Day Trip to Alcatraz Island and Tour of the Prison

View of Alcatraz prison on approach to the island

Before we headed to Napa Valley, last week's adventure in California started with a stay in San Francisco. With one of Nick's favorite movies being The Rock, one of the sights we knew we had to see was Alcatraz Prison. The history of the island is pretty fascinating, going from military fortress guarding the bay during the gold rush to federal penitentiary holding some of the most notorious criminals of the twentieth century.

The signs posted on the approach and landing dock give a nod towards the history of the island, but it's now one of the nations top visited national parks. The island was once home to military personnel and their families who sought to make it more civilized. Because of this, Alcatraz is host to many gardens, some of which were tended to by prisoners. The island is also full of different architectural styles which changed not only through the generations, but through ownership of the island. From Spanish revival to stark prison, the various buildings and their architecture is what gives the island its character.

Exposed rock of Alcatraz island

Not the be outdone by the rest of the island, there was some beauty to be found in the industrial feel of the prison in addition to it's history.

Alcatraz prison watchtower

Shuffleboard court in Alcatraz prison recreation yard

After exploring the island for most of the morning, we took the ferry back to San Francisco to have lunch in Fishermans Wharf followed by a short walk back to our hotel.

Hope you enjoyed the little bit of Alcatraz I was able to bring back!