Angel Island

Hop aboard the ferry at Pier 41 in San Francisco, or from the town of Tiburon, and spend a day on the largest and most beautiful island in the bay—Angel Island State Park. You can bring your own bike, or rent one when you arrive, and ride the paved perimeter trail around the 760-acre island. There are open-air tram tours, too, with guides recalling the island’s rich history, as well as guided hikes. Of course, you are free to roam the trails on your own, one of the best of which is the hike up to the top of 788-foot Mount Livermore, where 360-degree views take in the San Francisco skyline and the Golden Gate Bridge. Whatever your plan, know you’ll be immersing yourself in local history in a place that has been a fishing and hunting site for Coast Miwok Indians, a haven for Spanish explorer Juan Manuel de Ayala, and a U.S. Army post starting with the Civil War. From 1910 to 1940, hundreds of thousands of immigrants were processed here, and during World War II, Japanese and German POWs were held on the island. Several buildings and other relics remain as a reminder of the island’s varied history, including the United States Immigration Station museum (open March–October).

Angel Island is the largest in the San Francisco Bay; with spectacular panoramic views, this California State Park is the perfect spot to take a breather from the city. Originally a hunting ground for the Coast Miwok people, the island has also hosted Spanish explorers, various military garrisons, a cattle ranch, a quarantine station, and a World War II POW camp. Most famously, it was used as a U.S. Immigration Station, processing hundreds of thousands of mainly Chinese immigrants between 1910 and 1940, giving rise to its nickname, “the Ellis Island of the West.” The Immigration and Quarantine Stations both have museums and you can take guided tours of military installations such as Fort McDowell. For a broader overview take the historical tram tour of the island, and for something a little more active there are Segway and electric scooter tours available. If you’d rather go it alone you can rent bikes (or bring your own) and there are various hiking trails to explore. Make sure to relax on one of the sandy beaches, though be warned that strong currents make swimming hazardous. There’s a café and a cantina on the island, too; the latter hosts live music each weekend during the summer. You reach Angel Island via ferry from Pier 41 in San Francisco or from downtown Tiburon. Check out Alcatraz Cruises if you’d like to bundle in a visit to “the Rock.” Photo: Franco Folini/Flickr

Can take the ferry from Tiburon for a half day trip to the island. Nice views from here to the entire Bay. Pictured here is the Golden Gate bridge.

The ferry for Angel Island departs from the heart of Fisherman’s Wharf from Pier 41. Five minutes aboard and you realize, you’ve left the city behind and are headed to one of the Bay Area’s best day trips. For those who love a solid hike, there are easy and moderate trails that take you up and around the island for views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Sausalito, and Tiburon. There’s also plenty for history buffs who want to learn more about the Ellis Island of the West.

When you arrive at Angels Island, be ready to climb 100 steps straight to heavenly views and the ocean blue horizon. Sail boats add class and grace to the bay while the while scents of Eucalyptus and Pine fill your lungs with clean air. A must do when visiting San Francisco!

Angel Island is accessible by ferry boat at Pier 41 in the Fisherman’s Wharf District. With set departure times, usually morning and afternoon. We recommend grabbing a quick bite at one of the hot dog stands located adjacent to the Pier; this was easy, fun and delicious. Plenty of nourishment that will sustain you for a 1-2 hour hike on Angels Island. While on the ferry boat, grab a couple of coronas and sit on the top deck of the vessel. The wind can be mighty and a bit chilly, so bring a sweater or light jacket. Hold onto your hat! Once you arrive, there is a dirt hiking trail to your left; don’t linger, get right in there. It starts out a bit strenuous with 100 steps, then evens out to a moderate hike with winding paths, post card worthy views and seclusion a romantic memory. Make sure to plan a time to turn back, so you don’t miss the last ferry to San Francisco!

Angel Island is located in the middle of the bay, just north of Alcatraz. It’s now a state park, but its past is layered with military history. It was a military post during the civil war, an immigration station, a WWII Japanese internment camp and cold war missile site. Most of the structures related to these military endeavors are abandoned. But the park itself is open for business. In addition to the military sites, you can hike nature trails and get 360’ views of the San Francisco bay. Tip for visiting: Take the ferry from pier 39 and rent bikes on site for a self-guided tour. Bring a lunch and plan to spend the better part of a day exploring the island.