Landmark

Alcatraz Island

Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco

Alcatraz Island and its cell house seen across San Francisco Bay
Photo: Scott / Flickr (CC BY 2.0)

Former prison island in San Francisco Bay, managed by the National Park Service. Ferries leave from Pier 33.

Time needed 3 to 4 hours
Best time Morning
With kids

Insider tip

The NPS page lists operating hours and seasons. Book the ferry through the official provider.

What the guides say about Alcatraz Island

Alcatraz. The National Park Service says Alcatraz Island closed from 26 October 2026 for dock repairs, with the work expected to finish by 18 November and the date open to change. The Park Service says Alcatraz City Cruises will notify affected guests about refunds and rebooking.

PIER 39 and its sea lions, the Aquarium of the Bay and the boat to Alcatraz, which leaves from Pier 33, are all along one stretch of waterfront.

Alcatraz. The National Park Service says the only way there is the ferry run by Alcatraz City Cruises from Pier 33. See Alcatraz Island.

View on the interactive map Google Maps directions

Nearby

USS Pampanito Museum · 24 min walk World War II submarine museum at Pier 45, run by the San Francisco Maritime National Park Association. Sea Lions at PIER 39 Landmark · 2.0 km away California sea lions began hauling out on PIER 39's K-Dock shortly after the Loma Prieta earthquake in October 1989, and the pier's site tells the... Fisherman's Wharf Neighbourhood · 2.3 km away Waterfront district along Beach Street and Jefferson Street with attractions, restaurants and shops. Buena Vista Cafe Nightlife · 2.3 km away Cafe and bar at 2765 Hyde Street, just west of the last stop of the Powell-Hyde cable car, known for its Irish coffee. Aquarium of the Bay Museum · 2.3 km away Aquarium at PIER 39 with exhibits on the Bay, including Touch the Bay and river otters. PIER 39 Landmark · 2.3 km away Waterfront complex at The Embarcadero and Beach Street with shops, restaurants, attractions and live performances.

Around Fisherman's Wharf

PIER 39, Alcatraz ferries, the Exploratorium and Hyde Street

Fisherman's Wharf has 11 places on the map. It runs along the waterfront from Pier 33 and the Exploratorium at Pier 15 west to Ghirardelli Square.

Fisherman's Wharf has 10 places on the Roam San Francisco map: 5 landmarks, 2 museums, 1 shop, 1 neighbourhood and 1 bar. Read the Fisherman's Wharf guide.

Good to know

How long do you need at Alcatraz Island?
Plan for 3 to 4 hours.
When is the best time to visit Alcatraz Island?
Morning.

Stay near Alcatraz Island

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See hotels near Alcatraz Island on Booking.comPrices are for the night of Saturday 14 November. You can change the dates on Booking.com. If you book, Roam San Francisco earns a small commission from Stay22 at no extra cost to you.