California
- San Francisco
Alcatraz
Out
in the middle of San Francisco Bay , Alcatraz
Island , or 'The Rock', is one of Golden Gate
National Recreation Area's most popular destinations.
The notorious escape-proof island with its
dreaded maximum-security prison once held
the likes of Al 'Scarface' Capone, George
'Machine Gun' Kelly and the 'birdman of Alcatraz',
Robert Stroud. With sheer cliffs surrounded
by the icy waters of San Francisco Bay, known
for its treacherous tides and currents, it
was regarded as the perfect place to detain
the country's most-wanted and dangerous criminals
who were isolated in dark solitary confinement
cells. There have never been any successful
escapes from The Rock. Thousands of tourists
flock here each year and take the excellent
self-guided audio tours that contain commentary
from former guards and prisoners about life
on the island. There is also a slide show
and a tour of the island's ecology and bird
life led by a park ranger. The view from the
island looking across to San Francisco is
awesome.
Telephone:
(415) 773 1188 (ferry schedules
and information), or (415) 705 1042 (park
information);
Website:
www.nps.gov/alcatraz
Transport:
Blue & Gold Fleet boats depart
throughout the day beginning at 9.30am , from
Pier 41, Fisherman's Wharf. Night tours in
summer and combined Angel Island-Alcatraz
Island trips are also available;
Opening
time: The last boat leaves the island
at 6.30pm in summer (April to October) and
4.30pm in winter;
Admission:
Admission includes the ferry trip
and is US$13.25 with an audio tour or US$9.25
without (adults), US$8 or US$6 (children).
Other concessions are available.
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