Other Designation · NPS · CA
Alcatraz Island
Photo: NPS, Alcatraz Island
Alerts and conditions
Park Closure Alcatraz Island Temporarily Closed for Dock Repairs October 26-November 18
Alcatraz Island, part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, is temporarily closed while crews replace pilings that secure the ferry dock to the island. Repairs are expected to be completed by November 18, 2026. For more information, please see news release linked here.
Caution Auto-Theft Warning - Only Bring What You Need to the Park
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.
Information Hospital wing, dining hall, shower room closed for rehabilitation work
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
Weather Beach Hazards Statement issued November 8 at 12:05PM PST until November 9 at 10:00PM PST by NWS San Francisco CA
* WHAT...For the Coastal Flood Advisory, up to 1.6 ft of
inundation above ground level is possible in low-lying areas
near shorelines and tidal waterways. For the Beach Hazards
Statement, an increased risk for sneaker waves and strong rip
currents with breaking waves of 12 to 16 ft expected.
* WHERE...San Francisco.
* WHEN...For the Coastal Flood Advisory, until 4 PM PST Friday.
For the Beach Hazards Statement, until Monday evening.
* IMPACTS...High tides will result in flooding of low-lying
infrastructure, isolated road closures, and coastal erosion.
Rising tides will bring water and waves farther up the beach
than normal, restricting escape from beaches and coastal
areas. Waves can sweep across the shoreline without warning,
pulling people into the sea from beaches, jetties, and rocks.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...At the San Francisco tide gauge, high tide
is expected to be: 1.5 ft above normal (7.3 ft MLLW) at 10:35
AM Monday 11/9, 1.5 ft above normal (7.3 ft MLLW) at 11:04 AM
Tuesday 11/10, 1.4 ft above normal (7.2 ft MLLW) at 11:35 AM
Wednesday 11/11, 1.3 ft above normal (7.1 ft MLLW) at 12:10 PM
Thursday 11/12, 1.1 ft above normal (6.9 ft MLLW) at 12:49 PM
Friday 11/13. These p
What to do: If travel is required, allow extra time as some roads may be closed. Do not drive around barricades or through water of unknown depth. Take the necessary actions to protect flood-prone property. Stay off of jetties, piers, rocks, and other waterside infrastructure. Remain out of the water to avoid hazardous surf and NEVER turn your back on the ocean. Monitor local weather, surf and tide forecasts at www.weather.gov/mtr.
Read the full alert · Until Nov 10, 2026, 6:00 AM
Weather Coastal Flood Advisory issued November 8 at 12:05PM PST until November 13 at 4:00PM PST by NWS San Francisco CA
* WHAT...For the Coastal Flood Advisory, up to 1.6 ft of
inundation above ground level is possible in low-lying areas
near shorelines and tidal waterways. For the Beach Hazards
Statement, an increased risk for sneaker waves and strong rip
currents with breaking waves of 12 to 16 ft expected.
* WHERE...San Francisco.
* WHEN...For the Coastal Flood Advisory, until 4 PM PST Friday.
For the Beach Hazards Statement, until Monday evening.
* IMPACTS...High tides will result in flooding of low-lying
infrastructure, isolated road closures, and coastal erosion.
Rising tides will bring water and waves farther up the beach
than normal, restricting escape from beaches and coastal
areas. Waves can sweep across the shoreline without warning,
pulling people into the sea from beaches, jetties, and rocks.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...At the San Francisco tide gauge, high tide
is expected to be: 1.5 ft above normal (7.3 ft MLLW) at 10:35
AM Monday 11/9, 1.5 ft above normal (7.3 ft MLLW) at 11:04 AM
Tuesday 11/10, 1.4 ft above normal (7.2 ft MLLW) at 11:35 AM
Wednesday 11/11, 1.3 ft above normal (7.1 ft MLLW) at 12:10 PM
Thursday 11/12, 1.1 ft above normal (6.9 ft MLLW) at 12:49 PM
Friday 11/13. These p
What to do: If travel is required, allow extra time as some roads may be closed. Do not drive around barricades or through water of unknown depth. Take the necessary actions to protect flood-prone property. Stay off of jetties, piers, rocks, and other waterside infrastructure. Remain out of the water to avoid hazardous surf and NEVER turn your back on the ocean. Monitor local weather, surf and tide forecasts at www.weather.gov/mtr.
Read the full alert · Until Nov 14, 2026, 12:00 AM
Overview
Alcatraz reveals stories of American incarceration, justice, and our common humanity. 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.
From the National Park Service
History
The designation history for this site (every law, proclamation and order, and the administration behind each) is being researched and checked by the Library’s historians.
What to see and do
Activities
- Food
- Wildlife Watching
- Birdwatching
- Museum Exhibits
- Shopping
- Bookstore and Park Store
Plan your visit
Hours
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.
Getting there
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.
Visitor centers
Weather
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°
Phone: 415-561-4900
Whose lands these are
These lands are the ancestral and present-day homelands of Native nations. A section on whose lands these are is being prepared with tribal review. In the meantime, Native Land Digital offers a starting point.
Photos
Pair it with
- San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park NPS · 1 miles
- Fort Point National Historic Site NPS · 3 miles
- Presidio of San Francisco NPS · 3 miles
- Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Park NPS · 7 miles
- Golden Gate National Recreation Area NPS · 10 miles
- Muir Woods National Monument NPS · 10 miles