DESCRIPTIONS FROM ACROSS THE WEB
Alcatraz Island (sometimes informally referred to as simply Alcatraz or by its pop-culture name, The Rock) is a small island located...
more on Wikipedia
Heading out to the island is one of the more exhilarating ways in town to celebrate a sunny day. It's an excursion into history, and you get to ride there on a boat.The island was discovered by a Spanish explorer in 1775 and named after the flocks of...
more on gocitykids.com
DIRECTIONS
FROM THE SOUTH
Take Highway 101 North to Highway 80 East
Exit at 4th Street
Stay left onto Bryant Street (get in right lane)
Stay on Bryant Street to The Embarcadero
Turn left onto The Embarcadero.
The Alcatraz Cruises ferry terminal is on the right
FROM THE NORTH
Take Highway 101 South across the Golden Gate Bridge
Pass through the Toll Plaza and stay to your left
Take Lombard Street Exit (on right side)
Follow Lombard Street to Van Ness Avenue
Take a left onto Van Ness Avenue (stay right)
Follow Van Ness Avenue to Bay Street (about three blocks)
Turn right on Bay Street and continue to The Embarcadero
Turn right on Embarcadero - the Alcatraz Cruises ferry terminal is a few blocks away on the left.
FROM THE EAST
Take Interstate 80 West across the Bay Bridge
Take Harrison/Embarcadero Exit (on left side)
Turn right at Harrison Street (end of off-ramp)
Follow Harrison to The Embarcadero
Turn left onto The Embarcadero
The Alcatraz Cruises ferry terminal will be on your right
OPEN HOURS
The hours of operation vary with the season - departures are available about every half hour throughout the day beginning at 9:30am. The island closes at 6:30pm in the summer, 4:30pm in fall, winter and spring., Daily, Fall and winter: Ferries leave at 9:30a, 10:15a and every half hour until 2:15pm Spring and Summer: Ferries leave at 9:30a, 10:15a and every half hour until 4:15p
MISCELLANEOUS
Admission : There is no entrance fee to visit Alcatraz Island. However there is a charge for the ferry service to and from the island which is supplied by a private company under contract with the National Park Service. As Alcatraz has no entrance fee park passes do not apply - charge is for the private ferry service to and from the island only.
Childrens Programs: Become a Junior Ranger!
Educational Program: The Island Hop tour
Events: Alcatraz Kidz Tours
Exhibits: Alcatraz is currently hosting the award winning Prisoners of Age exhibit by Canadian photographer Ron Lavine.