Alcatraz

Alcatraz is one of the biggest tourist attractions and most famous landmarks in San Francisco. One million tourists take the Alcatraz ferry every year to visit what was once America’s most famous Federal prison. Small cells, strict rules, and cold foggy nights were the Alcatraz trademarks. Before Alcatraz was a prison it was the site of the first lighthouse and US fort on the West Coast.

Over the 29 years of operation, there were 14 separate escape attempts from Alcatraz. Twenty-three convicts were caught and six were shot and killed. The cold waters of San Francisco Bay and the powerful currents made escaping very difficult. In the escape attempt of June 11, 1962, made famous by the Clint Eastwood movie “Escape from Alcatraz ,” Frank Morris, John Anglin, and Clarence Anglin vanished from their cells and were never seen again. They were presumed drowned.

Robert Stroud, known as the "Birdman of Alcatraz," was probably the most famous inmate ever to reside on Alcatraz. George "Machine Gun" Kelly is probably considered one of the most famous "gangsters" to be jailed at Alcatraz. Al Capone known as “Big Al,” was also one of the most notable residents of Alcatraz.

There are several tours daily leaving from Pier 33 near Fisherman’s Wharf. The ferryboat terminal to Alcatrazis a short 20-minute drive from Pacifica.

We are your source for Alcatraz information and tours of Alcatraz Island. We also provide information about Golden Gate Bridge Tours, Yosemite National Park Tours, Monterey Bay Aquarium, Muir Woods Tours, Napa Valley Wine Country Tours, Hearst Castle Tours, Winchester Mystery House and much more.