Explore Tour Options

  • Alcatraz Day Tour

    Explore Alcatraz Island and visit the world-renowned Cellhouse! Step back in time during the Alcatraz Island Day Tour and experience the legendary Island that has been a Civil War fort, a military prison and one of the most notorious Federal penitentiaries in US history.
  • Alcatraz Night Tour

    Experience the many moods of Alcatraz Island with an evening visit. Enjoy the beauty of a sunset silhouetting the Golden Gate Bridge, experience a cell door demonstration, and hear stories about the Island’s history and residents. Evening talks by Island expert historians are offered on a variety of topics and change every night.
  • Alcatraz Behind The Scenes Tour

    Discover areas not otherwise available to the public! Join a small group on a guided 4-5 hour adventure to explore off-limits areas and hear little-known-stories about the Island's fascinating past, then join the Alcatraz Night Tour (including Cellhouse Audio Tour) for a full evening's experience.
  • Alcatraz & Angel Island Combination Tour

    Angel Island State Park is a hidden gem among the bay’s beauty and your tour includes a breathtaking tram tour of the Island. Alcatraz Island National Park is a San Francisco must-see. Above all, plan your day for both leisure and excitement while learning about San Francisco history.
  • Bay Discovery Cruise

    Bay Discovery Cruise: A National Park Tour – Join A Sightseeing Adventure On San Francisco Bay! This 90-minute sightseeing cruise is full of San Francisco icons!

Alcatraz History

1850–1933 Military Period – The Post on Alcatraces & U.S. Disciplinary Barracks

In 1850 Alcatraz was declared a military reservation by President Millard Fillmore, and by 1859 troops were permanently garrisoned at the post on Alcatraces for the defense of the Bay Area.

To learn more about the military history of Alcatraz, from 1850 to 1934. please visit the Post on Alcatraces and Fortress Alcatraz. For more in depth information, visit the timeline of the U.S. Army’s military period.

1934-1963 Bureau of Prisons Period – U.S. Penitentiary Alcatraz

Alcatraz is most famous for the 29 years it operated as a U.S. penitentiary. During this complex period, over 1500 people were incarcerated on the island. Learn how Alcatraz evolved from an army post that contained an army prison into U.S. Penitentiary Alcatraz.

1969-1971 Indians of All Tribes Occupation

In 1964, and again in 1969-1971, American Indian activists laid claim to Alcatraz Island. Their 19-month occupation would cause significant changes in federal policy and galvanize the Red Power movement. Learn more about the historic occupation by Indians of All Tribes, which marked its 50th anniversary in 2019.

To learn more about Alcatraz History, please visit Stories – Alcatraz Island (U.S. National Park Service) and History & Culture – Alcatraz Island (U.S. National Park Service).

#CruiseAlcatraz

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