National Park Service site
Alcatraz Island is a National Park Service site in California. The NPS currently lists 3 active alerts (1 closure), 0 campgrounds and 1 visitor center, and no entrance fee.
California No entrance fee
Updated · NPS Data API
“Alcatraz reveals stories of American incarceration, justice, and our common humanity. This small island was once a fort, a military prison, and a maximum security federal penitentiary. In 1969, the Indians of All Tribes occupied Alcatraz for 19 months in the name of freedom and Native American civil rights.”
Active alerts
3
Closures
1
Campgrounds
0
Visitor centers
1
3 active NPS alerts as of Oct 28, 2026: 1 closure, 0 danger, 1 caution and 1 information.
Closure
Date Posted: 9/28/2026 Alcatraz Island, part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, is scheduled to temporarily close beginning on Oct. 26, 2026, while crews replace pilings that secure the ferry dock to the island. Repairs are expected to be completed by Nov. 18, 2026. For more information, please see news release linked here.
Posted or updated Oct 4, 2026 ·Details on nps.gov
Caution
You can help prevent vehicle break-ins in parking lots. Before leaving your car to catch the ferry: 1) Remove all valuables, 2) Lock your doors. 3) Take your wallets, purses, backpacks, keys, key fobs, cell phones, and electronics with you. Read article for more details.
Posted or updated Aug 23, 2026 ·Details on nps.gov
Information
Until approximately 2028, a portion of the cell house will be closed to visitors for important historic preservation work. We apologize for any inconvenience. Learn more at https://www.nps.gov/alca/alcatraz-historic-preservation-projects.htm
Posted or updated Jan 11, 2026 ·Park conditions on nps.gov
This site has no entrance fee, according to NPS fee data.Parking or transportation fees may apply.
Alcatraz Island is home to thousands of birds. Bring your binoculars and the NPS app to learn about our avian friends and where to look for them.
30-90 Minutes Year-round
Birds, tidepools and stunning views of the San Francisco can all be found along a short walk on the Agave Trail. This trail offers a chance to step away from the crowds and take a walk on the wild side. Keep your eyes peeled for the islands abundant bird life.
30-60 Minutes Winter, Fall
Listen to the voices of formerly incarcerated men and the correctional officers who guarded them, as they tell you the stories of United States Penitentiary: Alcatraz.
45-60 Minutes Year-round Fee applies
See all 5 things to do in Alcatraz Island →
Activities the NPS lists for Alcatraz Island.
FoodWildlife WatchingBirdwatchingMuseum ExhibitsShoppingBookstore and Park Store
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Access to Alcatraz Island is via commercial ferry service. For ticket reservation and schedule call (415) 981-7625 or go to www.alcatrazcitycruises.com. The ferry schedule changes seasonally.
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 9:00AM - 6:30PM |
| Tuesday | 9:00AM - 9:30PM |
| Wednesday | 9:00AM - 9:30PM |
| Thursday | 9:00AM - 9:30PM |
| Friday | 9:00AM - 9:30PM |
| Saturday | 9:00AM - 9:30PM |
| Sunday | 9:00AM - 6:30PM |
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.
| Visitor center | Standard hours | Phone | Passport stamp |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dock Ranger Station | Mon 9:00AM - 4:30PM · Tue 9:00AM - 6:30PM · Wed 9:00AM - 6:30PM · Thu 9:00AM - 6:30PM · Fri 9:00AM - 6:30PM · Sat 9:00AM - 6:30PM · Sun 9:00AM - 4:30PM | 415-561-4900 | Yes |
No NPS campgrounds are listed for this site. Nearby national forests or state parks may offer camping.
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