{"id":25582,"date":"2020-08-26T17:21:35","date_gmt":"2020-08-26T21:21:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/?p=25582"},"modified":"2023-06-07T13:50:19","modified_gmt":"2023-06-07T13:50:19","slug":"how-to-see-alcatraz-island-when-you-visit-san-francisco","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/how-to-see-alcatraz-island-when-you-visit-san-francisco\/","title":{"rendered":"How to See Alcatraz Island When You Visit San Francisco"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

A prison isn\u2019t usually a tourist destination, but Alcatraz Island in San Francisco is a major exception. Touring the historic former penitentiary is an unusual experience, but it\u2019s one I recommend for anyone curious about what life was like as an inmate or officer here years ago.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can see inside the prison, including the famed cell blocks. There’s a 35-minute audio tour you can download to your mobile device with the island’s free wifi. It’s narrated by former guards and inmates for a truly immersive experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pro tip: <\/strong>Bring your earbuds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The island\u2019s outdoor spaces also include a rose garden and lush landscapes, the historic recreation yard, views of the cell house, Warden\u2019s home, Officer\u2019s club, and the iconic water tower \u2014 not to mention stunning views of the city skyline and Golden Gate Bridge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now is a great time to explore the lesser known history that Alcatraz has to offer. Read on for everything you need to know about how to see Alcatraz Island when you visit San Francisco.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A history of Alcatraz: from fort to prison to park<\/h2>\n\n\n
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\"Alcatraz<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

The island was officially named \u201cLa Isla de los Alcatraces\u201d (The Island of the Pelicans) by Spanish explorer Juan Manuel de Ayala in 1775 after the strange birds that inhabited it. It remained largely unused until the first Americans arrived in 1848, and John Fremont bought it. Here\u2019s a brief timeline of how the island evolved over the years during its early history:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Early 1850s:<\/strong> The island is declared a military reservation by President Millard Fillmore.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1854:<\/strong> The West Coast gets its first lighthouse, built on Alcatraz Island.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Late 1850s:<\/strong> Alcatraz is turned into a fort just before the Civil War breaks out in 1861.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1867:<\/strong> A jailhouse is added to the island\u2019s buildings, and Alcatraz\u2019s various iterations of housing criminals begins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1868:<\/strong> The island is officially designated a long-term detention facility and incarcerates all types: prisoners of war, military and private citizens accused of treason, confederates, and many Native Americans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1907:<\/strong> Alcatraz is named the official U.S. Military Prison of the West.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1909:<\/strong> Construction begins on the huge concrete main cell block that we know today (more or less).<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Alcatraz<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

In the 1930s, officials needed a remote site to create a more secure prison for those deemed too difficult to incarcerate elsewhere, one that would prohibit communication with the outside world. Alaska had been considered for this high security prison but ultimately the availability and convenience of Alcatraz became a more reasonable and cost-effective choice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The island served as a federal penitentiary just under three decades: 1934-1963. It\u2019s most famous today because of its notorious inmates<\/a> and its treacherous location, the swift, cold bay currents and surrounding cliffs making escape nearly impossible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Just imagine it \u2014 the scenic San Francisco skyline off in the distance, taunting the prisoners with its beauty and sheer proximity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Alcatraz after it was a prison<\/h2>\n\n\n
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\"alcatraz<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

After the prison closed, Alcatraz was abandoned until 1969 when a group of Native Americans claimed the land as Indian territory. Their hope was to create a cultural and educational center for Native Americans from all tribes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unfortunately, the small group of leadership couldn\u2019t control the damage that occurred at the hands of the near 100 occupants to the island \u2014 everything from graffiti and vandalism to a fire that destroyed several structures. Because of this, federal marshals were brought in to remove them from the island in 1971.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Alcatraz Island as a park and what you can see today<\/h2>\n\n\n
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\"alcatraz<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Congress established the Golden Gate National Recreation Area in 1972 which included Alcatraz Island among several other areas. The island officially opened to the public in 1973 and saw more people in that first year than had ever been previously recorded \u2014 combined.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Alcatraz<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Planning to take a tour of Alcatraz? Here\u2019s what you can see there today:<\/p>\n\n\n\n