Alcatraz Island was a former prison that served from August 11th, 1934 to March 21, 1963. It closed due to bad service. It was known as one of the most treacherous prisons in all of history. Also, did you know that Alcatraz prison guards lived on the island with their families? Alcatraz sadly shut down after 4 people escaped and since they couldn't find service. Even if it isn't a prison today, it is a tourist attraction. And it will be forever known as one of the most dreadful prisons of all time.

Alcatraz was made out of 100% rock. No wonder it started rotting down in the 60's.

Alcatraz Island is located in the middle of the San Francisco Bay. A ferry, located at Piers 31-33 (cross streets of Embarcadero & Bay Street) will take you to the island

It costs children 5-11 $23.00, ages 12 to 61 $37.25, and ages 62+ $35.25.

First explored in 1775 by Lieutenant Juan Manuel de Ayala, Alcatraz Island was a 22-acre prison and is now a tourist attraction. Lieutenant Juan Manuel de Ayala first named it Isla de los Alcatraces ( Isle of the Pelicans). A little more than 70 years later, Alcatraz got sold to the U.S government. After, it served as a place to hold military offenders until the beginning of the 20th century. Then came the step for what it was known for. In 1934, it started its infamous prison reign. But due to lack of freshwater and the building rotting down, it finally shut down in 1963. After 10 years in 1973, it became a national park and is what it was to this day(except for a few buildings that had been burned down in a fire).

The hours of operation vary with the season. Departures are available about every half hour throughout the day beginning at 8:45am. Evening tours, Behind the Scenes Tours, and combined Angel Island-Alcatraz Island tours are also available on a set schedule. Alcatraz is open every day except Christmas, Thanksgiving and New Year's day.

The temperature at Alcatraz Island is warm