The December Departures From Alcatraz
Guest Blog Post – Michael Esslinger Two escapes, occurring on the same day a quarter century apart and both aided by dense fog, helped shape the lore of
California Sea Lion
San Diego is a coastal paradise known for its stunning beaches and incredible marine life. If you are looking for an unforgettable marine life experience in this sunny city,
Revisiting the Civil War Living History Day on Alcatraz Island
The Friends of Civil War Alcatraz (FOCWA) is a non-profit group that supports the interpretation of Civil War history on Alcatraz Island. In partnership with the National Park Service, the
Cruising The Bay In The Off-Season
Cruising San Francisco Bay during the off-season is an experience that encompasses mysterious weather, slower crowds and freedom to roam. So, what do the locals do to take advantage of
The History of Alcatraz as a National Park
Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA), a unit of the National Park Service, was established by Congress in 1972 as part of a trend to make national park resources more
James “Whitey” Bulger Was No Ordinary Criminal
In the annals of organized crime, the story of James “Whitey” Bulger is the stuff of Hollywood. (More on that in a minute.) He started out as a bank robber
Check out Local Favorites Here in San Francisco
If you have a passion for history, here is an interesting excerpt about another nautical San Francisco park. Featuring historical ships and tons of intriguing stories we invite you to
Former Alcatraz Guard Shares His Story About Life on “The Rock”
Retired Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary guard George DeVincenzi served on “The Rock” from 1950 to 1958, departing just five years before the infamous Island prison closed forever in 1963. NPR Correspondent
Alcatraz Cruises’ Hornblower Hybrid is a Model of Alternative Energy Innovation
City Cruises, Alcatraz Cruises’ parent company, boasts the marine industry’s only hybrid passenger ferry fleet in North America. The first hybrid ferry was introduced to San Francisco Bay in 2009
Photography Tips and Exploring the Visual Treasures of Alcatraz Island
Guest Blogger Michael Esslinger Photography Tips and Exploring the Visual Treasures of Alcatraz Island By Michael Esslinger, Alcatraz Historian and Author I’ve been writing and researching the history of Alcatraz