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Alcatraz Island stands shrouded in fog and mystery in the middle of the San Francisco Bay in Northern California. Often referred to as "The Rock", this place has served many purposes over the years, from a lighthouse to a military outpost, and most memorably a Federal Prison until the year 1963 when it was made a recreation area.

Hundreds of visitors a year flock to this oddly built marvel, perhaps to get a glimpse of the "grittier side" of San Francisco, and perhaps just to quell their curiosity as to what actually stands inside of those rock walls. I visited Alcatraz with my husband for the first time last year. We made reservations a day ahead of time for a tour that began at 9:00 in the morning. After short Ferry Ride, we found ourselves huddled close to other visitors, listening to an introductory speech about the Island and what was and wasn't allowed while on it's grounds.

Eventually, we made our way up the steep path which led to the upper prison (which is quite a climb for even the most in shape person-though they have assistance available for those with disabilities), passed eerily crumbling buildings and stairways. It's impossible not to stop and close your eyes while imagining the days of old, the inhabitants of the island. Most guards and their families lived on site, there was even a little schoolhouse, a garden that was tended by the wives, and the Warden's quarters.

Once inside the main prison, you are greeted by a docent who explains the "audio-tour", which I think is a must to get the actual feel for what it was like to be a prisoner on The Rock. There is a wonderful narration, which leads you step by step through the various areas of the prison, and it even includes some narrations by actual prisoners who served time within the very walls you are walking. It is eerie to say the least, but well worth the time it takes to complete the tour.

Once you've seen the main prison, there is really not alot more to do on the Island save walk around on your own, looking at pieces of amazing history. There are some wonderful photo opportunities, as the view is absolutely spectacular from the highest point of the Island. Ferries depart periodically, so you might have to wait a little while to catch one, but it's a perfect time to relax and allow what you have seen to seep into your soul.

Once back on "solid ground", I couldn't help but look back at The Rock and imagine those few people who actually tried to escape while swimming through the freezing cold, shark infested waters. The distance doesn't seem that far, but in reality the time it takes for hypothermia to set in is less than what it would take to make the swim. I imagined Frank Morris and the brothers John and Clarence Anglin (whose escape attempt was made famous by the movie "Escape from Alcatraz") and wondered if they had truly drowned as speculated, or if they are somewhere in the world today, looking back on their escape from Alcatraz with pride, guilt and fear.

Alcatraz Island holds different things for different people...some become very emotional, some become very excited and giddy...personally I felt a mixture of sadness and awe from the time that I deboarded the ferry and stepped on to the Island to the time that I arrived back to the Wharf. This is certainly a place that everyone should make an attempt to visit at least once in their life, if not multiple times. I think it's a great place for parents to bring children to learn about history. If you're taking a trip to San Francisco, Alcatraz is simply a must see!

Learn more about this author, Sarah Williams.
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