Take a Tour of Alcatraz Island
In addition to serving as a famous, remote federal penitentiary, Alcatraz Island was the site of the first lighthouse and fort built on the West Coast of the United States. It was also the site of a dramatic 18 month occupation by Indians of All Tribes. On your visit to Alcatraz, you will learn about these highlights of the Island’s fascinating 200 year history in a 14 minute orientation video.
There are several exhibits on the history of Alcatraz just behind the theater where you will view the orientation video. You can learn about the history of the U.S. penitentiary as well as the Island’s military history during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. A special video exhibit entitled “We Hold the Rock” covers the Indians of All Tribes occupation of Alcatraz from 1969 until 1971.
Although staff-led interpretive walks are held outdoors at Alcatraz, you will explore the exhibits at Alcatraz independently as no guided tours are available. You can pick up a map and detailed written guide for your tour at the dock for a fee of $1.00.
If you are interested in the history of the penitentiary at Alcatraz, you will want to take the Cellhouse Recorded Audio Tour available inside the cellhouse. You will hear correctional officers as well as former Alcatraz inmates discuss their experiences at the Island penitentiary during the audio tour. You may also wish to pick up the brochure focusing on famous inmates that accompanies the self-guided tour guide book for more information.
Although your tour will be primarily self-guided, staff members at Alcatraz do provide a variety of talks, outdoor tours and other programs daily. Programs relate to the military history, penitentiary and famous inmates, escapes, natural history and the Indian occupation of the Island. You will learn about the programs available during your tour upon arrival at Alcatraz. You can also plan to visit Alcatraz during the evening if you are interested in taking a guided tour of the cellhouse.
Alcatraz Island is a very picturesque natural area that provides outstanding views of the San Francisco Bay. Its gardens and natural areas are home to thousands of seabirds, and visitors must be careful to avoid disturbing birds or any other wildlife during their visit.
San Francisco Tour of Alcatraz Island, California
Alcatraz Island is a fascinating place to visit along California’s coast. The history of the federal penitentiary here including its famous inmates and escapes is intriguing. Although this is what draws many visitors to the Island in the first place, they leave with a much deeper appreciation of the unique role Alcatraz Island has played throughout history.
Alcatraz was also a significant military site before the penitentiary made it famous, and it took on new importance during the All Tribes Indian occupation from 1969 to 1971. You will learn about all these intriguing aspects of the Island’s history plus more during your visit to Alcatraz.
Today Alcatraz is an important natural area that supports a huge population of seabirds. It is a beautiful place to visit that provides spectacular views of the Bay. Alcatraz enjoys a well-deserved reputation as an outstanding attraction, and visitors are advised to book their tickets for this popular destination at least a week in advance.