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This is the Harbor Princess ferry which is one of many in the Red And White Fleet which takes tourists on a cruise around San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge. Click Photos To Enlarge. For more great shots, visit Watery Wednesday

Alcatraz Island aka "The Rock" San Francisco Bay Alcatraz Island shot taken from boat docks at Hyde St. Pier - San Francisco Bay Be sure to visit the other participants by clicking the above widget.

Before Alcatraz began operation as a federal prison in 1934 hosting residence to the likes of Al Capone and Robert Stroud (The Birdman of Alcatraz) it was a harbor defense post and military prison back in the nineteenth century. The lighthouse went into operation in 1954 and was the first American lighthouse in operation on the West Coast. It can be seen from 18 miles out to sea. Alcatraz was closed as a federal prison in 1963 when it became the site for an Indian protest movement. The Golden Gate National Recreation Area took over maintaining and preserving the island later on and reopened it as a park in 1973. It is owned by the Federal Government and as a result is required to be maintained as is. There have been various proposals to take down the prison and build hotels, spas and shopping complexes on the island but all of these proposals have been rejected by the government. In 1973, the year it re-opened as a park and sight seeing attraction it hosted over fifty thousand v...

Home to world class dining, shopping and entertainment, Pier 39 is located on Beach Street along the Embarcadero in San Francisco. This post will feature important facts and information. Information: The retail shops within the complex are open from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm with extended hours of operation during Summer months. The full service restaurants are open from 11:30 am with some opening earlier for breakfast. There are also many small kiosks where you can buy coffee, hot chocolate, hot dogs, corn dogs, sodas etc… Security: Pier 39 is patrolled around the clock, 24 hours a day. The head of security is maintained by the SFPD and the security guards are experienced professionals who are certified in First Aid, CPR, The Automated External Defibrillator and Fire and Life Safety. They are well versed in law enforcement techniques and a wide range of emergency response scenarios. Directions & Parking: Pier 39 is a major destination and therefore accessible by all major thor...