Alcatraz
Out in the middle of the San Francisco Bay, the island of Alcatraz is a
world unto itself. Isolation, one of the constants of island life for any inhabitant - soldier, guard, prisoner, bird or plant -
is a recurrent theme in the unfolding history of Alcatraz. Alcatraz Island is one of Golden Gate National Recreation Area's most
popular destinations, offering a close-up look at a historic and infamous federal prison long off-limits to the public. Visitors
to the island can not only explore the remnants of the prison, but learn about the Native American occupation of 1969 - 1971,
early military fortifications and the West Coast's first (and oldest operating) lighthouse. The island features many natural
features as well - gardens, tide pools, bird colonies, and bay views beyond compare.