Alcatraz, the notorious former prison, is located on an island of the same name in the middle of San Francisco Bay. Because of its natural isolation and the bay's cold, strong currents, Alcatraz housed Civil War prisoners as early as 1861. Years later, it became a federal prison that held some of the country's most notorious criminals, including legendary mobster Al Capone, "Birdman of Alcatraz" Robert Franklin Stroud, and George "Machine Gun" Kelly. Though several tried, no inmate ever successfully escaped from "The Rock." The prison closed in the 1960s, but the stories live on. Today, cell-house audio tours inform visitors as they explore the buildings and grounds. To reach the island, take an Alcatraz Cruises ferry from Pier 33; advance reservations are recommended. Alcatraz is partially a self-guided experience that you can do at your own pace. Park Service staff offer numerous free programs throughout the day on a variety of topics, such as escapes, military history, American Indian occupation, and natural history. Once on the island, you can stay as long as you wish—ferries depart about every half-hour. Visitors can typically see the island in two to three hours.

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