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Just 1.25 miles off the coast of San Francisco lies one of the city’s most captivating and mysterious landmarks: Alcatraz Island. What began as a rocky outcrop named for pelicans has transformed over centuries into a cultural and historical symbol, famously known as The Rock. Today, it draws over a million visitors each year—and for good reason.
With its layers of fascinating history—from a Civil War military fort to a maximum-security federal prison and eventually a symbol of Native American activism—Alcatraz Island offers one of the most immersive and thought-provoking experiences in the San Francisco Bay. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or simply curious about notorious inmates and daring escape attempts, this island has something for you.
And the best part? You can explore it all as part of our Alcatraz Tour and San Francisco City Tour, a private group experience that combines the best of land and sea in one unforgettable day.
Let’s dive into Alcatraz’s rich backstory—and show you exactly how to plan the ultimate visit.
The story of Alcatraz begins in 1775, when Spanish explorer Juan Manuel de Ayala became the first European to chart the San Francisco Bay. He named a small, barren island La Isla de los Alcatraces—“The Island of the Pelicans.”
That name stuck. Over time, the island became simply known as Alcatraz, and its strategic location and isolation made it valuable for far more than birdwatching.
In the 1850s, as California’s Gold Rush brought rapid population growth (and potential threats), the U.S. government began fortifying Alcatraz Island as part of its coastal defense network.
Key developments during this period include:
Construction of a lighthouse in 1854—the first on the Pacific Coast
Cannons and gun batteries added for coastal defense
Use as a military prison during the Civil War, detaining Confederate sympathizers and those accused of treason
By the late 1800s, Alcatraz was both a military fortress and a disciplinary prison. But its true infamy was just beginning.
In 1934, Alcatraz was transformed from a military prison into the most secure federal penitentiary in the United States. It was intended for prisoners who caused trouble elsewhere—career escape artists, mob bosses, and dangerous inmates deemed unmanageable.
Famous prisoners included:
Al “Scarface” Capone – mobster and crime boss who served time at Alcatraz from 1934 to 1939
George “Machine Gun” Kelly – notorious gangster convicted of kidnapping
Robert Franklin Stroud, the “Birdman of Alcatraz” – who became a legend despite never keeping birds while on the island
Frank Morris and the Anglin Brothers – masterminds behind the most famous escape attempt in 1962
Alcatraz was built to be escape-proof, with freezing water, treacherous currents, and constant surveillance. Yet 36 men attempted to flee during its 29-year history—none are confirmed to have succeeded.
Despite its grim reputation, Alcatraz actually offered inmates:
Private cells
Three meals a day
Access to a library, music, and even baseball games
In some ways, it was more orderly and less violent than other prisons at the time—although life on the island remained harsh and highly structured.
After the prison closed in 1963, Alcatraz lay dormant—until a group of Native American activists from the group “Indians of All Tribes” staged a groundbreaking protest.
On November 20, 1969, they occupied the island to demand that unused federal land be returned to Indigenous people, per broken treaty promises.
Their goals included:
Building a Native American cultural center and university
Drawing national attention to Indigenous rights and broken treaties
The occupation lasted 19 months and became a watershed moment in Native American activism, leading to major changes in U.S. policy toward Indigenous communities. To this day, graffiti from the protest remains on the water tower and buildings as a powerful reminder.
In 1972, Alcatraz Island was added to the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and opened to the public in 1973.
Today, it’s one of the most visited attractions in San Francisco, drawing tourists, educators, students, and filmmakers alike. It’s operated by the National Park Service, with ferry service provided by Alcatraz City Cruises from Pier 33.
Start your adventure in style with our Private San Francisco City Tour, the first half of our Alcatraz Tour and San Francisco City Tour combo.
This 2- or 3-hour guided experience hits the city’s top attractions, including:
Golden Gate Bridge (with a photo stop)
Hidden alleys, murals, and neighborhoods most tourists miss
Our open-air Jeeps are ideal for small private groups (up to 6 people) and allow for a customizable, laid-back vibe. Your expert local guide keeps the storytelling lively and informative.
After your Jeep tour adventure, you’ll be dropped at PIER 33 Alcatraz Landing. Depending on your scheduled ferry time, your guide will either take you directly to the dock or give you free time at nearby PIER 39 or The Embarcadero to grab lunch or shop before the cruise.
Alcatraz Cruises provides the only official ferry access to the island. The ride offers stunning views of:
San Francisco’s skyline
The Bay Bridge and Golden Gate Bridge
Angel Island and Sausalito
Once ashore, you’ll receive an audio tour headset to guide you through the main cellhouse—an experience that includes:
The actual cells used by infamous inmates
The mess hall, yard, and visitation room
Emotional stories narrated by former prisoners and guards
Average island visit: 2 to 3 hours, self-paced
Ferries run multiple times daily, but tours often sell out weeks in advance—especially in summer, spring break, and holidays.
Book early – Reserve your combo tour or ferry tickets well in advance
Dress in layers – The Bay winds can be chilly even in summer
Wear comfortable shoes – The island has steep hills and uneven paths
Arrive 30 minutes before ferry time – Boarding starts early
Download the NPS app – For maps and bonus info
Bring snacks and water – No food is sold on the island
Charge your phone/camera – You’ll want photos
Don’t skip the gift shop – Great books and souvenirs
Ask a ranger questions – They’re full of fun facts
Keep an eye out for birds – Alcatraz is now a sanctuary
Watch the escape documentary – Onboard or in the theater
Look for original protest graffiti – Powerful history
Watch your step in the cellhouse – It’s original, gritty, and fascinating
Take your time – The experience is powerful
Consider a night tour – Spookier, more dramatic lighting
Combine with a city tour – See it all in one epic day
Don’t forget the ferry ride photos – Especially at sunset
Alcatraz was the first lighthouse on the West Coast
Al Capone played banjo in the prison band, which performed for other inmates
The prison showers had hot water—to discourage acclimatization for escapees
The 1962 escapees (Morris and the Anglin brothers) were never found—sparking decades of theories and movies
The island has been featured in over 30 films, including The Rock, Escape from Alcatraz, and X-Men: The Last Stand
Pelicans and cormorants have returned to nest in peace on the island
There are rumors of hauntings—especially in cell block D
“The city tour was amazing, and Alcatraz was just unforgettable. Our guide was knowledgeable and funny, and the whole day was smooth from pickup to ferry drop-off. Highly recommend booking this combo—it’s the best way to see San Francisco and The Rock in one day!”
— Emily & Jake, Chicago
The infamous 1962 escape attempt inspired the Clint Eastwood film Escape from Alcatraz—one of the most popular prison break movies of all time.
Today, Alcatraz serves as a habitat for over 5,000 seabirds including Western Gulls, Brandt’s Cormorants, and Snowy Egrets.
Alcatraz Island was never meant to be an entertainment site—but it’s now one of the top attractions in San Francisco, alongside the Golden Gate Bridge and Fisherman’s Wharf.
The self-guided tour of the island typically lasts 2 to 3 hours, though you can stay as long as you like before catching the return ferry.
Our Alcatraz Tour and San Francisco City Tour includes:
A 2- or 3-hour private group Jeep tour of the city
Drop-off at PIER 33 for the ferry to Alcatraz
Alcatraz Island ferry tickets and self-guided audio tour
Return ferry service to PIER 33 is included. Our tour ends with the ferry drop-off, so we recommend grabbing a rideshare or walking to your hotel afterward.
Spring and fall offer great weather and fewer crowds. Mornings tend to be less foggy.
Don’t miss your chance to explore San Francisco’s top sights and the infamous Alcatraz prison — all in one epic day. Our combo tour offers the perfect mix of local storytelling, iconic views, and immersive history.
Tours often sell out—especially during summer and holidays.
Book now to lock in your preferred date and time.