Rate Alcatraz Island
Learn and Explore
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Our Mission
The National Park Service preserves unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the National Park System for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations. The Park Service cooperates with partners to extend the benefits of natural and cultural resource conservation and outdoor recreation throughout this country and the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I obtain a park entrance pass?
Only 118 of your 417 park sites charge entrance fees. You can obtain park entrance passes by visiting a park site that charges an entrance fee. Entrance fee sites have passes available; we recommend calling a park prior to your visit. (See the park search to locate a specific park.) There are a number of entrance passes available, including park-specific passes as well as passes that offer entrance to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites in addition to the national parks (Annual, Military, Senior, 4th Grade, Access, and Volunteer passes). Learn more about the America the Beautiful – The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass.
About this location:
Operating Hours & Seasons
Alcatraz Island
Access to Alcatraz Island is by commercial ferry service – see www.alcatrazcruises.com for more information. Tickets are sold by date and time. Once on the island you can stay as long as you wish up to the last ferry, which changes seasonally. Alcatraz is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day. Be aware that Alcatraz often sells out in advance. In summer and around holidays tickets can sell out a month or more in advance. Tickets go on sale 90 days in advance.
Standard Hours
- Sunday:8:45 AM-8:30 PM
- Monday:8:45 AM-8:30 PM
- Tuesday:8:45 AM-6:15 PM
- Wednesday:8:45 AM-6:15 PM
- Thursday:8:45 AM-8:30 PM
- Friday:8:45 AM-8:30 PM
- Saturday:8:45 AM-8:30 PM
Fees & Passes
Entrance Fees:
- $37.25 – Adult Day Ticket (Ferry plus audio-tour)
A daily scheduled ferry to Alcatraz has a round-trip fee. Reservations are strongly recommended as we often sell out. See www.alcatrazcruises.com for reservations, and ticket types and pricing. - $44.25 – Adult Night Ticket (Ferry plus audio tour)
A daily scheduled ferry to Alcatraz has a round-trip fee. Reservations are strongly recommended as we often sell out. See www.alcatrazcruises.com for reservations, and ticket types and pricing.
About
Explore the Mysteries of Alcatraz
Alcatraz Island offers a close-up look at the site of the first lighthouse and US built fort on the West Coast, the infamous federal penitentiary long off-limits to the public, and the history making 18 month occupation by Indians of All Tribes. Rich in history, there is also a natural side to the Rock—gardens, tide pools, bird colonies, and bay views beyond compare.
Directions
The Alcatraz Ferry Terminal is located on The Embarcadero near the intersection of Bay Street at Pier 33.
Visitor Centers
Dock Ranger Station and Theater
Near the dock on Alcatraz is a ranger station which is staffed at all times. A short way up the road is Building 64, built as part of the Civil War era fortress, it now houses a bookstore, an orientation film in the main theater, and additional exhibits behind the theater about Alcatraz’s wildlife and the American Indian occupation of the island which took place in 1969-71.
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°
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