Alcatraz from shore?
Will I be able to see anything recognizable on Alcatraz from shore? Like from Pier 39 in San Francisco.
Best Answer
With the naked eye from the shore nearby the island is visible, though without much detail and subject to weather conditions (eg fog) etc.
Being a small island and 2.5 miles offshore a small coin held at arm's length onshore would probably be just about enough to obscure the whole island. Though It does not occupy much of the area of sight, from there at least a building and a tower should be discernible, together with some other details, even if it is not clear what these other details are.
With vision assistance (eg binoculars or camera) the island might well fill the field of view without loss of much definition.
For me a visit to the island has very little appeal but seeing it from shore is something I would like to do. The cost/time/administration involved with a tour just does not seem worthwhile to me but I feel a sense of significance and marvel achievable just by live observation from a distance. Prisons are mostly four (probably drab) walls and a lot of security the world over. Alcatraz's USP was its location in the bay and how effective a mere 2.5 miles of water was as a 'moat'. That can be seen when looking towards the island almost as well as when looking from the island.
I have not posted an image because the OP has indicated a desire to keep sight of it as a surprise until there. However photos can easily be found on Google Earth that indicate how much can be seen from shore.
Pictures about "Alcatraz from shore?"
Who swam to shore from Alcatraz?
Jim Zinger told himself after swimming from Alcatraz Island to mainland San Francisco 12 years ago that he would never perform the feat again. However, when a friend asked if he would make the roughly 2-mile crossing a second time as an early birthday gift to himself during Memorial Day weekend, he couldn't say \u201cno.\u201dHas anyone ever swam from Alcatraz to the mainland?
We were among a group of 10 swimmers braving the swirling waters and strong currents of the San Francisco Bay on a one-and-a-half mile (2.4km) open-water swim from the notorious Alcatraz Island to the mainland. It was 08:11 on Sunday 12 May 2013.Has anyone escaped Alcatraz Swimming?
during which the prison housed about 1,500 total prisoners, only 14 total escape attempts were made. Of those who attempted to escape, none are believed to have successfully made it to shore without drowning, being captured, or being shot during the attempt.Can you swim from Alcatraz to Angel Island?
From Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco, a boat will carry you to the north side of Alcatraz Island. Upon entering the water you will make the 2 mile swim to Angel Island with the incoming flood tide behind you.Looking At Alcatraz From Shore
More answers regarding alcatraz from shore?
Answer 2
Besides the view from shore at the various points mentioned by Zach, if you go to the Alcatraz ticket office, you can also see quite a large model of the island. This would allow you toview the island and be able to identify exactly what parts of it you're seeing.
I've been to Alcatraz twice and I definitely think it's worth a visit. It's so striking being on the island and seeing the locations you would be aware of from the movie.
If you really want to get a feel of the idea of escaping from the island, you can sign up for a swim from Alcatraz (actually from a boat just off the island) to the mainland. Here's one company that organises them. It's on my todo list.
Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Images: Pixabay, Pok Rie, Disha Sheta, Beatriz Beltrame