Perched in the middle of San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz Island, nicknamed The Rock, is much more than a former penitentiary. It is a place steeped in history, surrounded by an aura of mystery and offers a spectacular panorama of the city of San Francisco, the famous Golden Gate suspension bridge and the surrounding bay. A visit to Alcatraz remains a must-see for history enthusiasts and travelers curious to discover one of the most iconic sites in the United States !

Originally used as a military site in the mid-19th century, Alcatraz island became a federal prison in 1934. During its 29 years of operation, it housed some of the most notorious criminals in the United States, including Al Capone, George Kelly Barnes, better known as « Machine Gun Kelly » and Robert Franklin Stroud, nicknamed the « Birdman of Alcatraz ». The prison, known as « The Rock », was infamous for its inaccessibility due to the cold waters and strong currents of the bay.

After the penitentiary closed in 1963, Alcatraz island was occupied in 1969 by a group of Native American activists claiming their rights to the abandoned land. This occupation lasted 19 months and marked a turning point in the Native American rights movement in the United States, which is still commemorated on the island today.

Today, Alcatraz island is a landmark attraction in San Francisco that immerses visitors in an authentic experience thanks to audio guides that recount stories from former guards and inmates, revive daring escape attempts and help you understand daily life on this austere island. The sounds of clanging cell doors and voices sharing anecdotes make the experience even more realistic !

Getting to Alcatraz island is easy and convenient from San Francisco. Visitors typically take a ferry from Pier 33, located along the Embarcadero. The ferry ride across the bay offers stunning views of the city skyline, the Golden Gate Bridge and the island itself.

Tickets are highly recommended in advance, especially during peak tourist season, as trips often sell out. Once on the island, walking paths and audio tours make it easy to explore at your own pace.

The prison on Alcatraz island has inspired the settings of many films, such as « The Rock » starring Nicolas Cage.