Alcatraz Island

We had a nice trip to the island. The fog was heavy on the bay which added an eerie atmosphere to the visit. It was interesting to see how the inmates lived-the housing is quite simple to say the least. Walking the grounds outside the cell block was peaceful with some nice gardens and nesting birds all around. The mix of beauty and sinister are inspiring. There are a few gift shops and restrooms located throughout the tour. It’s a powerful and beautiful way to explore a national historic site.

My husband and I really enjoyed the tour. It was self guided, and you get audio to go over the prison cells. You could easily be done in an hour, depending on how fast you go. There are some experiences you can do aside from the main audio tour. The night tour does give you some beautiful sunset pictures over the Golden Gate Bridge.

This is an island rich with history and cultural significance. The island is littered with ruins and relics from its history as a military establishment and federal penitentiary. The audio tour is well worth the time. I also enjoyed walking through the gardens and enjoying a great view of the Bay. The island is also significant in the fight for Indian rights.