San Francisco Alcatraz Island

Alcatraz is an island of mystery and intrigue! Once home to some of the country’s most infamous prisons, the island is now a popular tourist attraction. If you are looking to visit this island, read up about its history. You will be able to enjoy your trip better, because history and Alcatraz go hand in hand. However, if you are not very interested in history, you can still enjoy your trip to the island. There are many sights and sounds there, which you can explore and have a memorable visit. The total area of the island is 22 acres and it is located at the San Francisco Bay

Alcatraz Island Highlights

Apart from Alcatraz prisons, there are many other things, which one can see while traveling to the island. If you are looking for some excitement while exploring a new place, you can take an unassisted tour of the island. Some rare flower and plants, wildlife, marine life and numerous nesting sea birds can be found here. So, whether you are a nature lover or like to explore places of historical interests, Alcatraz is where you must go. Once you reach there, you will get to hear lots of stories form the locals and this can be an altogether different experience for you.

How to reach Alcatraz?

There are a variety of public and private transportation services available for going to Alcatraz. You can go there in your own car, but during the peak visitation months it can get really tough to find a parking space, in the Fisherman’s Wharf area. To get the real feel of the island, it is recommended that you go there by public transport; it is also the cheapest means of traveling there. The various public transpiration services that you can use are buses, streetcars, cable cars, ferry and train.

Things to see in Alcatraz

As you arrive at the island, you will be told about the history and nature of the island. Towards the left of the pier you can see the military barrack. The officers club building can be found on the way up to the cell house; it was used as a general store during the time of the military. Walking amidst the ruins of the military parade ground is an experience to savor. The guardhouse is the oldest structure remaining in the island; it was built in 1857 and the very first prisoners were kept there.