Alcatraz derives from the name Spanish explorer Juan Manuel de Ayala gave to one of the three islands in San Francisco Bay, “Alcatraces,” probably referring to the “strange birds” or “pelicans” he saw on it. Its strange name (its meaning still debated) is appropriate, given The Rock’s unique history as a federal penitentiary, but as our guide noted, some of the island’s truly unique artifacts are its gardens and the stories behind them.

Recently a new generation of natural "wanderers" embarked on a monumental task in Muir Woods, a national monument named in honor of America's most famous naturalist John Muir.

List of 10 scenic spots to swim, float and soak in the sun at the West's amazing national parks. Golden Gate National Parks' Crissy Field is ranked "best for a city stroll."

Finally, details about Ai Weiwei's exhibition on Alcatraz Island have been released. Arguably the most anticipated show of the year, "@Large: Ai Weiwei on Alcatraz" will see seven original, site-specific installations strewn throughout four spots on the island, For-Site Foundation revealed. The whole idea behind staging the show at the former prison turned national park is to prompt viewers to question the world's current state of human rights.

Each year, more than 18 million visitors come to the Bay Area’s national parks to share special moments at rocky beaches, wooded areas, and historical sites. These exceptional destinations give daters a chance to unplug and connect with the environment outside the city.

NPS doesn't track the race or ethnicity of its more than 275 million annual visitors. But there is an effort to better understand who is visiting public lands.

In what many consider the hottest ticket in the art world, China’s best known dissident, artist Ai Weiwei, has created a series of works on the former prison island of Alcatraz in the San Francisco Bay.

The Crissy Field Center's new interim facility at Crissy Field East Beach harmonizes user experience with its eco-features. Over more than 7,200 square feet, the building includes a science lab, a media lab, a youth leadership room, a sustainable arts room, and the Beach Hut snack bar much in the spirit of the beloved Warming Hut Cafe and Bookstore.

A highly anticipated exhibition at America’s most famous prison by one of China’s most prolific contemporary artists will open to the public Saturday, September 27.

After more than a year of work, the National Park Service on Wednesday pulled the tarps off upgrades at Alcatraz, showing off $3 million in improvements to the sally port, guardhouse, library, schoolhouse and other historic areas.