Where is Alcatraz Island, San Francisco, California?

Written by | Updated On: December 03, 2025, 14:30 ET

Alcatraz Island is located in San Francisco Bay, California, USA. It lies between San Francisco and Marin County and is situated about 2 km (1.2 mi) from the city of San Francisco. The island is famous for its historic federal prison and scenic views of the bay.

Alcatraz Island Location Map, San Francisco, California

Top Attractions Inside Alcatraz Island

  • Cellhouse / Prison Building – Historic prison cells and corridors where notorious inmates were held.
  • Alcatraz Island Lighthouse – The first lighthouse built on the U.S. West Coast offering scenic views of the bay.
  • Mess Hall – Area where inmates dined, with exhibits showing daily life inside the prison.
  • Recreation Yard – Outdoor space where prisoners exercised and spent leisure time.
  • Guard Tower – Provides insight into prison security and historic guard operations.
  • Parade Grounds – Open area used for drills, gatherings, and outdoor activities.
  • Alcatraz Gardens – Beautifully maintained gardens originally planted by staff and inmates.
  • Audio Tour – Award-winning self-guided tour featuring stories from former inmates and guards.

Alcatraz Island Facts

Official NameAlcatraz Island
LocationSan Francisco Bay, San Francisco, California, USA
Latitude & Longitude37.8267° N, 122.4230° W
Total Area~22 acres (9 hectares)
Established / OpenedFederal Prison: 1934–1963; Became part of Golden Gate National Recreation Area in 1972
FounderOriginally designated by the U.S. Army (Fort Alcatraz, 1850s)
Managed ByU.S. National Park Service (NPS)
RegionSan Francisco Bay Area
AddressAlcatraz Island, San Francisco, CA 94133, USA
Zip Code94133
Area Code415
CurrencyUnited States Dollar (USD, $)
Time ZonePacific Time (PT) – UTC−8 Standard / UTC−7 Daylight Saving
Theme / ConceptHistoric Prison, Military Fort, Island Ecosystem, Cultural Landmark
Main FeaturesOld Federal Penitentiary - Lighthouse - Military Barracks - Gardens - Bird Habitat
Famous AttractionsCellhouse Tour - Isolation Cells - Warden’s House Ruins - Recreation Yard - Lighthouse - Native American Occupation History Exhibits
Annual VisitorsApprox. 1.5–1.7 million
Entry Fee TypePaid Admission (Ferry Ticket Required)
Ticket Price Range~$42 to $55 (Varies by tour type: Day, Night, Behind-the-Scenes)
Ticket OptionsDay Tour - Night Tour - Behind-the-Scenes Tour - Combination Bay Cruises
Best Time to VisitApril–June and September–November (Milder temps & fewer crowds)
Nearby AirportSan Francisco International Airport (SFO) – 15 miles (24 km)
TransportationAlcatraz City Cruises Ferry (From Pier 33) - Walking Tour on Island
Official Websitehttps://www.nps.gov/alca

Distances from Alcatraz Island to Nearby Landmarks

  • Times Square – 5.0 km (3.1 mi)
  • Rockefeller Center – 4.2 km (2.6 mi)
  • Empire State Building – 6.8 km (4.2 mi)
  • Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) – 4.2 km (2.6 mi)
  • Metropolitan Museum of Art – 0.6 km (0.4 mi)
  • American Museum of Natural History – 1.1 km (0.7 mi)
  • Columbus Circle – 0.6 km (0.4 mi)
  • Grand Central Terminal – 5.8 km (3.6 mi)
  • Broadway Theater District – 5.0 km (3.1 mi)
  • The Plaza Hotel – 0.2 km (0.1 mi)
  • Lincoln Center – 1.0 km (0.6 mi)
  • New York Public Library (5th Ave) – 5.8 km (3.6 mi)
  • One World Trade Center – 14.3 km (8.9 mi)
  • Statue of Liberty Ferry (Battery Park) – 20 km (12.4 mi)
  • Brooklyn Bridge – 14.3 km (8.9 mi)
  • Fifth Avenue Shopping District – 0.5 km (0.3 mi)
  • Chrysler Building – 5.8 km (3.6 mi)
  • Madison Square Garden – 6.3 km (3.9 mi)
  • Hudson Yards (The Vessel) – 3.8 km (2.4 mi)
  • SoHo – 8.5 km (5.3 mi)