Alcatraz Island California

View of the Alcatraz Lighthouse and Island from the water

A corridor extends between two rows and three tiers of cells. Skylights let in light from overhead.

Ten people in green uniforms and flat brimmed hats stand on and around a red antique fire truck

A military officer walks between two long lines of roughly dressed men

Cook serving Christmas dinner with menu posted above.

Alcatraz reveals stories of American incarceration, justice, and our common humanity. This small island was once a fort, a military prison, and a maximum security federal penitentiary. In 1969, the Indians of All Tribes occupied Alcatraz for 19 months in the name of freedom and Native American civil rights. We invite you to explore Alcatraz's complex history and natural beauty.

Alcatraz Island
NPS

Looking down Broadway in the Alcatraz Cellhouse
NPS / Dave Rauenbuehler

Alcatraz Rangers and 1934 Diamond T Firetruck
NPS Photo

Army Prisoners in the Stockade, 1902
NPS Photo - Golden Gate National Recreation Area, GOGA 2316a

An inmate worker distributes trays near the steam table. Bars separate the kitchen from the mess hall. The day’s menu, the Christmas meal, appears on a sign over his head. The menu includes consomme, stuffed celery, green olives and mixed sweet pickles,
Darlyne Sheppard Alcatraz Photo Collection

Hours and seasons

Reservations and timed entry

Fees and passes

Two visitors on the bow of a boat, taking pictures of a large building on the Alcatraz dock.

All the information you need to plan your trip.

Tram carrying visitors up a steep slope.

Find out about accessible features on Alcatraz Island.

Four story building with scaffolding it all around.

There's plenty for you to do and see on Alcatraz amidst current preservation work. Check here for updates.

Person in bucket hat, brim lined with golden junior ranger badges.

Adventurers of all ages, come explore Alcatraz!

Blue circle surrounds a brown fist holding a microphone with title “Formerly Incarcerated Speaker Se

Join us on October 17 to hear from the Northern California Innocence Project.

Island with buildings and dock in San Francisco

Alcatraz will be closed from October 26 to November 18 for dock repairs

Black silhouette of an island with rectangular buildings and smokestacks sits against a red-orange b

Discover the occupations that launched the Native American movement for sovereignty, power and independence on Alcatraz in 1969.

Archive image of Alcatraz Island with "The Big Lockup: Mass Incarceration in the United States.

1.9 million people are behind bars in the United States. Learn more in this exhibition in the New Industries Building on Alcatraz Island.

Last updated: October 9, 2026

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Mailing Address:

National Park Service
Golden Gate National Recreation Area
Fort Mason, B201
San Francisco, CA 94123

Phone:

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

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