Alcatraz Island in video games
The prison island sits out in the bay in every San Francisco game, close enough to see and hard to reach. Alcatraz Island appears in 2 games on Pixel Pilgrimage: Driver: San Francisco and Watch Dogs 2.
In real lifeThe games
In gameDriver: San Francisco2011Alcatraz IslandReal place, still recognisableAlcatraz sits out in the bay in Driver: San Francisco, with its cellhouse, lighthouse and water tower all in place. VortexStory compares the game's island with the real one, as seen from the water.Game vs real photo 
In gameWatch Dogs 22016Alcatraz IslandReal place, still recognisableThe former prison island in the middle of the bay, with its cellhouse and crumbling buildings.Game vs real photo
The real place
Alcatraz was a federal prison from 1934 to 1963 and held prisoners such as Al Capone. Its lighthouse was the first on the West Coast, and from 1969 to 1971 the island was occupied by Native American activists. It is now part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.
Visiting
The only way onto the island is the official Alcatraz ferry from Pier 33, and tickets often sell out weeks ahead, so book early. Take the audio tour of the cellhouse; the night tours are quieter and fill up even faster.
More landmarks in San Francisco
San Francisco in video games · All landmarks · Driver: San Francisco · Watch Dogs 2