Alcatraz Island

Alcatraz Island is a historic island in the San Francisco Bay, about 2 km offshore from San Francisco. It is best known for the former federal prison that operated from 1934 to 1963 and once held inmates like Al Capone. The prison gained a reputation for being escape-proof due to the cold, strong currents surrounding the island.

Today, Alcatraz is part of the National Park Service and one of the most visited attractions in the Bay Area. Visitors can explore the cellhouse, learn about famous escape attempts, and hear stories about the 1969–1971 Native American occupation that played an important role in Indigenous activism. Ferries depart regularly from Pier 33, and tickets often sell out in advance.

Filming Location

Over the years, Alcatraz Island has been used as a real filming location and as a fictional setting in many movies and TV productions, including:

• Escape from Alcatraz (starring Clint Eastwood)
• The Rock (with Sean Connery and Nicolas Cage)
• X-Men: The Last Stand

Notable historical figures

• Al Capone - Probably the most famous inmate. The Chicago mob boss was imprisoned at Alcatraz from 1934–1939.
• Robert Stroud - Known as the “Birdman of Alcatraz” (even though he did not keep birds there).
• Richard Oakes - A key figure in the 1969 Native American occupation of Alcatraz, an important moment in modern Indigenous rights movements.