Who it's for
All ages
Alcatraz Island (Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing)
Published October 2026. Editorial oversight by James Morgan. AI-assisted, human-edited. Our editorial standards
Image credits
- Photo by Laika ac from UK via Wikimedia Commons, CC-BY-SA-2.0
- Photo by Frank Schulenburg via Wikidata, CC-BY-SA-4.0
About Alcatraz Island (Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing)
Board a ferry across the bay to walk the cell blocks of America's most infamous federal prison, perched on a windswept island.
Reached by boat from Pier 33, this island wears many layers of history, from a defensive fort to a military prison to the high-security penitentiary that made its name.
What you'll see and do - Tour the Cell House and learn how the island served as a fort, a military correctional facility, and a federal prison. - Discover its role in Native American civil rights history, when the Indians of All Tribes occupied Alcatraz for 19 months from 1969. - Join National Park Service daily programs, ranger-led tours, and special events that unpack the island's past. - Take in bay and city views and the island's natural setting alongside ongoing preservation work.
Attraction Details
Facilities
- Accessible Parking
- Restroom facilities
- Pet area
Events at Alcatraz Island (Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing)
The Big Lockup Exhibit
An exhibition in the New Industries Building on Alcatraz Island exploring mass incarceration in the United States.
Formerly Incarcerated Speaker Series
May-September
This speaker series highlights the voices of people who have spent time inside jails and prisons.
Comic Book Day
May 30
A celebration of Alcatraz in pop culture, featuring talks, tours, and activities exploring the island in movies, video games, and comics.
Comic Book Day: Day Tour
May 30
A special event for Comic Book Day on Alcatraz Island during the day.
Comic Book Day: Night Tour
May 30
A special event for Comic Book Day on Alcatraz Island during the night.
Formerly Incarcerated Speaker Series: Leonard Boone
June 6
A session of the speaker series featuring Leonard Boone, sharing insights from his incarceration experience.
Formerly Incarcerated Speaker Series: Mariah Cenea
June 13
A session of the speaker series featuring Mariah Cenea, sharing insights from her incarceration experience.
Plan Your Visit
Family-tested advice for a smoother day at Alcatraz Island (Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing).
Getting there
Alcatraz Island (Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing) is at Pier 33, San Francisco, CA 94133. Check the operator's site for parking and transit options.
Pro tip
Pack snacks, refillable water bottles and a portable charger to keep the day running smoothly.
Directions
Alcatraz Island (Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing)
Pier 33, San Francisco, CA 94133
This attraction has been claimed and verified.
Last updated 10/17/2026
Alcatraz Island (Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing) Reviews
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Frequently asked questions
Is Alcatraz Island (Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing) worth visiting?
Alcatraz Island offers a profound experience, exploring themes of incarceration, justice, and common humanity. It provides insight into its roles as a defensive fort, a military prison, a high-security federal penitentiary, and its significance in Native American civil rights history.What are the best things to see and do at Alcatraz Island (Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing)?
Visitors can explore the various historical roles of the island, including its time as a fort, military prison, and federal penitentiary. It also commemorates the 1969 Native American occupation and offers daily programs and special events.How much do tickets to Alcatraz Island (Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing) cost?
Ticket prices for Alcatraz Island start from 47.95 USD. Please check the official site for current pricing and availability.What are the opening hours at Alcatraz Island (Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing)?
Alcatraz Island is typically open from 9:00 AM, with departures approximately every half hour. Evening tours and combined Angel Island-Alcatraz tours are also offered. Hours vary seasonally, so please check the official site for date-specific hours and ferry schedules.Is Alcatraz Island (Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing) suitable for young children, and what ages is it best for?
Alcatraz Island is suitable for all ages, offering an educational experience for the entire family.Is Alcatraz Island (Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing) accessible for wheelchairs and strollers?
Accessibility is a key focus at Alcatraz Island, with features such as an accessible tram to the Cell House and assistive listening devices to enhance the visitor experience.
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