Alcatraz Island, also known as ‘Devil’s Island’ or ‘The Rick’, is located in San Francisco Bay in the United States, which occupies an area of 9 hectares. The island was a federal prison from 1934 until 21 March 1963, now it is a popular tourist attraction.
All tourists can go to Alcatraz Island by ferry ride from Pier 33, which is located next to Fisherman's Wharf, the quota for tourists is limited, you must book it in advance.
Alcatraz Island is 2.01 km offshore from San Francisco, the ferry ride only takes 15 minutes, on the way you can see another landmark of San Francisco: Golden Gate Bridge.
The whole Alcatraz Island is surrounded by cliffs and quite barren, it really looks like a huge rock from afar.
After disembarkation, all visitors will gather outside a restaurant next to the pier, the staff will brief you about the itinerary and some rules. In addition, you can buy a map of the island, it is only 1US dollar.
Alcatraz Island was developed with facilities of a military fortification, all cannons were abandoned after the island was turned into a prison.
Spring is the breeding season of birds, some areas are restricted, no visitor is allowed.
Unexpectedly, Alcatraz Island is also a paradise for plants, the whole island is decorated by colorful flowers, it looks more like a resort than a prison.
These bungalows used to be the residences of the staff, now they are all abandoned and look gloomy even though underneath the sunshine.
You can see the downtown of San Francisco from the cliff, freedom seems not faraway, but actually it is unreachable, for the prisoners who are confined here, it is another punishment.
