Alcatraz Island offers a close-up look at the infamous federal penitentiary, which was long off-limits to the public. Although Alcatraz is now a popular tourist attraction, hearing the tales and stories behind the prison and seeing its inner workings is definitely not for the faint of heart. Gangster Al "Scarface" Capone and murderer Robert "Birdman of Alcatraz" Stroud are among those who served time at the maximum-security facility. Because of its isolation from the outside by the cold, strong, hazardous currents of San Francisco Bay waters, Alcatraz was used as early as 1861 to imprison prisoners of war. No inmate ever successfully escaped The Rock.

Alcatraz Island is located in the San Francisco Bay, 1.25 miles offshore from San Francisco. Hop on a ferry to take a truly terrifying Alcatraz ghost tour of this infamous prison! And if you're really brave, book a night tour...

The federal prison on Alcatraz Island, located in the middle of the chilly waters of California’s San Francisco Bay, housed some of America’s most dangerous felons during its years of operation from 1934 to 1963.

Around 1,576 men were incarcerated here during the life of this island prison.

When it was open, Alcatraz was a high security prison. Its location made it especially tough to escape. The prison engineers believed Alcatraz was escape-proof and America's strongest prison.

When you tour Alcatraz, you'll see the cells as if they were frozen in time. The eerie stillness is still very much felt in the air.

Each cell contained a bed, desk, washbasin, toilet, and one blanket. Prisoners were awakened every day at 6:25 a.m. After dinner, they were locked back up by 5 p.m. each night.

The Alcatraz dining hall has been depicted in numerous films, television shows, and novels. This is often where criminals concoct plots to escape or crimes to commit upon escaping. The dining hall has appeared in films like Clint Eastwood's Escape from Alcatraz and Naked Gun 33⅓.

The former warden's house is now a ruin. This particular spot of the tour is not for the faint of heart. Like many sites on the island, the house may be haunted. Several guards have reported seeing ghosts at random times.

While visiting, be sure to check out the creepy morgue. Dead bodies were put at the end of an old re-purposed tunnel. There was no refrigeration here, but apparently it stayed nice and cool, or at least cool enough to keep bodies from rotting away until the boat arrived to take them to the mainland.

The biggest thrill—or scare—may be walking and touring the hospital operating room, especially if you're on a night tour, when you'll only have flashlights to see. This experience can certainly give you a good case of the chills.

Despite its history, Alcatraz offers beautiful views of San Francisco and the Bay.

Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary has been cited as one of the most haunted places in America, and perhaps the most haunted prison in the country. So, are you ready to check it out? For a closer look at this infamous prison, watch the virtual tour below:

If you're interested in an Alcatraz ghost tour by day or at night then check out Alcatraz Island Information and Tours. Also, check out these 10 incredible places in San Francisco that will bring out the explorer in you. And don't forget to check out these unique places to stay in San Francisco!