Alcatraz Island

Alcatraz Island is famous for its history as one of the most notorious federal penitentiaries in the United States. It kept dangerous criminals like Al Capone and George "Machine Gun" Kelly. Plus, its remote spot in San Francisco Bay and the many escape attempts have made it a legendary place. Even though the prison closed in 1963, thousands of people still visit the main prison building with its steel bars, mess hall, library, and "dark holes."

Alcatraz Island sits right in the middle of San Francisco Bay, not too far from the city. It's about 1.25 miles from the northern shores of San Francisco. Nearby spots include the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman's Wharf, and Downtown San Francisco.

Yes, there are sharks in the waters around Alcatraz Island, but they are mostly harmless. The Leopard and Thresher sharks are the ones you might see the most. The chilly water and strong currents of San Francisco Bay made it hard for people to escape from the island, even more than the sharks did.

You can get to Alcatraz Island by taking a ferry run by Alcatraz City Cruises. The ferries leave from Pier 33 in Downtown San Francisco several times a day. The ride across San Francisco Bay is short but amazing, with great views of the San Francisco skyline and the Golden Gate Bridge.

The best way to see Alcatraz Island is by taking a tour. Purchase Alcatraz tickets, and choose from day tours, night tours, and even combo tours that include other attractions like the Golden Gate Park. Once there, you can join a guided tour or listen to the Cellhouse audio tour. You'll get to explore the prison cells, learn about the Civil War fort, and discover the island's fascinating history.

Yes, Alcatraz Island can be visited by people using wheelchairs. The National Park Service has a tram called SEAT (Sustainable Easy Access Transport) that helps visitors with mobility needs get from the dock to the prison.