Visit Alcatraz & Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco CA

.... continuing with our suggestions of some of the attractions run by the US National Parks Service that are well worth a visit when you go to the States.

Alcatraz Island, San Francisco, California

Surely almost everyone must have heard of the infamous Alcatraz Island, renowned as the 'inescapable' prison that has featured in many films and TV programs.

While the old prison buildings and artefacts are a certain attraction, the Island is also a sanctuary for thousands of seabirds.

Originally established as a fort to defend sans Francisco in 1850, it wasn't until 1934 that it became a jail that lasted until 1963, when for a number of years the island was occupied by American Indians and was the birthplace of the Red Power movement. 

Access to the Island is only by a ferry service operated by Alcatraz Cruises LLC, and the price of your ticket includes entry to the Island. It's advisable to book in advance particularly in the summer months to avoid being disappointed. Click here for details of the service.

Among the well know inmates of the prison were Al Capone (the Chicago gangster) who suffered a brutal attack by another inmate in the shower room.  

Alcatraz Island & San Francisco

Click here to read more about Alcatraz Island.

Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, California

Another icon in the San Francisco area is the incredible Golden Gate Bridge that crosses the bay.  You can travel across the bridge by car on payment of a toll, or there are viewing areas and guided tours available.  The surrounding area forms part of the Golden Gate National Park. Click here for details. 

Golden Gate Bridge San Francisco CA

Click here for luggage for your American adventure. 

Visit the USA's National Parks

Do you know that the US National Park Service (NPS) that was established in 1916 now manages more than 400 parks and places, many of which are likely to be instantly recognisable to you through their natural beauty, historical significance, or their having been used as the backdrop to many films and TV programs.

If you're planning to visit the USA you may wish to consider building your stay around a visit to one of more of these treasures.

The First National Monument designated was the dramatic Devils Tower in Wyoming.  You may recognise it from the 1970's film 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind' when it was used in the climactic scenes.

Apart from the incredible rock formations the tower is regarded as sacred by the local plains indian tribes including the Blackfeet, Crow, Cheyenne and Arapaho.

The monument is open 24/7 every day apart from Christmas Day & New Year's Day, with the visitor centre open between 9am and 4pm daily.

To read the parks latest newsletter click here.

An attraction in the vicinity of Devils Tower is the world famous Mount Rushmore National Park in South Dakota.  

Marvel at the huge sculptures of the heads of four American Presidents carved out of the Black Hills. See if you can recognise Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln & Roosevelt.

There is no charge to visit the memorial, but there are car parking charges. The grounds are open 247 apart from Christmas Day & New Year's Day.

To read more about the memorial click here.

For luggage for your American adventure click here.

Look at for suggestions for further National Parks to visit.