Visit Gold Bug Park in Placerville: Mine Tour, Historic Stamp Mill, Hiking and More
Located in the historical town of Placerville in Northern California, Gold Bug Park features hiking trails, gem panning…
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Located in the historical town of Placerville in Northern California, Gold Bug Park features hiking trails, gem panning, a historic stamp mill and the park’s main attraction, Gold Bug Mine.
Originally called Hattie Mine, it was constructed in 1888 by William Craddock and John Drench. The original name, Hattie, was the name of Craddock’s oldest daughter.
The mine would change ownership several times throughout its operation and would eventually cease operations in the 1940’s.
Today, the park and mine are open to the public for self-guided tours via a handheld audio device. It may not be as impressive as Bodie, but Gold Bug Mine is a fantastically preserved example of California’s rich mining history.
In this post, I’ll discuss a variety of topics, such as what to expect during the tour, entry fees, parking and more. At the end, be sure to let me know in the comments if this is a place you and your family would enjoy visiting. Let’s get into it.
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Getting There, Parking & Entrance Fees
Gold Park Park is conveniently situated almost right off US-50 and only around 45 miles from Sacramento, and 60 miles from the heart of South Lake Tahoe. It’s also an easy visit from nearby Apple Hill.
From US-50, take the Bedford Ave. exit and continue for a mile before turning right onto Gold Bug Ln and into the parking lot for Gold Bug Park.
Parking is fairly limited near the visitor center, but there is a much larger lot further up the road near the stamp mill, if needed. Both options are free, by the way.
From the smaller lot, there’s a wooden boardwalk leading to the mine entrance. To the left of the boardwalk is where gem panning takes place and to the right is the visitor center.
To get to the entrance to Gold Bug Mine, go up the stairs from inside the visitor center to the check-in desk. There is where you’ll pay your entry fees.
In this room, there are several exhibits of mining artifacts, some of which were discovered in Gold Bug itself. One such exhibit is a caged canary (pictured below) which miners used as a way to detect the presence of carbon monoxide.
With their small size and rapid breathing rate, canaries would quickly succumb to the effects of carbon monoxide, giving the miners a heads up to looming danger.
While guided tours are offered from time to time, self-guided tours are what most visitors will experience. Fees for the self-guided tour are as follows:
$12 - Adults
$10 - Senior (55+) and Military
$6 - Youth (6 - 17 years)
Free - Ages 5 and under
In 2024, Gold Bug Mine is open from 10am - 4pm, with no new tours allowed after 3:30pm. Additionally, those under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Prior to the tour, each person will be given a handheld audio device (no headphones) and an optional yellow hardhat. To begin your tour, simply exit the room to the adjacent mine entrance.
Gold Bug Mine Self-Guided Tour
The entrance to the mine is tall enough for most people to walk through without having to bend down the entire time. Additionally, the floor is easy to traverse as it’s been boarded. It’s fairly slim in some spots, so groups going in opposite directions would need to step aside to allow the other to pass.
The 353-foot long mine drift has several yellow cards, each with a number, placed into the wall at about eye level. These cards indicate when to start playing your audio device to hear the narrator’s discussion of that particular section of the mine.
If I remember correctly, there were twelve stops in total, with each stop taking three to five minutes for the narration, plus however long we stayed to look around and take photos. You can pause and play the device as you go. There is no time limit.
We were lucky in that we had the mine to ourselves for the majority of our time there, with a small group arriving while we were working our way back out.
Based on that brief encounter with the other group, I can see it being difficult to concentrate on the narrator on your own device when there are several others playing concurrently.
While trying to listen to the last one or two sections, we kept hearing the other groups narrator from the echoing in the mine, which was a bit distracting. So arrive early or outside the summer months to avoid a crowd if that’s important to you.
At the terminus of the drift, you’ll see an ore cart that was actually used in the mine. Additionally, you’ll see several examples of how dynamite was used by the miners.
We spent a little more than an hour exploring the mine. This included time to listen to the narrator at each stop, as well as to look around and taking photos.
When finished, you’ll simply make your way out of the drift and back to the check-in desk to turn in your audio device. From here, there are several other attractions to explore, including hiking trails and the historic stamp mill.
Joshua Hendy Stamp Mill & Hiking Trails
To get to the stamp mill from the mine, walk or drive further up the road to where it terminates at another parking lot. It’s housed inside a grey-colored building, the entrance of which can be found by walking up the dirt path.
The stamp mill will be recognizable right away, as its commanding presence hits you as soon as you enter the building. The interior is multi-level, allowing for multiple views of the stamp mill.
On the bottom level, there’s a working scale model of the stamp mill that demonstrates the ore crushing process, as well as several mining artifacts on display.
After checking out the stamp mill, be sure to exit the building and head further up the dirt path to see a live blacksmith demonstration. Additionally, back at the parking lot, there’s the trailhead for the Springhill Trail.
I didn’t hike it, but from the trailhead I saw these interesting, multi-colored trees so I walked to the top of the hill to check them out. The inside portion of the branches were grey, with the outside being bright red. They were incredibly cool to look at and photograph.
Gold Bug Park has something for everyone and is a fantastic example of how important it is to preserve our history whenever possible. I feel everyone, from history buffs to families, would enjoy their time here.
Planning a trip to Northern California? Read 10 Awesome Things to Do in Yosemite Valley on Your First Visit. If considering Lake Tahoe, read Emerald Bay State Park Guide. Also check out The Complete Guide to Muir Woods National Monument.
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Bodie State Historic Park 2024 Guide: Fees, Directions, Parking and More
If you’ve ever wanted to know what life was like during the heyday of the California gold rush, your best bet is to begin with a visit…
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products or services that I believe will add value to my readers.
If you’ve ever wanted to know what life was like during the height of the California gold rush, your first stop should be a visit to Bodie State Historic Park just outside of Bridgeport, CA.
Often referred to as the “Disneyland” of ghost towns, Bodie features dozens of historic structures, all preserved in a state of arrested decay (meaning park officials do nothing to improve the buildings. They do just enough to keep them from completely deteriorating).
If you’ve never been to Bodie, you’re likely wondering how to visit this spectacular place and see it for yourself. Follow along as we give you all the necessary information to ensure a successful visit.
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Bodie State Park History
Bodie was named after Waterman S. Body. He’s the man who discovered a small amount of gold near the hills north of Mono Lake. Those hills later revealed a massive amount of gold deposits and from there, the boom was in full swing.
Once word spread, people flocked to Bodie and transformed it from a town of a couple dozen miners into a boomtown with over 10,000 people. At its peak, there were many saloons, gambling halls, brothels and more.
After its peak in 1881, mining began to diminish and people began abandoning Bodie, moving on to the next boomtown.
In the early 1930’s, there was interest in getting the town running again by utilizing electrical power to operate the stamp mill and a cyanide process to work the mill tailings.
In a twist of fate, however, a fire started by a two year old playing with matches destroyed all but ten percent of the town. All hopes for another boom literally went up in smoke.
In 1962, Bodie was designated as both a State Historic Park and a National Historic Site in order to preserve this wonderful place for generations to come.
How To Get To Bodie
Thankfully, Bodie is easy to get as it’s located between two beloved California mountain towns; Bridgeport and Lee Vining.
From Bridgeport, it’s seven miles south on highway 395 to state route 270 (turn left) and another 13 miles to the park itself. Alternatively, from Lee Vining, it’s roughly 18 miles on 395 north to the turnoff (turn right).
The first 10 miles of state route 270 is paved and mostly smooth, but the final three is neither of those things. Low clearance vehicles will have no problems navigating it, though (provided it’s clear of snow).
As you can see, Bridgeport is much closer to the park than Lee Vining, making it an obvious basecamp for visitors. However, I highly encourage you to at least visit Lee Vining as well.
READ ALSO: “7 Things You Will Love About Lee Vining”
There are no major airports to the park. The closest ones would be Reno International to the north and LAX to the south. The closest of which is 163-miles away. So having a vehicle (or being part of a group tour) is necessary.
Accommodations
There are no hotels or campgrounds in the park itself, but nearby Lee Vining and Bridgeport offer both. In Bridgeport, accommodations include the historic Bridgeport Inn, Virginia Creek Settlement and a few Airbnb rentals.
In Lee Vining, you’ll find Lake View Lodge, El Mono Hotel, Yosemite Gateway Hotel and numerous campgrounds along Tioga Pass (during summer and fall).
Food & Drinks
Unfortunately, there aren’t offered at the park either. However, water fountains can be found in the parking lot adjacent to the restrooms.
As with accommodations, both Lee Vining and Bridgeport offer plenty of local eateries. Despite this, I would advise you to bring water and snacks with you to the park to have while you explore.
In Bridgeport, “Burger Barn”, and ,”Jolly Kone”, are local favorites. Whenever I’m in Lee Vining, I always make it a point to eat at either ,“Whoa Nelly Deli”, or ,“Bodie Mike’s BBQ”.
Bodie State Park Fees and Hours
Park hours vary according to time of year. They are:
Summer Hours
9:00am - 6:00pm (March 8th - October 31st)
Winter Hours
9:00am - 4:00pm (November 1st - March 7th)
Although the park is open in winter, state route 270 (the road leading to Bodie) is closed and is only accessible via snowmobiles, skis or snowshoes.
Bodie sits at 8,375 feet in elevation and has unpredictable weather patterns (even during the summer months). Sub-zero temps, white out conditions and thunder storms aren’t exactly unheard of here.
Bodie State Park’s admission fees as of 2024 are:
$8.00 per adult
$5.00 per child ages 4-17
Free for ages 3 & younger
$3.00 per tour booklet
While cash is always accepted, they prefer you pay by debit or credit card. Also, change isn’t always available. So if you’re paying with cash, bring exact change.
Something I do recommend to first timers is to pick up the information booklet sold at the entrance. It’s $3.00 extra, but it provides invaluable information on the structures in the park.
As you approach a structure, look for the number (usually staked into the ground) and match it to the corresponding number in the booklet. It’ll tell you what the structure was used for, who lived there, etc. It’s highly informative.
The Bodie Curse
As previously mentioned, Bodie’s a protected site and as such, removing or damaging items in the park is prohibited. You’ll face fines, be trespassed, arrested or something a bit more sinister; be cursed.
The story varies wildly from person to person but they all seem to agree on one thing; bringing anything home with you from Bodie could bring you misfortune.
Per local legend, rangers often receive packages containing stolen items such as dolls, old cans and rocks accompanied by a letter from the apologetic sender.
The letters have stated that they’ve had nothing but bad luck since returning home. After sending the item back, however,, the bad luck would cease and life returns to normal.
Regardless of whether you believe in the curse or not, it’s up to us to do our part to ensure Bodie’s longevity. Just like when you go hiking; take nothing but pictures and leave nothing but footprints.
Points of Interest
There are many buildings and artifacts to see during your visit but there’s a few that are considered must see.
One of the first features you’ll see as you enter the park is the cemetery. It’s uphill to the right of the entrance road and overlooks the town.
The Methodist Church, one of the first buildings on the path, is probably the most recognizable and photographed structure in all of Bodie.
The Stamp Mill is another must see. Guided tours are offered three times a day at 11:00, 1:00, & 3:00 (staffing dependent) for $6 dollars. Tickets can be purchased at the museum.
Speaking of the museum, you’ll definitely want to stop here. It’s a great place to get out of the sun for a bit and while you’re there, you can spend time checking out all the artifacts found in the park throughout the years.
Inside the barn just past the Methodist Church (across the street) you’ll find another opportunity to get out of the sun via the, “Frozen in Time”, video presentation. It’s on a continuous, 28-minute loop and provides an extensive look into the history of Bodie.
Best Time To Visit Bodie
Bodie is open throughout the year. It isn’t always accessible to everyone, though. As stated above, the road to Bodie is closed to vehicles. So for most people that leaves spring, summer, and fall.
Spring: If you get here right at the beginning of the tourist season, you’ll typically experience mild weather and lighter crowds. Weekends are busy but not to the point of being miserable.
Summer: This is the height of the tourist season and brings hot days with probable afternoon thunderstorms. Crowds are at their heaviest during this time so if you must come during summer, a weekday would be your best bet.
Fall: By this time, crowds begin to thin and temperatures begin to cool back down. Until the end of October, weekends will still have a decent turn out with weekdays being light.
Winter: Crowds are non-existent. Aside from the Ranger, you’ll likely have it to yourself. The museum and stamp mill are closed, but you’ll have the chance to see a side of Bodie most never do. Get your hands on a snowmobile and you’re set.
Additional Information and Tips
Dogs are permitted in the park. They must be leashed and they’re not permitted inside any of the structures or on the stamp mill tour.
Wear comfortable clothing, but bring layers. The weather at Bodie can be unpredictable. It’s advisable to dress for heat, but bring a jacket or sweater as well (yes, even during the summer). An umbrella wouldn’t be a bad idea, either.
Not all photography equipment is allowed. Most camera and video equipment use is permitted in the park. Due to the fragile nature of the structures, drone use is prohibited.
You can go inside some of the structures. As long as there isn’t a barrier stopping you from entering, you are permitted inside.
Plan for a full day (or two). You could see all the highlights in a single day but honestly, you could spend an entire week at Bodie and STILL not see everything. The more time you can devote, the better.
Nearby Attractions
There are many other attractions just a short drive away from Bodie. If you’re using Lee Vining or Bridgeport as your base, you’re close to the majority of these (tap/click the link to read our guides on these destinations):
Conway Summit
Twin Lakes
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This article was originally published in 2021 and has recently been updated for accuracy.
Fort Point National Historic Site: Parking, History, Fees and More
Nestled at the entrance to Golden Gate Bay in San Francisco lies a hidden gem of American history - Fort Point National…
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Nestled at the entrance to Golden Gate Bay in San Francisco lies a hidden gem of American history - Fort Point National Historic Site.
Steeped in military heritage and offering breathtaking views, this site transports visitors back to the era of the Civil War.
In this post, we'll delve into the captivating history of Fort Point, exploring its significance and the unique experiences it offers to those who visit.
Topics such as parking, the fort’s history, fees, how to get there and more will be discussed. Let’s get into it!
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Fort Point History
Constructed between 1853 and 1861, Fort Point stands as a testament to the nation's military defense strategies during the mid-19th century.
Its primary purpose was to protect San Francisco Bay from potential attacks. Named after the rocky promontory on which it was built, Fort Point was initially armed with hundreds of cannons and a garrison of soldiers.
During the American Civil War, Fort Point played a vital role in safeguarding the Pacific Coast. Despite its strategic significance, it never saw direct combat during the conflict.
Its mere presence deterred Confederate vessels from venturing too close to the Bay Area, thereby safeguarding the Union's interests until 1886, when all troops were withdrawn.
In the mid-20th century, there were plans to demolish the fort in order to make way for the construction of the Golden Gate Bridge.
However, due to the efforts of preservationists, the fort was spared and bridge was purposely built around it. In 1970, it was designated a National Historic Site, ensuring its protection.
Today, the fort serves as a tangible reminder of the nation's turbulent past and the enduring strength of the United States.
Parking at Fort Point
Fort Point National Historic Site, located underneath the southern end of the Golden Gate Bridge, offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into the city's rich history.
As you plan your visit, a key consideration is parking. As I’m sure you know, parking anywhere in San Francisco can be quite the task. Thankfully, at Fort Point, there are a few viable options.
On-Site Parking
Fort Point National Historic Site has dedicated on-site parking for visitors. There’s a handful of spaces directly adjacent to the fort.
Limited street parking is also available along Marine Drive, just outside the entrance. I suggest arriving early to secure a spot.
If you intend to park here and are utilizing GPS, be sure to punch in the exact address OR its full name (Fort Point National Historic Site). The address is:
201 Marine Drive, San Francisco, CA, 94129
If you only punch in, “Fort Point”, like I did, it’ll likely take you to the Battery East parking lot (which isn’t necessarily a bad thing).
By inputting the address or full name, it’ll take you to the parking spaces along Marine drive.
Crissy Field Parking Lot
Situated a short walk away from the fort, the Crissy Field parking lot offers ample space. It provides easy access to the site and is often a preferred choice due to its proximity.
Parking here is free on weekdays but there is a fee on weekends. They are:
$1.20 per hour
$7.00 for the day
The payment kiosks accept credit or debit cards, as well as coins.
From this parking lot, it’s 1.6-miles to the fort and takes roughly thirty minutes by foot.
While it isn’t the closest lot, it’s situated near many other attractions in the Presidio. If you’re visiting them as well, parking here may be the most strategic option.
Battery East Parking Lot
Located east of Fort Point, the Battery East parking lot is another viable option. Although it requires a short downhill hike to get to the fort.
If you feel up to hiking, I highly suggest parking here. The views of the Golden Gate Bridge from this trail are outstanding. Especially in the spring when local floral is in bloom.
There are parking fees at this location. They are:
$3.00 per hour
$10.00 for the day
There are two pay stations located at each end of the lot and they only accept credit or debit cards. Be sure to place your receipt on your dashboard.
It’s about 3/4’s of a mile (one-way) to the fort and takes roughly 15-minutes to get there.
Fort Point Fees & Hours of Operation
At Fort Point, there are no admission fees (or parking fees if you park along Marine drive).
That’s the good news. The bad news? The fort isn’t open every day of the week. The fort’s hours of operation are:
Open Thursday - Monday, 10am - 5pm (roof access closes at 4:30)
Closed Tuesday, Wednesday and on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day
These hours pertain to the interior of the fort. The exterior can be accessed seven days a week.
If you’ll be here on a day when the fort is closed, I still recommend going as the views of the bridge from here are amazing.
However, I highly suggest timing your visit to a day when the interior is open to get the most out of Fort Point.
The Interior of Fort Point
When you step through the iron gates of Fort Point, the first thing you’ll likely take notice of is the beautiful contrast of 1800’s and 1900’s architecture as the Golden Gate Bridge intersects with the fort nearly directly above you.
There are several levels to the fort, most of which (including the open top roof) are accessible to visitors.
Something to note is that only the bottom level is wheelchair accessible. The remaining levels must be accessed via the spiral staircase leading up to the guard towers.
There are many artifacts on display, such as canons and several images showing what the fort looked like prior to the construction of the bridge.
As you move up the levels, you’ll find several rooms that were once living quarters for the soldiers and officers with exhibits on display.
You’ll also notice dozens of look-out holes along the brick walls that once allowed soldiers to maintain surveillance of the bay and utilize artillery, if needed.
Make your way up to the roof and treat yourself to amazing views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the bay. Dotted along the roof are foundations that once housed artillery batteries.
If you can, try to picture the bay without the bridge and put yourself in the point of view of the soldiers as they wondered if that would be the day the Confederacy attacked.
When you’re finished exploring, simply make your way outside the fort and move on to your next adventure of the day.
If you’re interested in additional sites that detail the area’s rich military history, consider reading a few more of our posts to help map out your trip. They are:
“The Ultimate Guide To Visiting and Touring Alcatraz Island”*
“San Francisco’s Embarcadero: Best Things To Do, Getting Around and More”*
“Muir Beach Overlook: A Breathtaking View Of The Pacific Ocean”*
“Kirby Cove: The Most Gorgeous View Of The Golden Gate Bridge”*
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How To Visit The Bridge From 'Stand By Me" In Burney
The 1986 Hollywood film, ‘Stand By Me’, wasn’t exactly a box office hit but over the years it has since gained a strong cult fan…
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The 1986 Hollywood film, ‘Stand By Me’, wasn’t exactly a box office hit. Over the years, though, it has gained a strong cult following.
If you’re part of that (and since you’re reading this i’m assuming you are), you undoubtedly remember that infamous bridge scene.
You may not realize this, but that scene wasn’t filmed in Oregon. It was filmed just down the road from Burney Falls in Burney, California.
While it was taken out of service early into the new millennium, it still stands to this day and can be easily visited by anyone who wishes to.
So where is it? How do you get there? We answer these questions and more in the post below. Let’s get into it.
A Quick Word…
While you’re still permitted to visit the location of the bridge, the bridge itself has been blocked off. Accessing the bridge is no longer permitted due to the 2021 death of a Reno, NV man.
The scene from ‘Stand By Me’ where the four boys had to run for their lives from an oncoming train.
Getting There
The bridge from ‘Stand by Me’ is located just a short drive away from the central part of Burney, California. From famed Burney Falls, it’s just a couple minutes away.
If you’re coming from Burney (whether the town or the waterfall):
Head north on highway 89 (if you’re at Burney Falls, take a left out of the park).
Shortly after crossing over Lake Britton, and driving through the overpass, take a (very) hard right onto Eagle Mountain lane.
You’ll continue on the dirt road for about a quarter mile before arriving at the bridge on your right.
If you’re coming from the opposite direction, such as McCloud or Dunsmuir, you’ll simply go south on highway 89 before taking a left onto Eagle Mountain lane.
Milage from additional cities and parks include:
Burney Falls: 2.5 miles
Lassen National Park: 43 miles
Redding, CA: 67 miles
Reno, NV: 168 miles
Medford, OR: 138 miles
Brownsville, OR: 338 miles
The dirt road going to the bridge is navigable for just about any vehicle. Our compact made it just fine. Though there are some potholes to keep an eye out for.
There is no official parking lot, but there’s an open area of dirt on the side of the road that serves that purpose. Just find a spot that makes sense.
The ‘Stand By Me’ Bridge
The first thing you’ll likely notice is the blockade placed in front of the bridge. Prior to 2021, walking across the bridge was permitted.
Since 2021, when a Reno man was killed after jumping from the bridge, a barricade was put in place and access to the bridge became prohibited.
Thankfully, there are open slots between the cement blockade and barbwire where you can get a clear photo of the bridge itself.
Despite the bridge being blocked off, it’s still worth a visit. Particularly if you’re a fan of the movie.
Even if you’re not a fan, it’s a historic bridge with amazing views of the lake and surrounding hills. You can get those views on either side of the bridge.
I can’t say for sure, but it’s likely possible to access the bridge from the other side via the Burney section of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT).
Along the Burney Falls Scenic Loop there’s a point in which you can access the PCT. I’m not sure of the milage, though.
I suggest hiking for a couple miles until you see what looks like old train tracks and follow those towards the water.
Your Thoughts…
Are you a fan of, ‘Stand by Me’? Have you been to this bridge or have you been wanting to visit it? Let us know in the comments below! We love hearing from our readers.
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Tour The Historic Mono County Jail In Bridgeport
Found just off of Bridgeport’s Main Street, behind the historic courthouse, sits one of the oldest still-standing buildings in Mono…
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Found just off of Bridgeport’s Main Street, behind the historic courthouse, sits one of the oldest still-standing buildings in Mono County, the historic jail.
Originally built in 1883 and made up of mostly concrete and iron, this wonderfully preserved jail gives visitors a small glimpse into what being imprisoned was like near the turn of the century.
The craziest fact of this jail is that it was in use as recently as 1964, when it closed. It still sits in its original location, with the modern county jail built directly adjacent to it.
These days, the county keeps the front door open to anyone who wishes to explore it. In this guide, we’ll cover topics such as fees, where to find it and much more.
Be sure to check out our post, “7 Things You’ll Love About Bridgeport”, for more amazing things to do in Bridgeport!
Quick Stats
Location: Bridgeport, California
Fee: None
Permit: None
Open: Open during daylight hours
For: Everyone
Restroom: None
Parking: Along the street
EV Stations: Nearest ones are down the street behind the Shell station
Difficulty: Easy, but not fully ADA compliant to protect historical integrity
Popularity: Low
Time: An hour or less
Condition: Well-maintained
Pets: Not allowed inside
Our Visit(s): September 2022
Getting There
As mentioned above, the historic jail is located in the tiny mountain town of Bridgeport, CA. It’s on Bryant street, directly behind the courthouse (a historic building in its own right).
If you’re coming into town from the north, you’ll turn left onto School street, then turn right onto Bryant street. The jail will be on your left.
If you’re coming from the south, you’ll turn right onto Sinclair street (just after Rhino’s Bar & Grill) and turn left onto Bryant street. The jail will be on your right.
Free parking is available along the street on either side. If for some reason there’s nothing there, you can find a spot along the main drag and walk to the jail.
Touring The Historic Jail
Tours of Mono County Historic Jail are self-guided and free of charge. So feel free to take as much or as little time as you wish.
There are no posted hours of operation, but I was told that the jail is usually open daily during daylight hours. It’s usually closed on major holidays, though.
Here are some stats of the historic jail:
Construction on the historic jail was completed on December 12th, 1883.
It’s original cost was $5,750.
The building is only 32 x 34 feet.
Its stone walls are two feet thick, twelve feet high, and are made up of hammer-dressed stone.
The iron cells were reused from the old jail.
The iron doors were constructed of 1.5 inch bar stock.
The iron gratings in the windows are one inch bars, set deeply into the stone blocks.
The jail remained in operation until 1964.
After learning these facts and experiencing the jail for yourself, you’ll quickly realize that this place wasn’t build for comfort. Not even a little.
There are around half a dozen or so jail cells of varying sizes, all of which are open for you to enter and explore. You can also see the two shower stalls that all inmates had to share.
Inside the cells are examples of bunks and bedding inmates were given to sleep on. I can’t say for certain if these were actually used in the jail or if they’re just examples, though.
It won’t take you very long to explore the jail. There’s only two main rooms consisting of six or so cells, two shower stalls and the administration area when you first walk in.
When you’re done checking it out, simply head back to your car and enjoy the rest of your day. While you’re in Bridgeport, be sure to check out the other amazing things to see.
If you’re not sure what else there is to do here, check out our post, “7 Things You’ll Love About Bridgeport”.
If you’re looking for a bite to eat (specifically a juicy burger), check out our post about our favorite burger joint in the area, Burger Barn.
Your Thoughts…
Are you or someone in your family history buffs? If so, we believe you (or them) would love this quick roadside stop. Tell us about any other historic structures in the area that you know of. We love hearing from our readers!
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How To Visit Vikingsholm Castle In Emerald Bay State Park
Located along the beach and at the head of Emerald Bay State Park, Vikingsholm Castle is a fine example of Scandinavian…
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Located along the beach and at the head of Emerald Bay State Park, Vikingsholm Castle is a fine example of Scandinavian architecture right here in Lake Tahoe.
This Nordic estate sits on 232-acres of pristine beach line, beautiful turquoise water, Fannette Island (the only island in Tahoe) and the only waterfall in Tahoe that flows directly into the lake.
Unlike most state parks and attractions like Vikingsholm, you cannot drive up to it. A visit to Emerald Bay and Vikingsholm requires you to either hike or boat in.
In this guide, we’ll cover all the necessary information you’ll need to plan a visit for yourself. Topics such as the hiking trail, parking, when to go and more will be covered.
Let’s get into it!
Exciting news for our readers!
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Quick Stats
Location: Emerald Bay State Park, Lake Tahoe
Fee: $10 parking fee
Permit: None
Open: Year round, but road is sometimes closed in winter
For: Hikers, beach-goers, swimmers, kayakers, etc
Restroom: At the trailhead and at the beach
Parking: Medium-sized lot
EV Stations: None
Difficulty: Moderate
Popularity: High
Mileage: Two-miles, round trip
Time: A couple hours to a full day
Elevation Gain: 377-feet
Condition: Well-maintained and signed
Features: Vikingsholm Castle, waterfall and beach
Pets: Not allowed
Drones: Not allowed
Hazards: None other than usual wilderness dangers
Our Visit(s): August 2022
Parking and Location
Vikingsholm Castle is located in Emerald Bay, the crown jewel of Lake Tahoe. It’s one of the most popular destinations along the lake and thus, gets crowded quickly.
The key to a successful visit is to arrive early. Emerald Bay does have it’s own parking lot but for the crowds it sees, it’s inadequate at best.
We arrived just after 8am to a near empty lot. By 8:30am, while we were still gathering our things, the lot was nearly full. So arrive early. Earlier if you’re here on a holiday.
If you see this sign, you’ve arrived too late. It won’t re-open until enough space has been made and you’re not allowed to park on the side of the road.
You’ll either need to circle around a few times until spaces become available or try back again later in the day.
If you find space near the Eagle Falls trailhead, you can park there and walk to it but keep in mind, the road is very narrow and borderline hazardous for pedestrians.
The fee to use this lot is $10 for the day. This fee covers other California state parks in Tahoe during the same day (D.L. Bliss State Park is just down the road).
The pay stations accept cash or credit/debit cards. After paying, you’ll be given a receipt. You’ll need to display this receipt on your dashboard.
*Note: If you’re paying with cash, have the exact amount. The pay stations do not give change.
Just to the right of the pay stations is a booth. Head past this to access both the trail and the viewing deck for Emerald Bay.
Soon after passing the booth you’ll see a viewing deck on your right. This platform provides a commanding view of Emerald Bay and Fannette Island.
A lot of people simply get to this point, take their pictures and leave. If your intention is to visit the castle, then rejoin the trail and continue forward.
The Trail to Vikingsholm Castle
We’ll first address the difficulty of this trail. At more than a few spots, trail signage indicates how steep and borderline difficult the way back up can be.
From my perspective, the hike back up wasn’t bad. It was a constant incline and a little steep in some spots, but overall I didn’t have a problem with it.
That being said, if you have certain physical limitations, be honest with yourself. The way in is a breeze, but the way out can be difficult if you’re not acclimated to trails like this.
As stated above, the way in is a breeze. If you’re here early, the majority of the trail will have a plethora of shade and you’ll have sporadic views of Fannette Island.
As you near the end of the trail, you’ll reach a junction. If you go left, you’ll be on the Rubicon Trail. To continue to Vikingsholm Castle, go right.
Soon after this juncture, you’ll see the public restrooms for Emerald Bay on your right. Soon after that, you’ll see the back side of Vikingsholm Castle on your left.
Vikingsholm Castle
Vikingsholm Castle is sight to behold and one you’ll have to see for yourself to truly appreciate. How well it blends in with its natural surroundings is a wonderful example of how construction can compliment nature.
Vikingsholm Castle was designed by Swedish architect, Lennart Palme, in 1928. Palme was the nephew of the property owner, Lora Josephine Knight.
Construction of the castle was completed in 1929 and was used my Mrs. Knight and her family as a summer home (one of the first of which in Lake Tahoe).
The castle was owned by Mrs. Knight until her death in 1945. The castle traded hands a couple more times until the State of California acquired it in 1953.
Considering the jaw-dropping beauty of Emerald Bay, it’s crazy to imagine that someone once lived here. I know we would love to have Emerald Bay all to ourselves for the summer.
Tours of Vikingsholm Castle
Unfortunately, we didn’t partake in the tour of the castle as by the time the first one embarked, it was time for us to get going.
Tours of the castle are offered daily and take you through the interior. You’ll follow a knowledgable guide who’ll detail the history of the castle, its development and impact on the area.
Tour information is as follows:
Tours are guided
They are 30-minutes in length
They’re offered daily, early June - late September
Tour times are between 11am - 4pm
$15 per adult, $12 per child 7-17, free for under 7
Tickets can be purchased at the Emerald Bay Visitor Center
For more information on the guided tours, you can check out the Sierra State Parks Foundation.
Also, if you want further details of the history of Emerald Bay, Vikingsholm Castle and the people involved, we highly recommend checking out their official website.
Additional Activities in Emerald Bay
There’s more to do in Emerald Bay than just touring the castle. Many people make the trek down here to hang out on the beach and recreate on the lake.
There’s a dedicated (but small) swimming area near the center of the beach. There’s no swimming allowed outside this border due to the amount of vessels going through the bay.
Paddle boarding and kayaking are also popular activities. There’s a dedicated rental stand (Kayak Tahoe) where you can rent either one for an hour or for the day.
While I was here, I took the opportunity to try kayaking for the first time. It didn’t take me long to get it down so if you’ve never done it, don’t let that stop you.
If you’re interested in reading about my kayaking experience to Fannette Island and the Tea House, check out our article about it here.
Your Thoughts…
Have you visited Emerald Bay, Vikingsholm Castle or Fannette Island before? Do you have any additional tips about visiting this park? Let us know in the comments below. We love hearing from our readers!
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Thank you for reading.
Explore Sutro Baths and Hike The Lands End Trail in San Francisco
Located in the northwestern corner of the beautiful city of San Francisco, a coastal oasis awaits eager visitors and hikers alike; Lands End…
7 minute read | Contains affiliate links
Located in the northwestern corner of the beautiful city of San Francisco, a coastal oasis awaits eager visitors and hikers alike; Lands End.
From the moment you leave your vehicle, you’re treated to near non-stop stunning views of the city’s coast, Golden Gate Bridge, Pacific Ocean, and Marin Headlands.
If that wasn’t enough, you’ll also get to check out many historic sights and subjects such as the USS San Francisco Memorial, Sutro Baths, Cliff House, and more!
You can spend your visit just exploring the ruins of the Sutro Baths or extend your visit by hiking this short, but beautiful stretch of California’s infamous, Coastal Trail.
So how do you get to Lands End? Is the trail dog friendly? How many miles is it? We’ll answer all these questions and more below. Let’s get into it!
Lands End Information
Lands End Lookout
The parking lot for Lands End is located in the Sutro Heights district of the city, just off of Point Lobos Ave.
Here, you can access the Visitor Center, Cliff House, Sutro Bath ruins, and the trailhead for the Lands End trail.
For GPS purposes, here is the address:
680 Point Lobos Ave. San Francisco, CA, 94121
Sutro Baths Ruins
From the parking lot, you’ll see a stairwell descending towards the ocean. This stairwell will take you down to the Sutro Baths ruins.
The Sutro Baths complex was a massive saltwater swimming pool owned by Adolph Sutro. They were built in 1894 and remained opened until 1964.
The complex was sold to real estate developers with the idea to build ocean-side condos, but a fire in 1966 put an end to that plan.
Now run by the National Park Service, all that remains of the baths are the concrete foundations, walls, and stairwells.
It may seem like nothing, but the ruins are fun to explore. You’re free to climb and walk on them but be careful! One misstep and you’re in the ocean.
To the right of the ruins is a tunnel carved into the rock. It isn’t long and there’s not much to see at the end, but it’s still a cool feature of the area.
Sutro Baths Upper Traill
On the concrete path to the ruins, you’ll notice a dirt path that spurs off up and to the right. This is the Upper Trail.
The view from above will give you an idea of just how massive the Sutro Baths complex really was.
Lands End Trail
Trailhead near Sutro Baths.
Trail Information
The trailhead on the lookout side of the trail is adjacent to the parking lot. If you’re facing Sutro Baths at the top, go right.
You can access the other side of the trail by parking near the Legion of Honor building and walking down the pathway along the road.
Trailhead near Legion of Honor off of Lincoln Highway.
The Lands End trail is a section of the infamous, Coastal Trail. A near 1200-mile trail stretching from Mexico up to Oregon.
The Lands End portion is 1.5-miles, one-way, along a mostly dirt path winding along beautiful coastal bluffs lined with Cypress trees.
The trail is easy-to-mild in difficulty, but does present a few moderately challenging stairwells at certain points.
The trail starts out (from the lookout side) on a wide path under Cypress trees, before opening up to an amazing view of the Golden Gate Bridge.
About halfway through, the path narrows and turns into a more traditional hiking trail. For the most part, the trail is very shaded.
*Bathroom Alert: In short, there are none. Not on the trail, anyway. There are bathrooms at the Lands End Lookout visitor center and occasionally, there’s a portable restroom near Fort Miley at the dead-end.
Trail Detours & Features
If you just want to go from one end to another, you can. However, along the way, you’ll encounter a few cool detours you should consider taking.
Lands End Point
At around the half-mile point (coming from the lookout side), you’ll see a sign pointing towards a set of steep steps (pictured below).
This stairwell will take you down to three great detours; Lands End Point, Mile Rock Beach, and Lands End Labyrinth.
Halfway down the stairwell, where it flattens, veer to right to Lands End Point. It features a spectacular view of the Golden Gate Bridge.
It makes for an excellent spot to take a break and take some photos. You could also enjoy a picnic here with your partner.
You’ll see remnants of a foundation that held some kind of military artillery. To the left of that is the Lands End Labyrinth (our photo didn’t turn out well at all. Sorry).
*If you’re interested in more locations around the city with military history, check out our articles about Kirby Cove and the Muir Beach Overlook.
Mile Rock Beach
Taking the second set of stairs will take you to Mile Rock Beach. There’s also a short, but sketchy, path from Lands End Point you can take.
The beach is small, but beautiful. What it’s most known for are the seemingly hundreds of rock stacks along the cove.
These were left by many visitors over the years and the rocks used in the Labyrinth above the beach were taken from here.
Eagles Point
Eagles Point isn’t a detour as it’s directly off the trail, but it’s worth mentioning as it provides the closest view of the bridge on the trail.
If you’re starting on the Lincoln Highway side of the trail, you’ll see it right away as it’s just past the trailhead sign on your right.
Legion of Honor
Legion of Honor is a museum located near the trail in Lincoln Park. They display a collection of ancient and European artifacts from the last 4,000 years.
The Beaux-arts building was built in a way to commemorate Californian soldiers who were killed in battle during World War 1.
We would recommend visiting before or after your hike. For more information or to purchase advance tickets, go here.
USS San Francisco Memorial
This memorial was built to honor the memory of the men who died on the USS San Francisco during the Battle of Guadalcanal.
The memorial was built out of materials from the actual ship. You can see the holes made by enemy bullets all around it.
Coming from the Sutro Baths side of the trail, you’ll soon come to an opening on the trail with the Golden Gate Bridge on full display.
To the right of this viewing area, you’ll see a steep set of concrete steps on your right (you can’t miss them). Take these to the top and go right.
Additional Information
When To Go
The Lands End Trail and Sutro Baths are accessible throughout the year, so there’s no real bad time to go.
The summer months will obviously be the hottest and will have the heaviest crowds. Aside from that, it’s pretty much your preference.
It was late November when my Dad and I hiked this and we experienced minimal crowding and perfect weather.
Most of the crowds we saw were at the Sutro Baths and it was close to noon by the time we reached that point.
Cliff Warnings
Scattered throughout the trail and at Sutro Baths, you’ll likely notice signs such as the one pictured above. It’s best to heed these warnings.
Unfortunately, there have been many deaths along this trail. One being a 17-year-old girl who lost her life after falling over a cliff.
When my Dad and I were here, someone had fallen off a cliff after entering a restricted area near Sutro Baths.
Thankfully, he was recovered by Fire & Rescue Personnel and survived his injuries, but it could have been much, much worse.
Is The Trail Dog and Bike Friendly?
Dogs, leashed or not, are welcomed all along the trail and at Sutro Baths. Bikes, on the other hand, are a bit more complicated.
Bikes are allowed between Lands End Lookout and the cut-off for Mile Rock Beach. From there, there’s a bike trail that splits from the main one.
The new trail you’ll be on parallels Lands End Trail, but higher up and will eventually terminate near the Legion of Honor building.
A Quick Note…
We’re often asked about the equipment we use to capture the photos on our website. Below, you’ll find Amazon links to them.
If you decide to purchase, Amazon will give us a small commission. This helps us keep the site running and doesn’t cost you anything extra.
“Understanding Exposure” by Bryan Peterson (this book is an excellent resource for anyone getting into photography)
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Thanks for reading and safe travels!
The Ultimate Guide To Visiting and Touring Alcatraz Island
Welcoming more than 1.4-million people annually since opening its doors to tourists in 1973, Alcatraz is one of the undisputed top rated attractions…
Welcoming more than 1.4-million people annually since opening its doors to tourists in 1973, Alcatraz is one of the undisputed top rated attractions in San Francisco.
Its rich, yet complicated history makes it appealing to anyone with even a remote interest in the subject. While its gone through multiple stages of claims and ownership, what it’s most famous for is its service as a Federal Penitentiary.
From 1933 to its closing in 1963, Alcatraz, or simply, “The Rock”, housed some of the most notorious inmates in the United States, including; Al Capone, George “Machine-Gun” Kelly, Bob Stroud, and Roy G. Gardner.
Though many have tried, Alcatraz was considered inescapable. Most escape attempts ended in surrender or death of the escapee. Five inmates, however, were never found. Assumed to have drowned in the frigid waters of the bay.
These days, visitors are welcomed and tours of the cell house and island are offered daily. With the click of a mouse, you can visit this historic place for yourself.
This guide will cover everything you’ll need to know, including; making reservations, prices, tour types, and history. You’ll also get sneak peaks of what you’ll see during the tour of the cell house tour.
NOTE: This post is long. At the top of the page, you’ll find jump links to the four major sections of the post. While we encourage you to read the whole thing, if you’d rather skip to what you’re most interested in, just click or tap to go to that specific section.
History of Alcatraz
Military Period (1850 - 1933)
Alcatraz’s notoriety started back in 1850 when, at the behest of a joint Navy and Army commission of implementing a “triangle of defense” to guard San Francisco Bay, President Fillmore signed an executive order to secure land around the bay for such use. This included Alcatraz.
Construction on the lighthouse was completed in 1854, beginning its service as the first lighthouse on the Pacific Coast. By 1859, 87 men of Company H, Third US Artillery took post on the island and by 1863 would take their first prisoners by seizing a confederate ship and imprisoning its crew.
The prison was heavily used during the Spanish-American War and by its conclusion in 1898, Alcatraz would be severely overcrowded. This resulted in the building of the upper prison on the parade ground at the turn of the century.
In 1912, the new cell house (the one you see today) was built. It was constructed using convict labor and finished in the same year. This would be the final cell house built under Military supervision.
By 1930, the Federal Government was in need of a tough prison that could house a criminal population that was either too dangerous, too difficult, or had a high potential for escape. So in 1933, Alcatraz was transferred to the Feds and began its service as a Federal Penitentiary.
Federal Penitentiary Period (1934 - 1963)
The whole goal of the Federal Government was to have a prison that criminals feared. ‘The Rock’, fit the bill and quickly earned a reputation of being tough, miserable, and impossible to escape from. The cells were small (even by prison standards) and frills were minimal.
A man by the name of James A. Johnston would be appointed as its first Warden and would go on to serve for 14-years, nearly half of its operating years. Warden Johnston implemented many rules and other security features such as fortified bars, strategically-placed guard towers, and a dozen inmate counts per day.
Though it had a reputation of being “escape-proof”, some inmates challenged this as several attempts were made, most of which resulted in surrender or death of those involved. There are two notable attempts we will briefly cover.
Battle of Alcatraz
In 1946, several inmates planned and executed an escape attempt that quickly went awry and resulted in the deaths of all inmates directly involved and two guards. Not to mention over a dozen additional guards getting severely injured.
The three main inmates never made it out of the cell house and, after refusing to surrender, died in a hail of gunfire in a small utility corridor by Guards and U.S Marines. If you would like to read about it from the point of view of an inmate who was there, read:
Inside Alcatraz: My Time on the Rock: by Jim Quillen (highly recommended)
Frank Morris & The Anglin Brothers
Probably the most famous escape attempt, due to a Clint Eastwood film being made about it, is the one by Frank Morris and brothers John & Clarence Anglin. The men spent several months chipping away at the deteriorating walls around the vent at the rear of their cells.
They also made dummy models of their heads out of paper, plaster, and real hair, placing them in their beds to fool guards into thinking they were asleep. Sometime after final count on June 11th, 1962, the three men made their move by squeezing through the vent and to the roof through the utility corridor.
They successfully made it to the island’s north shore without being detected, hastily constructed a raft made from 50 raincoats, and headed out into the frigid waters, never to be seen again.
The official conclusion from the Warden was the men drowned. In reality, no one knows for sure. The water temperatures in the Bay are notorious for being very cold with strong currents. Their fate remains a mystery to this day.
Book - Escaping Alcatraz: The Untold Story of the Greatest Prison Break in American History
While successful in building an image feared by criminals, Alcatraz would prove itself to be too costly. The salty ocean air was slowly deteriorating the prison. Rising maintenance costs and other ongoing expenses proved to be too much. By order of Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy, Alcatraz was closed in 1963.
Tribal Occupation Period (1969 - 1971)
In 1969, an activist group called, “Indians of All Tribes”, landed on Alcatraz with the intent of reclaiming it as Native-American land. They did so in the name of an 1868 treaty that allowed for Indians to reclaim unused federal land. They wanted to redevelop the island into an Indian cultural center and school.
As is often the case, the federal government didn’t agree with their interpretation of the treaty and swiftly began negotiating with the group. It soon became clear that the group would settle for nothing less than complete ownership of the island. Soon, the group of activists on the island would swell to over 300 people.
When negotiations went nowhere, the Feds cut power to the island and used other tactics in an effort to remove the activists. In 1970, after the death of his young Daughter on the island, the leader of the group, Richard Oakes, left the island.
Eventually, more activists would leave and by 1971, just a handful of men, women, and children remained. At this point, the Feds moved onto the island and removed them. While technically defeated, the actions here inspired many Indian related protests at locations across the country, including Mount Rushmore and Plymouth Rock.
If you want to read about the Indian occupation in greater detail (and we suggest you do), read this article. They give a great account of what happened, why it happened, and the end result.
National Park Period (1973 - Present)
During Alcatraz’s operational years, there were only a few ways you could go to the island; you were either working there, incarcerated there, or visiting an inmate. That changed in 1973 when Alcatraz was transferred to the National Park Service and began offering public tours.
The NPS has done a wonderful job maintaining the island and keeping the facilities as authentic as possible while allowing the public to get up close and personal to what was once described as, “hell on earth”.
You, too, can visit and tour Alcatraz for yourself. However, there is a lot to know and you’ll need to be prepared. Now that we’ve gone over the general history of the island, lets get to the information you’ll need to know in order to go.
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Visitor Information
Buying Tickets
Much like anything else, there is a fee to tour the island. The fee you’ll pay includes your entrance to Alcatraz, the cell house tour, and the round-trip ferry ride. Prices for the day tour are as follows (subject to change):
$41.00 - Adult (12 years old and up)
$38.65 - Senior (62 years old and up)
$25.00 - Child (5 - 11 years old)
$119.60 - Family Pack (Two adult & two child tickets)
As far as purchasing tickets go, you have two options:
Online: This is the preferable and easiest way. Often times, it’s the ONLY way. Tickets are known to sell out months in advance. So purchasing your tickets right when you decide on a date is the only sure-fire way. Alcatraz City Cruises is the official concessioner for Alcatraz tickets. You’ll see many others but they’re middle-men and you’ll end up paying more.
Purchase Day-Of: As stated above, tickets have been known to sell out far in advance. We’re not saying it’s impossible to get day-of tickets, but it’s not worth risking the disappointment. If you decide to go this route, head to Pier 33, scan the QR code at the entrance with your phone, see if there’s availability and if there is, make your purchase.
After you make your purchase, you’ll be emailed a receipt with a QR code (your tickets are contained within it). Simply screenshot it with your phone and present it to the ticket booth upon arrival. They’ll scan it and send you on your way. As always, be sure to print a copy just in case your phone dies.
Types of Tours
While the day tour is the most popular, there are two other types of tour you should be aware of:
Night Tour: Limited to just a few hundred visitors per night, the night tour gives you the opportunity to see a sure-to-be spectacular sunset over the Golden Gate Bridge and experience the island in the dark. Prices are similar to that of the day tour but cost just a bit more.
Behind the Scenes Tour: Ever walk by a spot on the tour with the dreaded, “closed to the public”, sign? Here’s your chance to go to THOSE areas. While pricey, you and a group of no more than twenty are taken to areas of Alcatraz seldom seen by the public. Areas such as special gardens, the underground jail, and the tunnel that stretches from one end of the island to the other.
Best Time to Go
There’s really no bad time to visit San Francisco but in our opinions, September - November is best. Temperatures are warm but not unbearable and crowds are minimal.
Winter is when you’ll get the best deal on hotels but you’ll also be contending with regularly occurring rain showers. Spring is good due to mild temps and rain is nearly non-existent.
Summer, as you guessed, would be our least desirable time of year to go. It’s hot, crowded, and everything is pricier than usual. If you can help it, try either spring or fall.
Pier 33 - Alcatraz Landing
Location
Your journey to Alcatraz begins and ends at Pier 33 on the Embarcadero. The simplest and best ways to get there is by either walking, taking public transit, or a ride sharing option.
If you need to drive, parking can be found at Pier 29.5 (adjacent to Pier 33), across the street from the Exploratorium, a parking garage across from Pier 39, behind the ferry building, and other locations nearby. They all charge their own fees.
The boarding area contains multiple informative displays and a scaled model of what the island looked like when the prison was operational. There’s plenty of seating scattered about and portable restrooms.
You’ll see the boarding queue up front and at the entrance will be a sign indicating which group is boarding (your group is the time you selected during your ticket purchase).
You can arrive as early or as close to your departure time as you like. However, it is recommended to arrive one hour prior as the vessel is loaded on a first come-first serve basis. You could end up having to wait for the next one if it’s full.
*Side Note: It is here where you can request a Braille and American Sign Language transcript of the cell house tour.
Arriving at Alcatraz
The Ferry Ride
The ride to Alcatraz is scenic and short, maybe 12-15 minutes. In fact, you’ll spend more time embarking and disembarking. If you’re going on a particularly busy day, be prepared for a cramped ride.
*Side Note: As of December 2021, masks are required in all boarding areas, on the vessel (ferry), and in all interior areas on the island. Vaccination status is NOT being checked.
Building 64 will likely be the first thing you’ll notice as you pull into the dock. The upper section was where the military barracks were. Soldiers protecting the bay and guarding the prisoners slept here.
The lower section was part of the fortification protecting the bay. Looking closely, you’ll notice large square holes around the lower section. Those were canon ports.
Before taking off, stop and listen to the Ranger presentation held in front of the bookstore. In it, the Ranger discusses the Indian occupation that took place on the island. You’re asked to take part in this but it isn’t required.
The small building across from the bookstore is the first of three restrooms on the island. There’s another adjacent to the entrance of the cell house and one more across from the administration building.
*Side Note: Take note of the sign displaying ferry return times. They vary according to day and the type of tour you’re on. Unless you grabbed a brochure, it would be a good idea to take a picture of this so you’ll know the next available ferry.
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Cell House Tour
Getting There
To start the tour, walk parallel to Building 64 on East Road towards the guard tower. Before the tunnel (Sally Port), you’ll see a door on your left. This is the theater exhibit room. It wasn’t in operation when we were here, but we’ve seen it before and it’s worth checking out.
Here’s a few important details about the pathway to the cell house:
The walk from the dock to the cell house is a quarter-mile.
During this, you’ll have 130-feet of elevation gain.
This is the equivalent to climbing a 13-story building (spread out over a quarter-mile).
It does get a bit steep in some places but honestly, it isn’t difficult to get up there. I only mention this because most people don’t realize how the walk to the cell house is.
On the way up, the pathway spurs off in different directions. At these crossroads, you’ll see signage indicating the correct way to the audio tour. Just follow those.
If you have mobility issues of any kind, you can utilize the shuttle. It picks up at the dock and drops you off right at the cell house entrance (and vice versa). Oh, and it’s free.
Cell House Entrance
Audio Choices
When you see rotted bars with a sign stating, “Main Prison”, you’ve reached the beginning of the tour. Before heading in, you’ll need to make a decision on how you’ll plan to take the tour. You have two options:
Utilize their audio device.
Download the app and use your phone.
Each comes with they’re own negatives and positives. The audio device is small, but it’s in a thick plastic sleeve and due to covid, they no longer include headphones. So you’ll continuously need to hold it against your ear.
Downloading the app means you won’t have to worry about hearing the narrator through a sleeve as you'll able to use your headphones. The downsides are that it’s known to be buggy and the connection gets lost in some spots.
Neither is perfect but in order to hear the tour, you’ll need to do one or the other. We opted to use the audio device as we didn’t know about the app ahead of time and already drained the batteries on our AirPods.
Alcatraz Showers
After walking through the entrance, you will enter the shower room. The queue wraps around the showers to the other side, where you will pick up your audio device. Each person in your group will be given one.
When you reach the front of the queue, inform the attendant if you’ll be using the app or the device. If you choose the app, you’ll go right through.
If you want the device, inform the attendant of your language preference. You can choose between:
English
Spanish
Mandarin
Japanese
Italian
German
French
Dutch
Once you’re set, head up the stairs to the cell house (there’s an elevator for those with mobility issues). At the top of the stairwell, go left and look for a red sign (pictured below). Do not start the device/app until you reach this point.
Michigan Ave
When you reach this point, the tour officially begins. After you hit the green button, you’ll be introduced to the narrators, four former inmates of Alcatraz. They are:
Leon “Whitey” Thompson (Weapons charge, 1960 - 1962)
John Banner (Bank Robbery, 1954 - 1958)
James Quillen (Kidnapping, 1942 - 1952)
Darwin Coon (Bank Robbery, 1959 - 1963)
You’ll also hear from a couple former guards as well (unfortunately, we didn’t catch their names). Also, park officials swap narrators from time to time. So they may be different when you go.
The cell block you’ll see in front of you is B Block. Behind you is A Block, which was seldom used during the island’s run as a federal prison. Unfortunately, it is not part of the regular tour. To see A Block, you’ll need to book the “Behind the Scenes” tour.
The tour narrators will tell you when to stop, what to look at it, describe what you’re looking at, and which direction to go in next. This is why it’s imperative to pay close attention.
You will have the ability to pause the tour and rewind in case you get turned around, missed something, or want to linger in one spot for a while longer.
To the left of the sign with the narrators on it is the, “cut-off”, a passageway through the middle of B Block. You’ll go through here and turn right coming out.
Broadway
After going through the cut-off, you’ll turn onto, “Broadway”. This is the aisle between B and C Blocks. Your narrator will guide you to a few different cells with notable occupants.
Each cell on B and C Blocks are some of the smallest you’ll ever see. Grown men lived in cells that were 5 feet by 9 feet and 7 feet high. Most inmates could stretch their arms and easily touch each side of their cells.
You’ll work your way up Broadway towards what is known as, “Times Square”. When you reach this point, you’ll turn left and head towards the doorway leading to the Recreation Yard.
Recreation Yard
The Recreation Yard (or simply, “Rec Yard”), is where most inmates would spend a portion of their days. Some would play cards while others played handball. Some, simply, would sit and stare at the impressive views of the city and Golden Gate Bridge.
You will want to pause the tour and spend some time looking around the yard. If you look towards the back wall, you’ll notice an open, rusted door leading to a steep stairwell.
This is the door where inmates would march through to go to whichever job they held. They would have to go up and down these stairs on a near daily basis.
Feel free to spend all the time you want exploring the yard. Once you’re ready to resume the tour, simply head back the same way you came in. When you reach the doorway, hit start on your device and head straight to D Block.
D Block & Prison Library
Inmates who proved to be problematic for guards, i.e, got into fights, assaulted guards, or just didn't follow a specific rule, were sent to D Block. It was quickly given the nickname of, “Punishment Block”.
These cells were much bigger than the ones in the other blocks, but inmates were confined to them 24 hours a day (with the exception of their twice weekly showers).
Since they were completely confined to their cells, everything was brought to them by other inmates or guards. On top of that, the only two activities allowed here were reading and quietly talking to the inmate next to you.
The other feature of D Block, specifically on the upper tiers, was the view of the city. Inmates, however, said this was the worst part because when the wind blew towards Alcatraz, it carried sounds of people talking and laughing from the city, reminding them of how isolated they were.
Further down D Block is where you’ll find the infamous solitary confinement cells, also known as the, “prison within a prison”.
These cells were solid concrete with nothing but a toilet, sink, and a bed inside. No light source was provided so when the solid door was closed, inmates were in total darkness and could hear nothing.
If you want a small taste of what it was like, go to the cell at the very end. Both doors are left open and you are allowed to step inside. Although you cannot shut the door behind you, it will give you a sense of what the inmates experienced.
After D Block, your next step will be the prison library. It’s another example of a, ‘prison within the prison”, as you feel like you’re walking into a cage.
On arrival at Alcatraz, inmates were given a library card and were allowed three books at a time. This was in addition to a bible, text books, and approved magazine subscriptions (newspapers were prohibited).
Inmates weren’t allowed to come and go as they pleased, though. If they wanted to check out a book, they would fill out a slip and turn it in. The Librarian would find the book(s) and deliver them to that inmate’s cell.
There are benches in the library that you’re free to use if you need to sit-down for a bit. When you’re ready to move on, exit the Library and go right on “Park Ave.”
Park Ave., Good-Time Cells, & Visitation
Coming out of the library, the narrator will have you view a few of the cells on C Block on what is known as, “Park Ave.” These cells are referred to as, “Good-Time Cells”, as inmates in these cells were allowed paint supplies and other privileges.
From here, you’ll round the corner to view the visitation area, also known as, “Peek’n Place”. Here, inmates would visit their loved ones by talking to them through a phone and thick, glass barriers. Under most circumstances, inmates were allowed only one visit per month.
Head to the opposite side of the wall to see it from the visitor’s perspective. There would be a guard stationed here listening to all conversations. Among other topics, discussing current events was prohibited and could’ve resulted in privileges.
The area behind the visitation is where the administrative offices are. You can come back here after the conclusion of the tour. For now, head back down broadway.
Broadway & Dining Hall
Before arriving at the Dining Hall (the final room of the tour), you’ll take one last stroll down Broadway. On the way, you’ll stop to see the cells of Frank Morris and the Anglin Brothers. They took part in the greatest escape attempt in the history of Alcatraz.
You’ll see the vent in the back of their cells where they squeezed through to gain access to the corridor. They took advantage of Alcatraz’s deteriorating state by chipping away at the wall around the vent.
You’ll also see the plaster molds of their heads they constructed. They placed them in their beds at night to fool the guards into thinking they were asleep. In reality, they were in the corridor behind the cells working on the next phase of the escape.
The final section of the cell house tour is the Dining Hall. Here, hundreds of men would gather together for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, everyday. The guards would tell you that this was always the most tense part of the day as fights or riots could break out at any time.
To deter this, tear gas canisters were positioned in the rafters throughout the room that could be set off remotely. There was also an abundant of armed guards present. Despite these security features, a few riots have broken out here.
Inmates were given 20-minutes to eat and were not limited in how much food they could consume. The only caveat to this was no matter how much they took they had to eat it all, leaving no waste. If they made a habit out of doing that, it could result in the removal of privileges.
Hanging above the entrance to the kitchen is the menu of the final breakfast served at Alcatraz. Inmates reported the food here to be the best of any Federal Penitentiary they’ve been to.
By now, the narrator has concluded the tour and from this point forward, you’re free to explore the island at your leisure. Turn in your device to the booth in the middle of the room and head back down the stairs.
From there, you’ll come down the stairs and back into the showers. You’ll be directed to exit through the gift shop and when you do that, you’ll be right back where it all began at the cell house entrance.
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Exploring the Island
Your visit to Alcatraz doesn’t end with the cell house tour. You’re free to spend as little or as much time here as you please as long as you’re off the island by the final ferry departure time.
At the conclusion of the tour, simply head back down the path and go from there. Having a map of the island would come in handy here but if you don’t have one, just follow the signage.
Southwest & Northwest Side
On the southwest side of the island (facing the Bay Bridge) is the administration building, the remains of the Warden’s house, the historic Lighthouse, and the ruins of, ‘Officer’s Row’ (where housing for the guards and their families used to be).
In the admin building, you’ll see the Warden’s office, control room, and other offices. You can also access the cell house from here if you want to see it again.
Outside the admin building is the former home of the Warden. As you can see in the image above, the elements and nature have taken over. As you’ll see when you’re here, though, the Warden once had an amazing view of the bridge and city.
Take the west road (pictured above) to see the Northwest side of the island. Here you’ll find a beautiful garden that was once maintained by the inmates.
The west road eventually terminates near the stairwell that leads back to the Recreation Yard. If you like, you’re welcomed to go back up there. If not, you’ll need to turn back and go the way you came in.
Southeast and Northeast Side
These are on the opposite side of the island. To get there, you have two options:
Go up the stairs through the recreation yard and cut through the cell house to the other side. You’ll go back down the stairs in the Dining Hall and out through the gift shop. Or….
Take the west road back to the Warden’s house and loop back to the other side on east road.
There are multiple historic buildings on this side of the island. Building 64, the Sally Port, the old Boat Dock, and (pictured above) the remains of the Officer’s Club.
Continuing straight away from the Officer’s Club is where you’ll find the Powerhouse, Model Industries Building, and Water Tower. A bit further up the road (going towards the cell house) you’ll find the Morgue.
The Model Industries Building is fenced off so you’re not able to go in and see it. We did see a lot of construction material nearby so that may possibly change in the future.
At this point, you have no other recourse but to turn around. From here, it’s completely up to you where to go.
As stated above, you can remain on Alcatraz for as long as you wish. You can explore the island some more, do the cell house tour again, you can hike the Agave Trail (starts near the ferry dock), or head back to the city.
*We’re often asked about the kind of camera equipment we use to capture the photos used on our website. Below are Amazon links to what we use. If you decide to purchase, Amazon pays us a small commission and it doesn’t cost you anything extra.
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Conclusion
Phew! That was a long one. If you read that entire thing, you rock! If you skimmed through it, you still rock! We’ve been wanting to add Alcatraz to our website for a long time and we’re excited for you to read it. Be sure to let us know in the comment section if you’ve been to Alcatraz or are now wanting to go.
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Coit Tower: How To Tour This San Francisco Icon
In San Francisco, there’s no shortage of historic sites to visit. Fort Point, Alcatraz Island, and the Golden Gate Bridge are just a few…
In San Francisco, there’s no shortage of historic sites to visit. Fort Point, Alcatraz Island, and the Golden Gate Bridge are just a few examples of these.
One more, though, is not only one of the city’s more popular historic sites, but it’s also been an iconic part of San Francisco’s skyline since its construction in 1933; Coit Tower.
Coit Tower was named after Lillie Hitchcock Coit, a wealthy patron of the city’s firefighters. Upon her passing in 1929, plans were set in motion to erect the tower as a monument to the firefighters she loved so much.
Despite us growing up less than an hour from the city, we have NEVER taken a tour here. During our most recent visit to SF, we decided to change that and do it.
Read along while we give some factual tidbits of this amazing place and get all the information you’ll need to put together a trip for yourself. Let’s get into it!
Visitor Information
How To Get There
There are numerous ways to reach Coit Tower and is highly dependent on your travel style.
Walking
Coit Tower is a fairly short distance from many neighborhoods and tourist areas of the city. The easiest thing to do is to type Coit Tower into Google or Apple Maps and select the walking option.
Be warned, though. The maps will fail to mention the steep hill you will have to negotiate to get there. Not to mention the other steep hilly streets found throughout the city. Just something to keep in mind.
Driving
If you’ve driven your car here or have rented one, the address to the tower is as follows:
1 Telegraph Hill Blvd. San Francisco, CA 94133
Simply plug it into your GPS and follow the directions. Just be aware that parking can be scarce. The parking lot is very small and most people will need to park down the street and walk up.
*Note:
No EV charging stations on site.
The closest is a ChargePoint station in a parking garage on Sansome street about a 10-minute walk away. You could park there and walk up the Greenwich Steps until you reach the tower.
Uber, Lyft, or Taxi
This is by and large the easiest (but admittedly not cheapest) option and is what we did. For clarity, we spent $10.82 plus tip for an Uber Comfort from Pier 39.
Our driver was able to get us there quick and dropped us off right at the entrance. Lyft will probably have similar fares but we have no idea what a traditional Taxi would cost.
Here’s a list of some of San Francisco’s Taxi companies. Tap/click on their name for their contact number:
Bus #39 from Fisherman’s Wharf
If you’d like an affordable transportation option, the best to go would be to take the #39 bus from Fisherman’s Wharf. You can get the detailed schedule here.
The only downfall to this is the bus doesn’t make change. One-way fare is $2.25 per person. So either make sure you have exact change on you or you can pay with a Clipper card.
You can either get a physical card or keep the digital version in your phone’s wallet. If you’re planning on utilizing Bay Area transportation options like buses, ferries, etc, this is the way to go as it’ll save you money.
Hours and Fees
Coit Tower is open to the public daily (except for major holidays) between the hours of 10am - 5pm. If you plan on visiting during a holiday, it would be best to call ahead to make sure they’ll be open.
Fees vary depend on the type of tour you want to do and other variables. If you just want to go to the top floor, it’s $5 per person. If you want the full tour, prices are as follows:
Adult: $10 (non-resident) / $7 (resident)
Senior (62+): $7 (non-resident) / $4 (resident)
Youth (12-17): $7 (non-resident) / $4 (resident)
Child (5-11): $3 (non-resident / $2 (resident)
Child (4 & under): Free
The full tour includes access to the second level and a docent-led tour of the murals on the main floor. That part of the tour is 30-40 minutes in length and you’ll learn about the tower’s inception as well as the 26-Artists who painted the murals.
Coit Tower Cafe
Located outside the tower near the parking lot is the Coit Tower Cafe. It is open daily from 9:30am - 6:00pm. They serve a variety of foods like pizza, burgers, pastries, etc.
Keep in mind that food is not allowed inside the tower. So you will need to finish whatever you have before starting your tour.
To pass the time, take in the views surrounding the tower via the viewing scopes. They cost a quarter and you’ll get a few minutes for each use.
The Tour
To begin your tour, head up the stairs and go through the entrance. There, an employee will greet you and send direct you to the ticket window.
Many of the same rules you’ll find at other historic sites apply here. Most of it being common sense. They have one rule, though, that I haven’t encountered anywhere else and that’s if you’re carrying a backpack or any other kind of bag, it needs to be worn on the front of your body. Just something to be mindful of.
If all you want to do is check out the murals on your own and you DON’T want to go up to the top, you won’t have to pay anything.
If you want to take the docent-led tour of the murals, they’ll only do so if it’s a group of at least 4 and no more than 6. So you may end up having to wait a bit if it’s just 2-3 in your group.
The murals are stunning. Be sure to take the time to really at them. They were painted by 26 Artists a year after the towers opening in 1934 and depict daily life for Californians during the Depression.
Once you’re finished checking out the murals, simply circle back around and get into the left side of the queue line near where you first entered. The employee will direct you to the elevator once they’re ready for you.
The elevator is old and tiny. The door is manually closed and locked by an Operator (via a gate) and rides up to the upper level with you. Once up there, you’ll walk up two sets of spiral staircases to reach the viewing deck.
The viewing deck is completely open. As in, there’s no roof. There’s a raised, yellow step at the top of the red stairwell so be sure to watch your footing. This was done to prevent rain from flooding the lower part of the tower.
From here, you’ll have a commanding 360-degree view of the city. The windows were originally unobstructed but as a precaution, glass has been installed to act as safety barriers.
Some highlights you’ll be able to see from here are the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, nearly the entire Embarcadero, Nob Hill, and many other well known attractions.
If it’s a particularly busy day, I can see how it could get uncomfortable and cramped up there. There was maybe 10 other people in there with us and it was slightly difficult moving around.
Back Down the Elevator
Once you’ve gotten your fill of the views, simply head back down the spiral stairwell and wait for the elevator to come back up. They make regular trips up and down so no need to call for them.
After leaving the tower, you’re free to stay and explore the grounds more. Behind the tower is a nice grassy area that’s not only good for a break area, but also provides a killer view of the Bay Bridge and Treasure Island (pictured above).
Conclusion
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Muir Beach Overlook: A Breathtaking View of The Pacific Ocean
If you’re looking for an epic view of the Pacific Ocean, look no further than the Muir Beach overlook. If you’re coming from San Francisco…
If you’re looking for an epic view of the Pacific Ocean, look no further than the Muir Beach overlook. If you’re coming from San Francisco, it’s only around 20-minutes from the Golden Gate Bridge. It’s even better if you’re at Muir Woods National Monument, it’s less than 10-minutes!
The epic ocean view isn’t the only reason to come here. The shoreline was once used by the U.S Navy as a lookout station and quite a few of the original structures still remain (they’re not fully intact but there’s still plenty of it to see).
We were just going to stop, take in the views, and leave. After discovering its history, however, we knew we had to give it its own post. So continue reading and we’ll give you all the information you’ll need to check it out for yourself.
Directions
From San Francisco
From the area of the Golden Gate Bridge, its only about 20-minutes or so to the overlook. To reach the overlook from there:
Get on US-101 North crossing the GGB. You’ll travel this freeway for about 5.5 miles.
Take exit 445B for CA-1 to Mill Valley/Stinson Beach and stay left for around 7 miles.
After traveling up the winding road, you’ll see a sign for Muir Beach Overlook on your right.
Turn left shortly after the sign and you’ll turn right into the parking lot almost immediately.
From Muir Woods National Monument
It’s even easier if you’re coming from Muir Woods and in fact, the overlook makes for a perfect pit stop after visiting the monument and before continuing on to to other attractions. From Muir Woods:
Turn right out of the parking lot (you should see signs pointing the way to Muir Beach).
You’ll travel this road for about 3-miles or so.
You’ll come to a stop sign. You’ll want to turn right here (the sign points the way to Stinson Beach but rest assured, you’re going the right way).
After about a mile, you’ll see that sign on your right with the left-hand coming up shortly after it.
Parking
Parking is free and plentiful. The lot could easily accommodate a couple dozen vehicles or so but it is known to fill up quickly and often during the summer months. There’s a restroom at the rear of the lot but there aren’t any other facilities or services.
Additional Info
No EV charging stations available.
The upper viewing deck is stroller and wheelchair friendly but the path down to the lower viewing platform isn't .
You can expect to spend an hour or less here.
We would rate the trail down to the main platform as easy.
This is an excellent spot to watch the sunset
Viewing Levels
Upper Viewing Deck
The upper viewing platform is accessible to everyone and offers beautiful ocean views all its own. So don’t fret if you’re unable to make it down to the lower platform.
There’s informational boards detailing the coastline’s formation over millions of years and how the Navy used this shoreline as a lookout station (more on this later). You’ll also see an example of a “dugout” used by the Navy.
Main Viewing Platform
If you want to go further out and get a totally unobstructed view of the ocean, you’ll want to head down the pathway leading to the partially-shaped, hexagon platform. There are small stairs carved into the pathway making it easier to go up and down.
On the way down you’ll get expansive views of the beaches below and the beautiful coastline on either side of you. We found the views on the right side (going down) to be the best. Views of Muir Beach can be found on your left (again, going down).
At the end, you’ll reach the platform. When we say the views from here are endless, we mean it. We were fortunate to have it all to ourselves for quite a bit but during the peak tourist season, you may be sharing it with more than a few others. I would estimate about 6-8 adults could fit here comfortably.
If you’re here between November and June, it is possible to spot migrating Blue Whales from either lookout. If that’s what you’re wanting to see, bringing binoculars with you would be beneficial. Unfortunately, we didn’t see any during our visit.
Once you’ve gotten your fill of the views and snapped a few photos, you’ll simply head back up the same way you came. Just be sure to be mindful of others coming down the path. It’s wide enough for two people to pass eachother but still narrow enough to make it easy to bump into one another accidentally.
Military History
Dugouts
For history buffs, this is the best part about visiting the overlook. Scattered throughout the overlook you’ll see these dugouts buried halfway into the ground. Prior to 1941, these were used by Soldiers to view incoming ships and triangulate their distance, directions, and speed.
During World War II after the Pearl Harbor attack, these gained particular importance as many feared an attack on San Francisco was imminent. Soldiers would use these to watch for any incoming enemy ships. If one would be spotted, they would then advise the Batteries further down the coastline (such as Kirby and Spencer) to prepare for engagement.
Layout & Locations
As you can see in the illustration above, Soldiers would climb down a latter through a roof hatch to access these dugouts. They used to be nearly fully covered, leaving only a slight opening to look through. In the event of an attack, this opening could be closed for protection.
Soldiers would often spend days in these dugouts, leaving only to go to the bathroom. They kept radios, a calendar, food, water, and other personal items with them. They even had bunkbeds installed on the back wall.
There are four that we saw scattered throughout the overlook. Their locations are:
One at the upper viewing deck behind the informational boards.
Two of them (one on top of the other) at the start of the pathway leading to the lower viewing platform.
Another to the left of the aforementioned ones.
Unfortunately, they’ve been tagged with graffiti but despite this, they’re still an awesome part of our history and will hopefully be further preserved. In case you’re wondering, yes, you are allowed to get inside them. Just be careful getting in and out as there isn’t a ladder anymore.
Conclusion
We have no doubt that you will thoroughly enjoy your visit to this breathtaking overlook. The sheer amount of history contained here makes it even more appealing. Be sure to let us know in the comments below if you’re planning on going!
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Manzanar National Historic Site: Directions, Things to See, and More (2022)
My first visit to Manzanar came in 2017 while on my way home from Southern California. I did some research about attractions along 395 and was surprised to find Manzanar…
Our first visit to Manzanar came in 2017 while on our way home from Southern California. We researched attractions along 395 and we were surprised to find Manzanar as neither of us have ever heard of it.
We only had a few hours to spend but that was all it took for Manzanar to take hold of us. When I was younger, I visited the Museum of Tolerance in L.A and it had a huge impact on me. Manzanar had the same affect.
If you’ve been wanting to visit Manzanar or have never heard of it, keep reading to find out how you can visit this highly historical and important place. Let’s get into it!
Visitor Information
Getting to Manzanar
Manzanar is located in the small California town of Independence nestled between the equally small towns of Lone Pine and Big Pine. The mighty Sierra Nevada mountains provide a beautiful backdrop to what was once an active relocation camp.
Northbound
For simplicity sake, we’ll use Los Angeles as the example.
From Los Angeles, you are roughly 220-miles, or 3.5-hours, away from Manzanar.
Work your way from L.A to Highway 395 North.
You’ll know you’re close once you reach the town of Lone Pine.
From Lone Pine, you’re about 10-minutes away from the turn-out.
Southbound
For southbound, we’ll use Reno.
From there, you’re about 252-miles, or 4.5-hours, from Manzanar.
Find your way from Reno to Highway 395 South and keep to it.
When you reach the town of Big Pine, you’re around 30-minutes away from the turn-out.
Things to See at Manzanar
Manzanar Visitor Center
The first thing you’ll see upon driving in is the same as the thousands of Japanese Americans that were once held here; the Sentry Post. Here, Military Police once stood guard checking vehicles coming in and out.
After securing your parking spot, your first stop should be the Visitor Center. We reccomend this because it’s packed with informative exhibits, a 22-minute park film, information desk, and a bookstore.
Hours for the visitor center are as follows:
Monday: 11am - 4pm
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: Closed
Friday: 11am - 4pm
Saturday: 11am - 4pm
Sunday: 11am - 4pm
If you arrive on a day or time that the Visitor Center is closed, you can still access the remainder of the park.
Fair warning, you may find some of the exhibits offensive. The one below in particular. However, it does give you a sense of how badly Japanese Americans were treated after the bombing of Pearl Harbor and during the war.
Honestly, we were ignorant to it. We didn’t understand the extent of it all and until we discovered Manzanar, we had no idea our country utilized camps like this. It was difficult for us to grasp.
Manzanar was the first of 10 of these camps and at its peak held more than 10,000 Japanese Americans, mostly from the Los Angeles area. The photo above gives you an idea of its original size.
The entire property was 6200 acres with the developed portion covering 540 acres. The residential area alone was around one square mile and was made up of 36 blocks of 20-foot by 100-foot apartment style barracks, housing up to 8 people each.
The barracks had partitions with no ceiling, providing little privacy. To make matters worse, both the latrines and showers were communal, providing no partitions or stalls. Many who were interned here have said the lack of privacy was one of the worst parts about it.
Block 14 & Barracks
In the back of the exhibit hall you’ll find a giant mural with the names of each person interned. Behind that, there’s an exit leading you to the next feature of the site; Block 14.
Block 14 consists of a mess hall, latrine, four barrack buildings (reconstructed in 2015), and a recreation area. The barrack exhibits describe the arrival process, loyalty questionnaire, the Block Manager’s Office, and the School.
The latrine is where you can see the rows of toilets and communal showers, giving you a sense of the camp’s harsh realities.
The mess hall was originally built in 1942 and was moved to Manzanar from Bishop Air Base in 2002. It’s nearly identical to the 36 mess halls that, between 1942 and 1945, served over 28 million meals.
The exhibits in Block 14 are open daily from 7:30am - 3pm (closed Thanksgiving and Christmas). The remainder of the site is open from dusk until dawn.
Cemetery Monument
After exploring the visitor center and block 14, we were running low on time. Neither of us expected to have this much to do. However, there was one more thing we wanted to check out before we left; the Cemetery Monument.
The monument was erected in 1943 by the people of Manzanar to honor the dead. The cemetery and monument were built just outside of the camp’s boundary and the three letters on the front of the monument translate to, “soul consoling tower”.
You’re more than welcome to enter the cemetery and photograph the monument, but keep in mind that this is an active cemetery with burials on site.
More than 145 Japanese Americans died while incarcerated here. Many were cremated and sent home for burial elsewhere, but 15 were ultimately buried here.
After the camp’s closure in 1945, some families would have the bodies removed and brought home. In 1999 National Park Service Archeologists confirmed the remains of five people still entombed here.
Manzanar Annual Pilgrimage
Every year on the last Saturday of April, an event called, “The Manzanar Pilgrimage”, is held. It began in 1969 when a small group of people wanted to bring awareness to the injustices that took place here and has now morphed into an event that welcomes people by the thousands.
It is held at the cemetery and features speeches by local tribe members, the NPS, politicians, and community activists. Dance and music performances are also featured throughout the event. Buddhist Priests and Christian Ministers attend to honor the bodies that remain.
We had the honor of attending the 49th annual event in 2018 and were moved by it. Being able to hear from the Daughter of someone incarcerated here gave me chills as she described her Mother’s struggle and plight. If you ever get a chance, we highly recommend attending.
Additional Information
Manzanar is FREE to visit! Again, free. No entry fee, parking fee, etc. As always, you could stop by the bookstore to make a purchase, donation, or both!
Be mindful of visitor center hours. The site itself is open from sunrise to sunset but the visitor center is only open from 11am-4pm and closed completely on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and most holidays.
Limited resources available. There are bathrooms in the visitor center but other things such as food and gas are limited to the surrounding towns of Lone Pine and Independence. Be sure to fill your tank before visiting.
Be respectful of the site. This site is highly historical and as such, is fully protected. Please don’t destroy or remove anything from the site. Also, you may come across families visiting their deceased loved ones at the cemetery. Be sure to give them space.
No EV charging stations. There are no charging stations at the site itself. However, there is a Tesla Supercharger 10-minutes away in Lone Pine.
No Drone use. As is the case with most NPS properties, Drone use is strictly prohibited.
Conclusion
Our visits to Manzanar were fantastic and we have no doubt you would love it as well, especially if you’re into history. Be sure to drop us a comment and let us know if you plan to visit Manzanar for yourself!
We hope you found this article to be helpful in planning your next trip. If so, please support our site by sharing it with your friends and family on Facebook or Pinterest. You can further show support by staying on and reading one or more of the related articles above.
Thank you for reading and safe travels!
Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in October 2020 has recently been updated for comprehensiveness and accuracy.