SAN FRANCISCO-ALCATRAZ

Alcatraz Island is located in the middle of San Francisco Bay in California. It was formerly used as a military stockade and later as a maximum security prison. Today, the island is a historic site supervised by the National Park Service as part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and is open to tours. Visitors can reach the island by ferry ride from Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco. It was first discovered by Juan de Ayala and its name comes from the Spanish (and originally Arabic) word for the pelican. An English version of alcatraz was used to name the albatross. It is home to the now abandoned prison, the oldest operating lighthouse on the West Coast of the United States, early military fortifications, and natural features such as rock pools, a seabird colony (mostly Western Gulls, cormorants, gannets and egrets), and unique views of the coastline. As well, it is the starting point of the annual Escape from Alcatraz triathlon. Information for tourists: 1. Be prepared for the one-quarter of a mile hike to the top or take the shuttle which makes a trip every hour to carry visitors up the slope. 2. No food is sold on the island so you should plan to eat before you go or take food with you. 3. It is open everyday except Christmas Day and New Year's Day. 4. Visitation starts at 9:30 am with departures to the Island every half an hour. 5. The Island closes at 6:30 pm in the summertime and at 4:30 pm the rest of the year. 6. The National Park Service strongly advises visitors to get advance tickets. 7. Tours will often sell out a week in advance during the popular tourist season. Related articles: 1. Alcatraz-home of famous criminals 2. The Escapes from Alcatraz travel and places,Alcatraz,San Francisco