Alcatraz Today: A National Historic Landmark
Alcatraz Island is no longer a functioning prison. It is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and operated by the National Park Service. The island is preserved as a historic site and open to the public for guided tours and exhibits.
Tourism and Visitor Experience
Visitors reach Alcatraz by ferry from San Francisco. The site offers audio tours, historic cellhouse displays, and multimedia exhibits about its time as a federal penitentiary. It is one of the most visited attractions in the region, drawing millions of tourists annually.
Events, Education, and Preservation
Alcatraz hosts special events, educational programs, and art installations throughout the year. The island also serves as a venue for discussions on criminal justice reform and civil rights history. Preservation efforts focus on maintaining its structures and sharing its layered past.
Learn more about visiting Alcatraz on the National Park Service website.
