatraz made news again when other Native Americans occupied the island from 1969 to 1971 to protest government policies. Today, the island is open for tourism and is one of the best places to view the stunning San Francisco skyline .

Alcatraz History

In 1775, Juan Manuel de Ayala became the first Spaniard to document the island of Alcatraz. Upon his arrival, he did not encounter any resident Native Americans. This is because the Native Americans in the region considered Alcatraz to be cursed. Ayala named Alcatraz "La Isla de los Alcatraces," or "The Island of Pelicans," due to its resident pelican population. The Spanish erected a few small buildings on the island, but nothing much became of it in relation to any subsequent settlements. From the 1850s to 1933, Alcatraz served as a military fortress and military prison. It was actually the first U.S. fort on the West Coast. In 1934, the island and its various installments became a federal prison. Given the task of housing prisoners who continuously caused trouble at other federal prisons, it retained this role until 1963. After the government shut down the federal prison on Alcatraz, the island was abandoned. It remained abandoned until 1969, when a group of Native Americans arrived on its shores and began a relatively short-lived occupation. The main purpose of this occupation was to protest federal policies as they related to American Indians. The Native Americans were forcibly removed by the U.S. government in 1971. One year later, the island was handed over to the National Park Service, which retains ownership to this day.

Golden Gate National Recreation Area

The island of Alcatraz is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area . This area surrounds the San Francisco Bay area and is as diverse as it is large. This is actually one of the largest urban parks in the world. It is made up of a collection of areas, rather than one continuous area. Examples of its other numerous fixtures include China Beach, the Presidio of San Francisco, the Fort Point National Historic Site, the Muir Woods National Monument, the Point Bonita Lighthouse, and Stinson Beach. Hiking and biking are among the activities that Golden Gate National Recreation Area visitors come to enjoy, and the sightseeing is certainly spectacular. Most of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area is open to the public with no access fees, and campsites are found within the park boundaries for those who wish to take advantage.

Visiting Alcatraz Island

Access to Alcatraz Island is provided by a private ferry company that is under contract with the National Park Service - Alcatraz Cruises LLC. The operating hours for the ferries and the island itself vary with the season, though generally speaking, the ferries depart approximately every half hour beginning at nine am and ending around four pm. Night tours are also offered on a seasonal basis. Summer is the most popular time to visit, and since tickets are limited, it is recommended that any prospective visitors purchase theirs well in advance. Those who wait to purchase their tickets until they arrive in San Francisco can try their luck at the Hornblower Alcatraz Landing ticket office at Pier 33. Including the boat rides, tours of Alcatraz tend to last about two and a half hours and include audio tours. Guided tours can also be arranged. Alcatraz is open every day except Christmas, Thanksgiving, and New Year's Day. Tour guests should arrive at least 20 minutes before their boats depart, and it is a good idea to wear comfortable shoes. A jacket or sweater is also worth bringing, as it can be cold and windy even on summer days. A beverage and snack bar can be found on each ferry. Tour guests are also allowed to bring their own snacks and drinks. Only water is available on the island itself. As a side note, there are relatively short boat tours that just circumnavigate Alcatraz Island for those who don't want to go ashore.

Alcatraz Map

Consult an Alcatraz map, and you will notice that the Main Cellhouse lies in the island's center. This cellhouse was where the prisoners were held and is a major Alcatraz feature. Visitors can also stroll through the old prison Recreation Yard , which is found just off the Main Cellhouse. This enclosed yard was used by prisoners for recreational purposes between the years of 1934 and 1963. Games that were played within its realms included baseball, softball, and chess. Occasionally, violence occurred in the Recreation Yard, and it was also a place where inmates like Machine Gun Kelly and Basil "The Owl" Banghart would discuss such things as the criminal escapades that landed them in Alcatraz. In general, inmates were allowed to use the Recreation Yard on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. The privilege could be revoked for bad behavior. The Alcatraz lighthouse and the Parade Grounds are just two more Alcatraz features of interest. The lighthouse is actually the oldest lighthouse on the West Coast. It was built in 1909 to replace a previous lighthouse that dated back to 1854. The Parade Grounds is a large concrete open area on the south end, built in the 1860s, and used for such things as military parades and drills. It was also a special event venue and playground for kids of Alcatraz employees. Today, the Parade Grounds area is used as a heliport.

Roads and walkways lead around and through Alcatraz Island, and some portions offer closer looks at the more natural side of things. Among the natural spots are the western cliffs and cliff tops, which provide nesting and roosting sites for various bird species, including pigeon guillemots, Heermann's Gulls, Western Gulls, and cormorants. At the base of the cliffs, harbor seals can sometimes be seen on a small beach. Other areas on Alcatraz Island serve as habitats and breeding grounds for black-crowned night herons, Western Gulls, deer mice, and salamanders.

• Top Picks of the Week
• San Francisco Calendar
• East Bay Calendar
• Bay Area Calendar
• – North Bay Events
• – South Bay Events
• – Peninsula Events
• Free Museum Days

Take a 360-Degree Virtual Tour of Alcatraz Island

Your Alcatraz trip is hold for now, but you can still explore Alcatraz Island ’s complex history and natural beauty via a virtual tour from Google… without freezing your ass off on the boat ride over.

Explore Alcatraz Virtual Tour via Google Arts and Culture.

Take a virtual tour and closer look at the site of the first lighthouse and US built a fort on the West Coast, the infamous federal penitentiary long off-limits to the public, and the 19-month occupation by Indians of All Tribes which saved the tribes.

You may also see their collection  of objects made by notorious inmates, historic photographs and documents, escape materials and inmate artwork; items used by officers including correctional materials.

Check out more virtual museums Learn more about Alcatraz from NPS

Most Popular Upcoming Events

• Bay to Breakers 2024 (Everything You Need to Know)
• SF’s 25th Annual “How Weird” Street Faire 2024
• Hawaiian May Day Festival 2024 (Hayward)
• 2024 San Francisco Carnaval Grand Parade
• SFMOMA Free Community Day (Spring 2024)
• 2024 Taiwanese American Cultural Festival (Union Square)
• The Exploratorium’s Free Admission Day for Mother’s Day 2024
• San Leandro’s 1st Annual “MexiPino Fiesta” (2024)
• SF’s New Monthly Block Party “Downtown First Thursdays” Kick-Off
• San Francisco’s World Goth Day Festival 2024 on USS Hornet (Alameda)

Sign Up For Funcheap Emails

Most popular city guides.

• SF’s Newest 5-Acre Waterfront Park Officially Opens
• SF’s Free 10-Hour Music Festival Returns to Polk St. for 2024
• San Francisco’s Spring Festivals & Street Fairs (2024)
• San Francisco’s May Festivals & Street Fairs
• Free Monthly Museum Days
• Roller Skate Rentals Return to GG Park After 44 Years
• SF’s Brand New Live Outdoor Concert Series w/ 21 Free Concerts
• Every Night Market in San Francisco Bay Area in 2024
• SF’s “Chinatown Night Market” Returns for 2024
• How to Get the NY Times for Free (Updated for 2024)

• About Funcheap
• Jobs & Internships
• Terms of Service
• DMCA Requests
• Do Not Sell My Personal Information
• Privacy Policy

• Skip to global NPS navigation
• Skip to this park navigation
• Skip to the main content
• Skip to this park information section
• Skip to the footer section

Exiting nps.gov

Alerts in effect, plan your visit.

Last updated: April 27, 2021

Park footer

Contact info, mailing address:.

Alcatraz Island Golden Gate National Recreation Area B201 Fort Mason San Francisco, CA 94123

415-561-4900 United States Park Police Dispatch: Non-Emergency: 415-561-5505 Emergency: 415-561-5656

Stay Connected

The Official Tour of Alcatraz Island and Prison

Step back in time and experience the legendary island that has been a Civil War fort, a military prison and one of the most notorious federal penitentiaries in US history. This memorable tour includes: 45 minute audio presentation “Doing Time: The Alcatraz Cellhouse Tour,” featuring actual correctional officers and prisoners who lived and worked on the Island; orientation video by Discovery Channel; ranger and docent tours; historic gardens and abundant wildlife.

CELLHOUSE AUDIO TOUR

No one can tell the Alcatraz tale like the men who actually lived it. The captivating Alcatraz Cellhouse Audio Tour brings history alive through the actual voices of the correctional officers and inmates who lived on the island during the infamous Federal Penitentiary era.

Hear both sides of life in the island prison including such famous events as escape attempts, “The Battle of ’46”, food riots, and surviving solitary confinement.

The Cellhouse Audio Tour is available in Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish.

GARDENS OF ALCATRAZ

From the military to the penitentiary era, plants softened the Rock for those who called Alcatraz home. Through gardening, island residents created beauty in a place focused on defense, punishment, and confinement. The families of the guards enjoyed tea parties in the gardens, and gardening became a welcome pastime. For trusted inmates, the gardens were an escape from daily prison life. Even today, the thriving gardens are a stark contrast to the somber prison.

After closure of the prison in 1963, many plants survived decades without care. These survivors are excellent choices for gardeners in the Bay Area or other Mediterranean climates. Since 2003, The Garden Conservancy has been working in partnership with the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy and the National Park Service to restore these wonderful gardens and to share the stories with visitors.

Join a garden docent for an up-close look at the restored historic gardens of Alcatraz. Learn about the softer side of the Rock and how gardens made life tolerable for residents of the barren island. Tours leave the Alcatraz dock at 9:30 am every Friday and Sunday.

GUIDED TOURS

Join the island staff for a guided walking tour of Alcatraz Island. Programs are offered throughout the day and generally start either at the dock or lighthouse. Topics may include Famous Inmates, Escapes, Hollywood’s Rock, 200 Years of Alcatraz History, and Fortress Alcatraz. Some programs even take visitors into restricted areas of the island.

Guided tours generally last 45 minutes to an hour, and may involve walking moderate distances.

Tours and times vary daily, so check the Program Board when you arrive on the island dock. No reservations are required, and all programs are free.

ALCATRAZ: STORIES FROM THE ROCK

Alcatraz: Stories From the Rock takes viewers on a journey through the Island’s many chapters: its early role as a military fortress, the famous federal penitentiary years, the Indian occupation that altered the course of history, and finally the popular National Park and wildlife refuge it is today.

Alcatraz stands as a powerful symbol of protection and change. The film explores Alcatraz as it began, as it evolved, and as it stands today and allows viewers to discover the many layers that make it an incredible time capsule of history and human drama.

VIDEO: WE HOLD THE ROCK

The occupation of Alcatraz Island from 1969 to 1971 by “Indians of All Tribes” changed the course of U.S. and American Indian history, and brought world-wide attention to the plight of American Indians. The award winning video/exhibit, “WE HOLD THE ROCK,” produced by the National Park Service and the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy, is shown continually in the China Alley exhibit behind the main theater area near the dock.

ALCATRAZ AND THE AMERICAN PRISON EXPERIENCE

“Alcatraz and the American Prison Experience,” a major interpretive exhibit, explains the place of Alcatraz in the evolution of prisons in America from Colonial days to the present. Produced in partnership with the federal Bureau of Prisons, the exhibit also looks at family life on Alcatraz and trends in American penology. The exhibit is housed in two historic fortress storerooms in the China Alley display area near the dock.

- Do you like it? Tell me: Gue stBook

Copyright©2005 Yes San Francisco,LLC . All rights reserved. Copying of images, or their parts, or any other content is prohibited.

Alcatraz Island, Part of Golden Gate National Recreation Area, National Park Service San Francisco, United States

Alcatraz Island is managed by the National Park Service as part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Alcatraz Island offers a close-up look at the site of the first lighthouse and US built fort on the West Coast, the infamous federal penitentiary long off-limits to the public, and the 18 month occupation by Indians of All Tribes which saved the tribes.

This collection features objects made by notorious inmates, historic photographs and documents, escape materials and inmate artwork; items used by officers including correctional materials when Alcatraz was a federal penitentiary from 1934-1963; military prison period materials from 1859-1934; and the American Indian occupation of 1969 -1971.

Alcatraz Island Virtual Museum Exhibit

In this collection

United states, 2 museum views.

• Skip to global NPS navigation
• Skip to the main content
• Skip to the footer section

Exiting nps.gov

Alcatraz island citadel virtual tour.

Alcatraz Island is located off the coast of San Francisco, California. Many people are unaware that beneath the prison block on the island sits the foundation of a U.S. Army fortification built in the 1850s. Once four stories tall and surrounded by a dry moat, the fort was razed to the foundation in 1909 to make way for the current prison building. The new cellhouse, built in 1912, was constructed directly over the first level of the Civil War-era citadel. The “dungeon,” as it is now called, is what remains of the original 1859 fort. From servant’s quarters, to storage to solitary confinement cells, this space was repurposed numerous times throughout the many eras of Alcatraz Island.

Project Information

Heritage Documentation Programs (HDP) documented the Citadel during summer 2016. The Historic American Buildings Survey (HABS) field team was HABS architect Paul Davidson and summer architectural intern Avidan Fernandez. They used a combination of laser scanning and photogrammetry to record the site. Avidan Fernandez, a summer intern from Cal Poly Pomona, produced the animation. The project was sponsored by a Cultural Resources Preservation Program Grant administered by National Center for Preservation Technology and Training (NCPTT) , Golden Gate National Recreation Area , and HDP. The prison exterior and cellblock data was provided by the Texas A&M University College of Architecture. The student internship position was funded jointly through the National Park Service Youth Programs and the Hispanic Access Foundation's Latino Heritage Internship Program designed to engage the next generation of Latino conservation stewards

Panoramic tour of the Citadel at Alcatraz Island

Interactive 3D point cloud viewer

Animated video of 3D point cloud data

Archival documentation at the Library of Congress

You Might Also Like

• alcatraz island
• golden gate national recreation area
• virtual visit
• virtual tour
• point cloud

Alcatraz Island , Golden Gate National Recreation Area

Last updated: January 18, 2024

Alcatraz Day Tour

Alcatraz night tour.

• Bay Discovery Cruise
• Alcatraz Behind The Scenes Tour
• Book Your Tour Now!
• About Alcatraz
• Park Programs
• Alcatraz History
• Alcatraz Ferry Schedule
• Before You Visit
• Accessibility & Parking
• Alcatraz Tours

Accessibility Advisory: The distance from the dock to the Cellhouse is approximately 1/4 mile, and the elevation change is a steep 130 feet. There are several places to rest and take in the views. Athletic or comfortable walking shoes are recommended. If you have mobility concerns, please see Accessibility for Sustainable Easy Access Transport (S.E.A.T.) Tram information.

Ferry to Alcatraz Island. Tour the Inside of the Cellhouse. Explore Alcatraz Island.

• Approximately 2 ½ Hours
• Daily departures: 8:40 AM to 3:50 PM
• Mobile E-Ticket Check-in
• Alcatraz Island roundtrip ferry
• Access Inside Alcatraz Prison
• Cellhouse Audio Tour
• Orientation video
• Ranger and docent tours
• Adult Price: $53.25
• Seniors: $50.65
• Children: $35.55  

Back to Top

The Complete Alcatraz Tour

• Tuesday thru Saturday. Until March 9th: 3:50 PM check-in. Beginning March 12th: 5:55 PM, 6:30 PM and 7:05 PM check-in.
• 45-minute Cellhouse Audio Tour
• Onboard narration
• Guided tour
• Other special activities
• Adult Price: $64.30
• Seniors: $60.25
• Children: $41.00  

Alcatraz Behind the Scenes Tour

The Ultimate Alcatraz Experience

• 4 to 5 Hours
• Tuesday thru Saturday, Check-In Time: 2:15 PM and 2:45 PM until March 9th. Spring/Summer: 4:20 PM and 4:50 PM Check-in.
• Ferry ride to and from Alcatraz Island
• Two-hour Park Ranger guided tour with small group of 20 people or fewer tour guests
• Award-winning Cellhouse audio tour
• Additional programs and exhibits
• Docent guided tours and talks
• Adult Price: $109.30
• Seniors: $102.25
• Age 12-17: $105.10  

Thank you for visiting www.alcatrazislandtickets.com . Reservations and E-tickets are genuine for the tour which includes the ferry service. We also provide extended around-the-clock customer care seven days a week, including holidays. We're a private Customer Service and Booking company. Our goal is 100% customer satisfaction. Please share your experience with us at: Customer Care . This website isn't affiliated with any government entity and isn't the official box office. Total at checkout may exceed face value.  

• Plan Your Visit
• Frequenty Asked Questions
• Accessibility
• Check Confirmation

• Tripadvisor

So Much Fun It’s A Crime!

ALCATRAZ EAST’S Famous Permanent ARTIFACTS

Ted Bundy is considered the most notorious serial killer in history. The public’s fascination with his crimes are studied to this day. Some pieces from the museum’s collection include: Bundy’s VW Bug , a typewriter used in prison, and his trial dental mold. His 30 year execution anniversary on January 24, 2019 has ignited a wave of general interest, movies, and documentaries. To learn more about Ted Bundy, visit our Temporary Exhibit or Crime Library .

Our guests are always surprised to see the White Ford Bronco that carried a frantic and suicidal O.J. Simpson during the famous televised car chase! The chase eventually ended at Simpson’s house in Brentwood where he surrendered to authorities. The now iconic footage of the chase was never shown during the trial.

OJ Chase Bronco – Featured On Dateline NBC

Alcatraz east’s photo gallery.

• Name * First Last
• When Do You Plan On Visiting Pigeon Forge? * We Are In Town Right Now Within The Week Within The Month Within The Year
• Where Are You From? * I'm A Local I Live In Tennessee Within A Days Drive I Am Off The Grid
• How Did You Hear About Us? *
• Comments This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Follow us on social for park news and fun

• Link to our Facebook
• Link to our Twitter
• Link to our Instagram
• Link to our YouTube

What can we help find?

Current Alerts

• Explore Parks

Alcatraz Tours

Escaping to Alcatraz ? Enjoy the trip. And make sure to check out the Parks Conservancy's award-winning "Doing Time: The Alcatraz Cellhouse Tour." The audio tour is included with the purchase of an Alcatraz tour ticket. Get your Alcatraz tickets from Alcatraz City Cruises here  or call (415) 981-ROCK (7625). 

Also try our unique Alcatraz Night Tours  and Behind the Scenes Tours . You’ll get access to hidden areas of the island on small tours led by NPS rangers and historical experts from the Parks Conservancy. No two tours are ever the same, perfect for a birthday or other special occasion. Get tickets today from Alcatraz City Cruises  and find more info about how you can Escape to Alcatraz !

To purchase Alcatraz tour tickets and for tour schedule information, call (415) 981-7625 or visit Alcatraz Cruises .

Be sure to buy tickets several days in advance (up to several weeks in summer), as tours sell out quickly. Wear warm clothing and comfortable walking shoes, bring your camera, and get ready to have an exciting and memorable visit to The Rock!

Guided tours are offered each day by park rangers and other staff. You’ll learn about:

• The island’s natural history
• San Francisco Bay
• Civilian life of correctional officers
• Escape attempts
• Restored historical gardens

Alcatraz Tour Features

Fresh-air ferry ride Speed across the bay through the wind and salt spray as the ferry takes you from Pier 33 to one of the most infamous island prisons of all time. The make-believe home of Clint Eastwood in Escape from Alcatraz, the prison housed many a bad guy in its heyday.

Walk-in prison experience Step behind bars into the depths of a maximum-security cell house. See where prisoners ate, slept, exercised, or did time in the isolation of the “Treatment Unit,” or worse still, in the complete darkness of the “Hole.” Learn how some of the convicts made their escapes.

Sound and light Take advantage of the audiovisual aids to learn some history: the cell house audio tour features voices and stories of actual inmates and guards, and a video exhibit explains the birth of the Native American Red Power movement at Alcatraz.

Special Alcatraz Tours

Alcatraz Historic Gardens Tours Join a garden docent for a walk through the restored historic gardens and learn about the softer side of the Rock. Tours leave the Alcatraz dock every Friday and Sunday at 9:30 am. On Wednesdays from 11 am–2 pm, have your questions answered by a gardener at the Officer’s Row overlook and enjoy a personal tour of these gardens.

Alcatraz Night Tour You can also experience the island at night on the Alcatraz Night Tour , a unique program limited to just a few hundred visitors each evening. Called the “best tour of the Bay Area” by the San Francisco Chronicle, it includes special programs, tours, and activities offered only to the island’s night visitors.

The Alcatraz Night Tour operates year-round, Thursday-Monday evenings. The evening includes roundtrip ferry transportation, a live boat narration, a guided tour from Dock to Cellhouse, the Cellhouse Audio Tour, a keepsake souvenir brochure, recreation use fee, and a variety of special programs and presentations offered only at night. To purchase tickets visit Alcatraz Cruises or call (415) 981-7625.

Proceeds from the Alcatraz Night Tour support preservation and restoration projects on Alcatraz and throughout the Golden Gate National Parks. For general (non-ticket) Night Tour information, please call (415) 561-4926.

Become an Alcatraz Night Tour volunteer —Volunteers with the Alcatraz Night Tour work in one of America’s most famous sites. Activities include welcoming and orienting arriving visitors, showing them some lesser known areas of the island as well as performing resource protection duties. If you would like to join our team as a VIP, please call the NPS volunteer hotline at (415) 561-4755, the Night Tour directly at (415) 561-4927.

Your parks need you now

Your support helps fight climate change and promote park sustainability—please give now.

Get 82,000 acres' worth of news.