Located in the San Francisco Bay, and often referred to as "The Rock", Alcatraz island has been a lighthouse, a military fortification, a military prison, and a federal prison. The first to document the island was Juan Manuel de Ayala in 1775, who named it "La Isla de los Alcatraces," which translates as "The Island of the pelicans". In 1972 it became a national recreation area and received designation as a National Historic Landmark in 1986. Today, the island is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Visitors can reach the island by ferry ride from Pier 33, near Fisherman's Wharf. It is home to the abandoned prison, the site of the oldest operating lighthouse on the West Coast of the United States, early military fortifications, and natural features such as rock pools and a seabird colony. Landmarks on the island include the Main Cellhouse, Dining Hall, Library, Lighthouse, the ruins of the Warden's House and Officers Club, Parade Grounds, Building 64, Water Tower, New Industries Building, Model Industries Building, and the Recreation Yard.