Alcatraz in San Francisco

Alcatraz, formally known as Alcatraz Island, is a small island located in San Francisco Bay. Known for its former prison, it has become a popular tourist attraction. Alcatraz was first used by the United States military as a fort during the 1850s, and in 1934 it was turned into a maximum-security prison for some of the nation's most dangerous criminals. The island's prison held prisoners from 1934 to 1963, with notable inmates including Al Capone and George "Machine Gun" Kelly. It was said that Alcatraz was inescapable, but in 1962, three prisoners managed to escape and were never found. The escape attempt became known as the "Battle of Alcatraz."

Today, visitors can take a ferry to the island and explore the prison through a guided audio tour. The tour showcases the history of the island, as well as the harsh living conditions for the prisoners. Visitors can see the former cells, dining hall, exercise yard, and other parts of the prison. In addition to the tour of the prison, visitors can also explore the natural beauty of the island. The island is home to various plant and animal species, including rare bird species. Visitors can take a walking tour of the gardens or hike the many trails on the island.