Alcatraz Island is located in San Francisco Bay, 1.25 miles offshore from San Francisco, California, United States. The small island was developed with facilities for a lighthouse, a military fortification, a military prison, and a federal prison, the latter operated from August 11, 1934, until March 21, 1963.
Alcatraz reveals stories of American incarceration, justice, and our common humanity. This small island was once a fort, a military prison, and a maximum security federal penitentiary. In 1969, the Indians of All Tribes occupied Alcatraz for 19 months in the name of freedom and Native American civil rights. We invite you to explore Alcatraz's complex history and natural beauty.
Accessible Features
Upon Arrival
To visit Alcatraz Island you will need to purchase tickets from Alcatraz City Cruises. Visit their website at for accessibility information regarding Pier 33 and Alcatraz City Cruises. Pier 33 contains accessible parking stalls; upon arrival please show the parking attendant your disabled placard.
You can request Assistive Listening Devices at the ticket booth on Pier 33. Located on Pier 33 is a Tactile Model of Alcatraz Island and Pier 33. While on the boat a safety and introduction video is recorded in American Sign Language. Please direct your attention to the television screens on the boat.
Inside the Park
Once you arrive on the island you will be asked to listen to a short introductory orientation on the dock. You can also watch an American Sign Language Dock Orientation. The dock contains an accessible restroom facility. To your left you will find the accessible tram (S.E.A.T), which transports visitors with mobility impairments to the Cell House. The distance from the dock to the Cell House which is located at the top of the island is about 1/4 (0.4 km) of a mile and the elevation change is 130 feet (40 meters). This is roughly equivalent to climbing a 13 story building, but spread out over a 1/4 mile. In the Cell house there is an elevator to provide access to the second story. Here you can also request an audio described or Braille transcript of the Cell House tour. The audio described tour includes 12 strategically placed tactile markers and a tactile replica of the bar spreader used in the famous escape. There is an accessible restroom facility located adjacent the Cell House.
If you would like to access the barracks, building 64, before getting onto the S.E.A.T vehicle at the dock, you will need to head uphill approximately 100 feet from the dock to access the entry ramp. This route is extremely steep proceed with caution. Inside the barracks building is a theater, exhibits and a bookstore. The movies are open-captioned and are compatible with our Assistive Listening Devices.
Please be advised that most of the roadways and walking routes throughout the island contain extreme slopes. There is an accessible ramp leading into the New Industries Building. The area in front of the Morgue Building contains heaving concrete and severe changes in level. The route leading to the Check Station is very steep and there is an 8" step to get into the building. The route leading from the Cell House to the Recreation Yard contains approximately 45 stair steps.
The Cell House Audio Tour is available in American Sign Language. Please indicate to a Cell House staff member that you need the American Sign Language version of the tour and they will provide you with a hand held device. The Cell House tour is also available in written format if preferred.
Assistive Listening Devices may be used on all Ranger Led tours; you will need to request a device at the Pier 33 ticket booth.
