Bird Rock

See beautiful bay views, birds, gardens, and exhibits at Alctraz

Woman walking up stairs overlooking the Pacific Ocean from Alcatraz Island

Other than the Birdman of Alcatraz, Robert Stroud, birds aren’t typically the first thing you think of with Alcatraz. Yet the name Alcatraz is taken from the Spanish word, alcatraz, meaning "gannet," a type of seabird, which the early explorers gave it due to the abundant bird activity. When it was a working prison there wasn’t much bird life. But now? Well, the birds are back!

In fact 5,000 nesting birds call Alcatraz home, and right now is a fantastic time to see them by taking a long walk around the island. A bonus: Alcatraz offers just incredible views of the bay and the Golden Gate as well as San Francisco. When you get off the ferry, be sure to pick up the “Waterbirds of Alcatraz” brochure, which has a great map of the island and what types of birds are nesting where.

On the southern end of Alcatraz you’ll see the black-crowned night herons and western gulls. On the west side of the island looking out to the Golden Gate Bridge you’ll find the Brandt’s cormorants and even some snowy egrets. Take a stroll past the lighthouse (Tip: It’s super windy in this section, but just push past the lighthouse and the winds calm down … at least little bit!).

Head toward the recreation yard where inmates used to get some outdoor time; you can take the steep stairs up to and within its walls. Here you’ll get a bird’s-eye view of … birds! As you stroll, keep an eye out for newborn baby seagulls, tufts of black and grey speckled fluff often tucked under their mom’s body. It really is cuteness. Walking the island also introduces you to features not usually noted about Alcatraz, such as a garden, the red fire engine used on the island when it was a prison, and plenty of beautiful bright flowers around hillsides—including Dutch iris, grape hyacinth, and California poppies.

Woman looking at a teepee installation at the Red Power On Alcatraz exhibit on Alcatraz Island

Sign on Alcatraz

Red Power on Alctraz exhibit on Alcatraz Island

TIP: Do not miss the island’s outstanding exhibit “Red Power on Alcatraz.” In 1969 a group of Native American activists called the Indians of All Tribes arrived on Alcatraz in what today is often referred to as the Occupation on Alcatraz. Lasting 19 months, the Native Americans participating did so to speak out about the plight of American Indians and the US Government’s Termination Policy. The exhibit commemorates and illuminates this time on the island through magnificent photography, installations, and informative panels.

Alcatraz and the Red Power on Alcatraz Exhibit have reopened for in-person visitors. Book ahead!

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Gentle Giants

    Some people visit national parks to marvel at the iconic sights, while others come seeking solitude in nature. With visitation on the rise, it can be hard to find both. But in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, this pair of trails offers both....

    View
  2. Screaming Good Garden

    Combine a classic scary movie backdrop and life-size elephant garden sculptures in beautiful downtown Sonoma.

    View
  3. A Hike to the Past

    This 5.2-mile redwoods hike through El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space combines a relaxing stroll with unique geologic formations and historical artifacts.

    View
  4. Golden Mile

    Dubbed the Golden Mile, this car-free stretch of road in Golden Gate Park features rotating art installations of murals, sculptures, and abundant bright yellow Adirondack chairs for kicking back to relax. See Naga, the recent new addition here, an impressive sea serpent art installation at Golden Gate Park's Rainbow

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Sponsored

    Chase Fall Colors & Family Fun in Reno Tahoe

    Ready to Reno? We’re so with you! Reno Tahoe is the ultimate urban basecamp for gathering family and friends for all kinds of fall fun and festivities.

    View
  2. Welcome to the Ice Age

    Only in LA can you stumble upon a lake of bubbling black goo right in the middle of the city—complete with a life-size family of mammoths frozen in time. Take a whiff and you’ll catch the unmistakable scent of asphalt: Yep, you’ve made it to the La Brea Tar Pits & Museum.

    View
  3. Griffith's Golden

    With over 4,200 acres and hundreds of trails, Griffith Park is the gold standard. Opt for the lesser-hiked northwestern end of the park and visit the 2.25-mile Skyline and Oak Canyon loop from Travel Town.

    View
  4. Mulholland's Most Majestic

    Take a leisurely drive along Mulholland Drive to discover beautiful urban scenery and unexpected wild beauty, right in the middle of the city. 

    View