Alcatraz, Spanish for pelican, was named Isla de los Alcatraces after the birds that were the island’s only inhabitants. The island served as a military fortification in the 1850s and an incarceration facility for war prisoners during the Spanish-American War.

In 1934 Alcatraz became the infamous maximum-security prison for Mafia criminals and high-risk convicts. Famous island residents have included "Machine Gun" Kelly, Al Capone and Robert "Birdman" Stroud. Although the island is only a mile from shore, there is no evidence of any successful escapes across the icy bay. The prison was the only one in the federal system that touted hot showers—a luxury designed to keep prisoners from acclimating to cold water.

A federal penitentiary until 1963, "The Rock" is now a popular tourist attraction. The 12-acre island is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and is accessible only by Alcatraz Cruises boats which depart daily from Pier 33 near Fisherman’s Wharf on the Embarcadero.

For additional information and photographs of Alcatraz Island, visit our Alcatraz page.

NOTE: During peak travel times, reservations must be made well in advance. Advance tickets may be charged to a credit card by phone, (415) 981-7625.

North of Alcatraz is Angel Island, a former U.S. Immigration station. The 740-acre island, also known as "Ellis Island of the West," was the first stop for millions of immigrants entering the United States from Asia, the Pacific Basin and Eastern Europe. Now a state park and wildlife preserve, Angel Island offers incredible vistas of San Francisco and Marin County. The woodsy island is a popular spot with campers, hikers, bicyclists, picnickers and sunbathers.

Larkspur Landing, in the creekside community of Larkspur, has evolved in recent years from the central commuter junction for Marin County to a shopping and dining haven.

Eight miles north of San Francisco across the bay is a tiny bayside community named Sausalito, meaning Little Grove of Willows. Arrival by ferry is the best way to experience this Mediterranean-style community that is often compared to the French Riviera. Sausalito has a wonderful selection of restaurants and shops lining its scenic marina on Bridgeway Avenue.

Just 20 minutes north of San Francisco is Tiburon, a charming town resembling an authentic New England seaport village. In 1884 Tiburon served as a ferry terminal to connect the railroad between San Rafael and San Francisco. Today, Tiburon’s Main Street offers unique shops, galleries, cafes and waterfront restaurants with unsurpassed views of San Francisco. Further along Main Street is Ark Row, a collection of restored arks that house a variety of boutiques and specialty stores. Additional shopping is located at the Boardwalk Shopping Center.

Old St. Hilary’s Historic Preserve is located on the hill above town. The church is both a historical landmark and botanical museum. Surrounding the church is a wildflower preserve. Other attractions in Tiburon include China Cabin, the restored social saloon of the 1866 SS China that now serves as a maritime museum.