Alcatraz Island (U.S. National Park Service)

Quicklinks:

Overview

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. Rich in history, there is also a natural side to the Rock - gardens, tide pools, bird colonies, and bay views beyond compare.

Alcatraz Social Media

Alcatraz Island is experimenting with new ways to bring the park experience to visitors. We are currently using Twitter and Facebook. We also have a Cultural History Tour available on Gowalla.

		The American Indian Occupation of Alcatraz On November 20 1969 Indians of All Tribes began their historic 19 month occupation of Alcatraz Island. We've added links to numerous sites on the Internet to help you learn more about this significant event in the history of the Rock.

Museum Collections at the Rock

This online exhibit features the extensive collections from Alcatraz Island. Collections include 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. Go to the Museum Collections website to visit this online exhibit.

		Alcatraz Historic Gardens Project In 2003, the Garden Conservancy and the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy formed a partnership with the National Park Service to restore and maintain key gardens on Alcatraz. Through the Alcatraz Historic Gardens Project, the partner organizations preserve, rebuild, and maintain the gardens created by those who lived on the island during its military and prison eras, and interpret their history, horticulture, and cultural significance for visitors.

Write to

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

E-mail Us

Phone

Ranger Station
(415) 561-4900

Ferry Tickets/Reservations
(415) 981-7625

Fax

(415) 705-1050

Climate

Alcatraz can be windy and cool, warm and clear, and wet (fog and rain) most any time of year - even on the same day! We recommended wearing layers as conditions can change quickly.

In general summers tend to be cool and foggy, winters cool and rainy, but nice days can happen any time of year.

"The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco." (While usually attributed to Mark Twain, the actual source of this famous quote is unknown.)

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