Alcatraz is appropriately known as ‘The Rock‘ and is a craggy island in San Francisco Bay, becoming the USA’s most notorious federal prison. Surrounded by strong currents, Alcatraz was considered to be escape proof. Of 34 prisoners involved in 14 attempts, seven were shot and killed, two drowned, five were unaccounted for and rest were recaptured. Two made it off the island only to be returned. 

The federal prison was a short-lived of the island’s history, operating from 1934 to 1963. Alcatraz Island was first used to site a lighthouse in the 1850s. In 1868 Alcatraz become a military prison, and was used by the military until handed over to the US Government on coast grounds. Now a hugely visitor attraction dominated with buildings dating back to the Civil War era and supporting a variety of wildlife the uninhabited island has appeared in many movies. 

When to go: Summer for the best weather, off season to avoid the worst of the crowds. Be prepared to book tours in advance during peak times. Population: Uninhabited. How to get there: There are various ways organized tours from San Francisco and a ferry service from Pier 33 close to Fisherman’s Wharf. Photos by: tico78