Photo courtesy of Alcatraz Cruises
Hours:
Cruise schedules vary by season.
Price:
Prices vary by season.
Type:
Monuments & Historic Sites
Alcatraz Island, just off of San Francisco’s shore, is a gold mine for history buffs. The now national park has a storied past, best known for being the site of the West Coast’s first lighthouse and fort, an infamous federal prison where inmates such as Al Capone served time and the birthplace of the American Indian Red Power Movement. Visitors can access the island through Alcatraz Cruises LLC, the only ferry service operating to and from the “Rock.” Infamy and beauty coexist on the island. Upon arrival, visitors can explore at their own pace and learn about Alcatraz’s military history, take a cell house audio tour or observe the serene nature life, including rare flowers and plants, bird colonies and stunning bay views.