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Alcatraz City Cruises

The official website and only source for tour tickets to Alcatraz Island

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Book The Sunrise Gathering Ceremony today!

The Indigenous Peoples’ Day Sunrise Gathering on October 14th and November 28th are organized by the International Indian Treaty Council commemorating the 1969-71 occupation of Alcatraz by the Indians of All Tribes.

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Experience The Night Tour

Experience the many moods of Alcatraz Island with an evening visit. Enjoy the beauty of a sunset silhouetting the Golden Gate Bridge, experience a cell door demonstration, and hear compelling stories about the Island’s history and residents.

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Discover The Cellhouse On An Alcatraz Day Tour

Enjoy access to Alcatraz Island, including the historic Alcatraz Cellhouse with the self-guided Cellhouse Audio Tour.

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Explore The Island Behind The Scenes

Discover areas not otherwise available to the public!  Join a group of 30 people or fewer on a guided 1.5-2 hour adventure to explore off-limits areas and hear little-known-stories about the Island’s fascinating past, then join the Alcatraz Night Tour (including Cellhouse Audio Tour) for a full evening’s experience.

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Alcatraz Blog

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Bone-Chilling Things to Do for Halloween in Berkeley 2024

September 18, 2024
  Calling all ghosts, goblins, pumpkin lovers, and thrill seekers!  Whether you’re a little kid or a big kid at heart, there are Halloween events for you and your family
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Berkeley Beginnings: Wedding Events and Celebrations 2024

August 22, 2024
On the east side of San Francisco Bay, you will find northern California’s hidden gem, Berkeley. This lively city is rich with arts and culture and is brimming with experiences to engage you. It is one of the most underrated...
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The Best Restaurants Around Alcatraz: Where to Eat Near the Island

August 15, 2024
Alcatraz is one of San Francisco’s most popular landmarks, drawing well over 1 million visitors annually. People travel from far and wide to get a glimpse of the island’s rich
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Discover a Hidden Gem in San Francisco Bay: A Captivating Angel Island Tour

August 1, 2024
San Francisco and the Bay Area are full of world-famous attractions such as the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, Fisherman’s Wharf, and its proximity to Napa Valley. While Alcatraz is
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Uncovering the Truth Behind the Legends: Myths of Alcatraz Explained

July 24, 2024
Alcatraz has long been a place of mystery and intrigue. This infamous prison, known as, “The Rock,” has captivated the imagination of many with daring escapes, ghostly sightings, and stories
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Behind the Bars: Why was Alcatraz Built

June 26, 2024
Alcatraz, or “The Rock,” welcomes over 1.5 million visitors annually. Interest in this former military fort (turned maximum security prison to some of the most sinister criminals) doesn’t seem to
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Witnessing the Occupation of Alcatraz

June 17, 2024
Eloy Martinez is a retired contractor in the flooring business. Originally from four corners in Colorado, he grew up in a mining camp in Walsenburg, Colorado and came to California
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Alcatraz Cruises Announces Indigenous Peoples Day Sunrise Gatherings

June 17, 2024
The Indigenous Peoples Sunrise Ceremonies are annual events held on Alcatraz Island to honor the Indigenous Peoples of America and to promote their rights. Held annually since 1975, the Alcatraz
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Alcatraz Cruises’ Illustrious Night Tour

June 17, 2024
Alcatraz is mysterious at any time of day, but for those who want a real thrill, check out the Island’s Night Tour, which is particularly curious at night. As the
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Escape to Alcatraz – How to Get to the Island

April 24, 2024
Although Alcatraz has been closed for over 60 years, it remains a place of intrigue and fascination for over 1.5 million visitors annually. Located off the coast of San Francisco,
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Alcatraz History

1934 – 1963

Alcatraz and history go hand in hand

Once home to some of America’s most notorious criminals, the federal penitentiary that operated here from 1934 to 1963 brought a dark mystique to “The Rock”. The presence of infamous inmates, like Al “Scarface” Capone and the “Birdman” Robert Stroud, helped to establish the Island’s notoriety. Yet, many people are unaware of the historical significance before and after it was one of the world’s most legendary prisons.

1969 – 1971

The 20th Century

Civil War-era buildings, cannons, and subterranean rooms give insight into the 19th century when the Island served as both a harbor defense fort and a military prison. As you dock at Alcatraz Island, visible reminders of the American Indian Occupation, which began in 1969 and ended in 1971, remains etched on “The Rock”, recognizing an important milestone in the American Indian rights movement.

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