Alcatraz Island is mostly known for the famous Federal Prison, although the prison is just one of the things visitors can see on the island. Alcatraz Island has been voted a the #1 Landmark in the USA more than once.
Since Alcatraz is surrounded by the icy waters of San Francisco Bay (which helped make the prison “escape-proof”, visitors have to arrange a tour to visit Alcatraz.
Since you are staying with us, you are actually fairly close to where the Alcatraz ferries leave. If you walk, it is less than 2 miles (23 blocks). Alternatively, you can take the 47 (North) and it will take you directly there. (Board the 47 at Van Ness & Jackson, get off at Beach & Powell).
If you walk, you will be essentially walking through all of Fisherman’s Wharf.