Alcatraz Embarkation

Located along the Embarcadero, within the Historic Waterfront District at Piers 31, the 31.5 wharf and 33, Alcatraz Embarkation is the transformation of an existing wharf plaza and adjacent pier buildings as the destination to the National Park Service on Alcatraz Island. Alcatraz City Cruises operates the Landing as well as the Ferry service. Alcatraz Embarkation has easy access to mass transit by the historic Muni F-line trolleys, as well as CNG shuttles and tour buses. Nearby parking garages and 1,000 off-street parking spaces are a short walk away. 

The design of Embarkation Landing features a soaring concrete canopy on the plaza’s northern side for ferry passengers queuing to Alcatraz Island.  The plaza’s southern side features a smaller sloped canopy that accommodates queuing for ferry passenger excursions as well as a weather protected enclosure open to the public during daylight hours. The central plaza is the central hub accommodating both ferry queues, an open area for large groups, and an intimate ‘living room’ around a physical model of Alcatraz Island. The plaza is equipped with an integrated audio/visual/lighting system for ferry boat arrivals and departures, shuttle bus drop-off, and ticketing. Seating of various forms and interpretive displays enrich the Embarkation Landing experience.  

On the northern side of the plaza, after the major renovation of the Pier 33 bulkhead will contain a new Welcome Retail Center on the ground floor, NPS Conservancy offices on the second floor and Alcatraz City Cruises, the operator, on the third floor. The Welcome Center, while retail oriented, will also enable visitors to view interpretive displays pertaining to Alcatraz Island. On the southern side of the plaza, following the renovation of the Pier 31 bulkhead, the space will feature a café.

The interpretive exhibits at key locations on the plaza are orchestrated by the National Park Service. A focus on the natural resources of the island is overlaid with the time periods in which the island was used as a fortress, federal penitentiary and occupation by Native American Indians. The design of the Alcatraz Embarkation seamlessly combines historical preservation, contextual rich modern design with a famous tourism attraction to create a vibrant gateway that celebrates Alcatraz Island's heritage and enriches the visitor experience.