Despite frigid temperatures and a wind advisory in effect for area shorelines, almost 150 people braved the cold and boarded the first ferry in more than three months to visit Alcatraz on Monday morning.
They would be the first visitors in a year to enter the cellblock, the main attraction on a trip to the rock.
As the excited guests disembarked and took video of the downtown San Francisco skyline view and selfies in front of the Alcatraz sign, park rangers called out often to remind people to wear their masks and keep their distance from others. Circles on the ground marked six feet of social distancing regularly throughout the trails, ferry and cellblock, and hand sanitizer was available at several sanitizing stations.
All tickets were sold out on opening day. “This day is symbolic,” said Charlie Strickfaden, communications director for the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, “not only for the National Park Service, but for the San Francisco tourist community.”
Those that have done the jail tour before will notice only minor differences — the route visitors used to take through the former prison has been reversed and a few changes have been made to accommodate construction for a seismic retrofit of the building. Guests are encouraged to download the audio tour to their smartphone and listen on their own headphones, though audio devices are available for those who need them (and sanitized thoroughly).
The outdoor areas of the island, including Eagle Plaza, Sally Port, the Recreation Yard and the historic garden are all open, as is the New Industries Building, which currently features an exhibit recognizing the 50th anniversary of the Alcatraz Occupation by Indians of All Tribes, an important event in the Native American civil rights movement.
Reservations are required to visit the island. Ferries are operating at reduced capacity and will not have food or drinks on sale onboard. Food consumption is also prohibited on the island, so plan accordingly.
One of the city’s most popular tourist destinations, welcoming about 1.4 million visitors in a typical year, the island has been closed to the public since the winter shutdown took effect Dec. 6, 2020. The island previously reopened in August 2020, but the cellblock remained closed.
