Birdwatching on Alcatraz
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
National Park Service site · CA
Things to do in Alcatraz Island
The National Park Service lists 5 things to do at Alcatraz Island. 4 have no extra fee, 5 need no reservation. Each listing links to the full NPS page. Data is from the NPS snapshot of Oct 28, 2026.
Updated · NPS Data API
Explore the Agave Trail
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
Tour the Cellhouse
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
View the Alcatraz Fire Engine
Restored in 2003, this historic Diamond T Fire Engine can be viewed in the garage of the Quartermaster Building.
15 Minutes Year-round
Visit the New Industries Building
Visit the New Industries Building to see exhibits on Prison Labor and the commemorative exhibit, Red Power on Alcatraz: Perspectives 50 Years Later.
30-60 Minutes Year-round
Before you go
Check current alerts and closures, entrance fees and operating hours for Alcatraz Island. Programs and tours can change with the season or be cancelled on short notice — confirm on the NPS page before you plan around one.
Things to do at nearby parks
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Sources
- National Park Service Data API — things to do, snapshot of Oct 28, 2026. Descriptions are short excerpts; photos are NPS photos shown from nps.gov with their credit.
- Alcatraz Island — things to do on nps.gov