Alcatraz Island Reopens Outdoor Areas to Visitors

Image: Alcatraz Island, San Francisco, California. (photo via  f8grapher / iStock / Getty Images Plus) (f8grapher/iStock/Getty Images Plus)
Image: Alcatraz Island, San Francisco, California. (photo via f8grapher / iStock / Getty Images Plus) (f8grapher/iStock/Getty Images Plus)
Patrick Clarke
by Patrick Clarke
Last updated: 12:22 PM ET, Mon August 17, 2020

Alcatraz Island partially reopened to visitors for the first time in five months on Monday.

The popular San Francisco attraction, home to the former maximum-security federal prison that once housed the likes of Al Capone and George "Machine Gun Kelly," will only reopen outdoor areas for now, according to The Mercury News.

However, highlights will include the historic Eagle Plaza, Recreation Yard, Sally Port and Rose Garden as well as trails offering views of the Cell House, Building 64, Warden's House, wildlife and more.

"This is a great opportunity. There will be fewer visitors on the island," said National Park Service spokesman Charles Strickfaden. "It's an opportunity to take a walk on the wild side at Alcatraz. There are thousands of nesting birds out there. There are amazing views. There's a lot to do."

The island will be limited to 750 visitors a day, far fewer compared to the 5,000 to 6,000 who typically visit on the average summer day. Alcatraz attracts approximately 1.7 million visitors a year.

Alcatraz Cruises will operate up to five trips per day to the island from San Francisco's Pier 33 between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., requiring all passengers to wear a face mask and have their temperature taken prior to boarding the boat.

Alcatraz's indoor areas, including cell blocks, the theater and gift shop will remain closed until San Francisco's indoor museums are permitted to reopen.


For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.

Topics From This Article to Explore

More From TravelPulse

Related Videos

Patrick Clarke

Patrick Clarke

Senior Editor

A Maryland native and wanderer who has lived across the U.S. from North Carolina to SoCal, Patrick Clarke graduated from Towson University with a B.S. in journalism. He previously worked for Bleacher

Grow Your Travel Business With Certified Courses

Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.

Don't Miss These Travel Agent Events and Trainings

Upcoming Webinar
MSC Cruises Exclusive Preview: New MSC World Atlantic Reveal & MoreWednesday, October 21, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
As we approach the one-year countdown to the highly anticipated arrival of MSC World Atlantic, join...
Upcoming Webinar
Mexico for the Western Traveler Part 1: 2026Thursday, October 22, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West and TravelPulse in the virtual studios for Discover Mexico for the...
Upcoming Webinar
Europe Made Easy: Sell with Confidence with Classic VacationsFriday, October 23, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
From iconic cities to hidden gems, discover how Classic Vacations helps travel advisors navigate the...
Upcoming Webinar
MSC Cruises Exclusive Preview: New MSC World Atlantic Reveal & MoreWednesday, October 21, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
As we approach the one-year countdown to the highly anticipated arrival of MSC World Atlantic, join...
Upcoming Webinar
Mexico for the Western Traveler Part 1: 2026Thursday, October 22, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West and TravelPulse in the virtual studios for Discover Mexico for the...
Upcoming Webinar
Europe Made Easy: Sell with Confidence with Classic VacationsFriday, October 23, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
From iconic cities to hidden gems, discover how Classic Vacations helps travel advisors navigate the...