Photo: NPS
Alcatraz reveals stories of American incarceration, justice, and our common humanity.
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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.
Date Posted: 9/28/2026 Alcatraz Island, part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, is scheduled to temporarily close beginning on Oct. 26, 2026, while crews replace pilings that secure the ferry dock to the island. Repairs are expected to be completed by Nov. 18, 2026. For more information, please see news release linked here.
You can help prevent vehicle break-ins in parking lots. Before leaving your car to catch the ferry: 1) Remove all valuables, 2) Lock your doors. 3) Take your wallets, purses, backpacks, keys, key fobs, cell phones, and electronics with you. Read article for more details.
Until approximately 2028, a portion of the cell house will be closed to visitors for important historic preservation work. We apologize for any inconvenience. Learn more at https://www.nps.gov/alca/alcatraz-historic-preservation-projects.htm
5 experiences from the National Park Service, plus every activity offered in the park. Check details on NPS.gov before you go.
Alcatraz Island is home to thousands of birds. Bring your binoculars and the NPS app to learn about our avian friends and where to look for them.
Learn more about Birdwatching on Alcatraz on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
Birds, tidepools and stunning views of the San Francisco can all be found along a short walk on the Agave Trail. This trail offers a chance to step away from the crowds and take a walk on the wild…
Learn more about Explore the Agave Trail on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
Fee applies
Listen to the voices of formerly incarcerated men and the correctional officers who guarded them, as they tell you the stories of United States Penitentiary: Alcatraz. This award winning tour guides…
Learn more about Tour the Cellhouse on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
Restored in 2003, this historic Diamond T Fire Engine can be viewed in the garage of the Quartermaster Building.
Learn more about View the Alcatraz Fire Engine on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
Visit the New Industries Building to see exhibits on Prison Labor and the commemorative exhibit, Red Power on Alcatraz: Perspectives 50 Years Later. Red Power on Alcatraz tells the story of their 19…
Learn more about Visit the New Industries Building on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)Showing 5 of 5
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Find visitor services available in the park. Check current hours and availability before you go.
Facility
The ranger station at the Alcatraz Island Dock is staffed at all times. Staff here can help you with directions, information, Special Ranger and Junior Ranger programs…
Alcatraz Dock, San Francisco Bay, CA (415) 561-4900 Directions
Today: 9:00AM - 9:30PM · Alcatraz Island
Access to Alcatraz Island is via commercial ferry service. For ticket reservation and schedule call (415) 981-7625 or go to www.alcatrazcitycruises.com. The ferry schedule changes seasonally. Alcatraz is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day. Once on the island you can stay up to the last ferry. Be aware that tickets sell out quickly and reservations are recommended. Tickets go on sale 90 days in advance.
| Monday | 9:00AM - 6:30PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 9:00AM - 9:30PM |
| Wednesday | 9:00AM - 9:30PM |
| Thursday | 9:00AM - 9:30PM |
| Friday | 9:00AM - 9:30PM |
| Saturday | 9:00AM - 9:30PM |
| Sunday | 9:00AM - 6:30PM |
No entrance fees listed.
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The climate on Alcatraz is unpredictable and can change suddenly. Cold, foggy mornings may give way to sunny afternoons, which in turn can shift quickly back to more fog and blustery winds. The most pleasant weather usually occurs in spring and fall. Summers tend to be cool and foggy, winter is our rainy season. Temperatures on Alcatraz seldom rise above 75°F (24°C) or fall below 38°
Learn about wrongful convictions and the fight to exonerate innocent people in this special presentation by the Northern California Innocence Project. The Project is a non-profit program of Santa Clara University School of Law whose mission is to promote a fair, effective, and compassionate criminal legal system and protect the rights of the innocent. Since 2001, they have processed more than ten thousand requests for assistance, investigated hundreds of cases, pursued litigation or collaborative resolution in dozens, and obtained the freedom of 38 wrongfully convicted people who collectively lost nearly 600 years in prison.
This event is part of Alcatraz's Formerly Incarcerated Speaker Series which highlights the voices of people who have spent time inside of jails and prisons. The National Park Service believes in parks as platforms for dialogue, and Alcatraz Island, being one of the only NPS sites that interprets mass incarceration, works directly with people who have been affected in order to give them a platform to showcase their stories.
If you are part of a justice-impacted group and are interested in attending one of the days, please email us about community tickets for these events.
Alcatraz is entirely closed on this day.
The Alcatraz Ferry Terminal is located on Pier 33, near the intersection of The Embarcadero and Bay Street. Ferry tickets are required to get to Alcatraz.
Purchase tickets through https://www.alcatrazcitycruises.com/ Commercial parking lots are available near Pier 33, but it is recommended to use public transportation. Visit Transit.511.org for more information on getting to Pier 33 and be sure to check the hours for parking garages.
Mailing address: National Park Service, San Francisco, CA 94123
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