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Alcatraz Island is a sizzling
ferry ride, courtesy Blue & Gold Fleet Ferry,
which departs everyday from Pier 41 at Fisherman's
Wharf. The island was named after the Pelicans (in
Spanish), the Isla de los Alcatraces, which were the
only residing creatures on that island at the time.
Alcatraz Island backs a rich history of itself. The
island played the role of strengthening army prowess,
way back in mid 19th century and was used as cell
for the war prisoners at the time of Spanish-American
War. Later, very notorious criminals that included
Mafia gangsters, drug peddlers, etc were incarcerated
at this very unpopular Island jail. This was between
mid 1930's to mid 60's. In protest of Bureau of Indian
Affairs, a bunch of Indo-Americans seized the island
and that resulted in a lot of damage to this beautiful
island. Left behind all this marauding was main block,
mess hall and the lighthouse. Today, Alcatraz Island
is under the control of Golden Gate National Recreation
Area.
Alcatraz Island, in addition to the famous prison
features some of the most spectacular views of San
Francisco and the Golden Gate from the beautifully
landscaped Agave Trail. The trail begins near the
ferryboat landing on the east side of Alcatraz and
continues just above the water level to the southern
tip of the island. A walk along the trail winds through
a protected bird sanctuary, ending at a stone stairway,
which leads to the parade ground, formerly ringed
by the houses of guards and their families. The Agave
Trail is open from late September to about mid-February,
when bird-nesting season begins.
ALCATRAZ EVENING TOUR
A limited number of special evening tours are available,
featuring sunset and cityscape views of San Francisco.
Fully escorted, guided tours to the Cell House include
West-side Island viewing with narration by Alcatraz
guides. Alcatraz during the evening is a magnificent
view, which anybody will cherish.
OPERATION HOURS
The hours of operation vary with the season. Departures
are available throughout the day beginning at 9:30am.
The ferry runs about every thirty to forty minutes
to and from Alcatraz. The island closes at 6:30pm
in the summer, and at 4:30pm in fall, winter and spring.
ISLAND CLOSURES, TICKET AVAILABILITY, WEATHER
Alcatraz is closed only on Christmas and New Year's
Day, or due to extreme weather. In summer months and
around holiday weekends Alcatraz sells out as early
as a week in advance. See below for information on
advance ticket sales. The weather on the island can
be unpredictable and can change suddenly. Fog is common
in the summer, rain in the winter.
EXHIBITS
Several exhibits are located behind the theater, they
present the various periods of Alcatraz's history,
including the U.S. penitentiary (1934-1963), and the
military history (1850-1933). A new award winning
video exhibit, "We Hold the Rock", presents
the story of the occupation by Indians of All Tribes
between 1969 and 1971.
CELLHOUSE RECORDED TOUR
Join former Alcatraz inmates and correctional officers
as they remember life on Alcatraz in this award winning
35-minute recorded tour. Pick up (rent) the tour inside
the cell house. These tours are available in English,
Spanish, Italian, German, Japanese, and French.
BOOKSTORES
Memorabilia, film, videos, and books about the Island's
rich history are available for sale at the bookstores
near the dock and in the cell house.
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