Learn About the Park

Golden Gate National Recreation Area, which includes Alcatraz Island, was established by Congress in 1972. Golden Gate offers a national park experience to a diverse urban population, while preserving and interpreting the park's outstanding natural, historic, scenic, and recreational values.

Alcatraz Island welcomes over 1.5 million visitors a year. The island's layered history offers visitors an opportunity to explore the U.S. Army and military prison period through the federal penitentiary era and the American Indian occupation. Alcatraz Island provides a powerful opportunity to encourage visitors to contemplate their personal views on crime and punishment, the judicial system, national defense, and freedom.

Alcatraz Island is also a sister park to San Lucas Island in the Republic of Costa Rica. Learn more about the international partnership and what makes Golden Gate NRA special.
 

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Last updated: April 1, 2022

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

Alcatraz Island
Golden Gate National Recreation Area
B201 Fort Mason

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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