One of the most visited tourist spots in San Francisco is Alcatraz Island or the rock, best known for its imfamous federal penitentary. The island over the years has been a fortress, a prison, a light house outpost, a site of native American occupation and now is part of the Golden Gate National park. Interstingly the island gets its name from teh Alcatraces, which was the Spanish name given to the brown pelicans which were common in the area when the exloreres first found the area. The only way to get to Alcatraz is by a ferry operated by Alcatraz Cruises, LLC. They are located on The Embarcadero near the intersection of Bay Street – near Fisherman’s Wharf it is suggested to pre book as the trips fill up regually.
For more information: http://www.nps.gov/alcatraz/
