Angel Island

Island · Tiburon

Angel Island

Island · Tiburon

5

Tiburon, CA 94920

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Angel Island by Photo by Hans Blossey/age fotostock
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Angel Island by null
Angel Island by null
Angel Island by null
Angel Island by null
Angel Island by null
Angel Island by null
Angel Island by null
Angel Island by null
Angel Island by null
Angel Island by null
Angel Island by null
Angel Island by null
Angel Island by null

Highlights

Escape to Angel Island, a lush state park in San Francisco Bay, where ferry rides lead to scenic hikes, rich history, and stunning city views.  

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Tiburon, CA 94920 Get directions

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Tiburon, CA 94920 Get directions

+1 415 435 5390

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Jul 28, 2025

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@cntraveler

Introducing the Women Shaping Travel Right Now

"A scenic island in San Francisco Bay known for its hiking trails and panoramic views. It offers a serene escape with opportunities for exploration and self-discovery."

https://www.cntraveler.com/story/women-who-travel-power-list-2024
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@cntraveler

The 24 Best Things to Do in San Francisco

"Once the port of entry for hundreds of thousands of immigrants from Asia and the Pacific Rim, Angel Island is a state park in the middle of San Francisco Bay. Hop on the ferry (your ticket includes the cost of admission), to get here from Tiburon or San Francisco. Once you get off, it's a lush scene for the eyes. The island is loaded with native plants and animals, and has views of both San Francisco and Marin. This is a great half-day activity: You can walk or bike the whole island in a few hours. You can also visit the Angel Island Immigration Station as well as the Angel Island Immigration Museum (AIIM), which opened in 2022 inside the former hospital building." - Kimberley Lovato, Carey Jones

https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/best-things-to-do-in-san-francisco
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@cntraveler

Angel Island — Park Review | Condé Nast Traveler

"Let’s start with the big picture here. Angel Island is a state park in the middle of the San Francisco Bay. Hop on the ferry, which includes the cost of admission, to get here from Tiburon or San Francisco. Once you get off, it's a lush scene for the eyes. The island is loaded with native plants and animals, and has views of both San Francisco and Marin. At just 1.2 square miles, you can get around the whole park on foot or a rented bike in a few hours. But if you want to make it a weekend trip, reserve a campsite up to six months in advance. You can also visit the Angel Island Immigration Station as well as the Angel Island Immigration Museum (AIIM), which opened in 2022 inside the former hospital building. Any standout features or must-sees? There are guided hikes, or you can set out on your own. Newcomers might want to try the Perimeter Loop, a 5.5-mile trail open to hikers and bikers with fantastic views of the San Francisco Bay. For another killer view, go on foot up the Mt. Livermore trail. The historical island was once occupied by Coast Miwok inhabitants, and later it was used as a missile base: Check out the former US. Immigration Station, located about a mile and a half from the ferry station, which is now a museum where you can learn about the stories of some of the thousands of immigrants who came through the spot. Admission fees are low ($5 for adults, $3 for kids), and groups of five or more can reserve a guided tour in advance. In Ayala Cove near the ferry station are the Angel Island Café and the Angel Island Cantina. Both feature local food from San Francisco and Marin; the latter puts on "Angel Island Live," an outdoor music series sponsored by Lagunitas, from June through October. It features a variety of musicians who play from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday. Go in October, when the weather is almost guaranteed to be toasty. Was it easy to get around? Angel Island is a popular tourist spot, so you shouldn't have problems getting around. Those with mobility issues may consider renting an electric scooter or Segway upon arriving at the island. Tip: Visitors aren't allowed in certain sections of the park after dark so be aware of where you can and can't go if you'll be camping there. All said and done, what—and who—is this best for? You can keep the trip short—just a ferry ride, a quick stop to see the views, and then split for home—or you can luxuriate there for a whole weekend. Budget travelers will love camping and hiking; those who don't mind splurging will have a great time on the guided tours and eating Hog Island oysters at the Cantina." - Lexi Pandell

https://www.cntraveler.com/activities/san-francisco/angel-island
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@afar

"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)."

The Best Things to Do in San Francisco
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@cntraveler

Where to Watch July 4th Fireworks in San Francisco | Condé Nast Traveler

"A beautiful bit of wilderness in the middle of the Bay, Angel Island makes an appealing case for watching the fireworks off the mainland."

https://www.cntraveler.com/story/san-francisco-fireworks-july-4
View Postcard for Angel Island

Mike Springer

Google
Fun to walk around + take the ferry to get there, and the views are spectacular, but it’s pretty much always crowded.

Simon Linford

Google
Didn’t even know about this island. Was absolutely beautiful. We took the bus guided tour which was amazing. Very informative. We then sat on the bay had some lunch very tranquil

Lily Bloodworth

Google
Very beautiful island with a lot of history, hiking trails and amazing views of San Francisco city and Bay . You need to take short ferry rides to get there.best time to visit there is on the sunny day. Pack your snacks and water before get on trails.

Marco Paganini

Google
Good place for a casual hike, with beautiful views of San Francisco and the bay. The ferry from Tiburon costs $18 per person and takes 20 minutes to arrive at the island. The ferry back to Tiburon leaves 20 minutes after the hour, every hour, until 5:20pm (on weekends.) The whole loop around the island is around six miles and mostly paved. A lot of it is uncovered, so plan accordingly during the hot season. Bikes are allowed on the trail. As a result, you'll see a lot of inexperienced bikers around you when hiking. If you prefer to bike yourself, e-bikes are available for rentals for $16 per hour or $64 for the whole day (as of Sep/2023). Facilities include public restrooms (near the pier only) and a place to buy sandwiches and beverages. There are many places to picnic and campground spaces for overnight camping. For those who prefer not to walk, motorized tours of the island are available. Overall, this a great place to spend a few hours and burn some calories. If coming back to Tiburon, you can recover some of those calories by enjoying one of the many restaurants and coffee shops in the area.

Samira Karimi

Google
Beautiful nature, scenic trails, and some history.

Wilson Tsang

Google
TLDR: nice hiking and scenic views with a cool history and museum about immigration history on the island The ferry to the island was quick from SF, less than 30 minutes. The views were very scenic even on a cloudy day. We enjoyed the immigration museum (free) and the detention center ($5) on our home around the island. From the port to the immigration museum is about a 35 minute walk (some uphill involved including long flights of stairs) but the roundabout way without stairs takes another 15-20 minutes longer.

Eric “Rikii” Mastrodonato Vignau

Google
Gorgeous island with a tumultuous history. Enjoy the views or dig deeper for a better understanding of what some call “Ellis island west”. Angel Island is by far one of the most spectacular hikes in the Bay Area. You’ll get a full 360 of the bay and all bridges. Pack a picnic, the hike around the island is a good 5 miles. The first time I ever visited was by sailboat and it felt like we were in the Mediterranean. This little respite from the thick, notorious, Bay Area fog. The views, oh the views!! This is a full day trip and you’ll enjoy preparing for it as such. There’s a little cafe on the island but you’re much better off packing a picnic. Make sure to take some wet wipes, as the few bathrooms scattered across the island are rustic. If you go during the week, it’s quite possible to have much of the island to yourself.

S N

Google
Good place for hiking, walking and barbecue, safe place, only way to go there by ferry and last ferry is 3:50 pm So recommend to go there early morning to enjoy the weather and u can see all San Francisco and all bridges from there
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Gerard Y.

Yelp
A great day trip from San Francisco. It's only accessible via ferry from which I took from Terminal B - San Francisco Ferry building. The ferry ride gives you great views of both the San Francisco and Oakland City Skyline and both the Bay Bridge and Golden Gate Bridge. The ferry ride takes about 30 minutes or so. There is a general map of Angel Islands near the restroom area when you get there but no paper maps available. There are 2 trails, Perimeter and Sunset. I hiked the Sunset trail all the way to the end which is the top of Mount Livermore. There is shade, for the most part, during the hike although there's no shade once you get near the top. The trail has nice views as you're making your way through it and you'll be rewarded with a great 360 degree view of the Bay Area once you get to the top. There are some historical buildings here as this used to be an immigration station and it was nicknamed "Ellis Island of the West". I'll be back for this though since I went on a Tuesday and that part of the island is only staffed from Thursday-Sunday
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Alex C.

Yelp
Despite having grew up and spending the better part of my adult life in SF Bay Area, I have sadly never been to Angel Island until recently. Short of having your own boat or being a very fit (albeit slightly suicidal) swimmer, the only way to reach Angel Island would be via ferry from either SF or Tiburon. We opted for the Tiburon route, which proved to be the wise choice. As we had a lot less people to contend with vs the SF ferry, and parking at/near the pier in Tiburon was plentiful. Tickets cost $17.40 round trip for adults. Although originally utilized as a seasonal hunting and gathering location for indigenous peoples, Angel Island has been repurposed over the years for quite a few uses, many of which were tragically sad and a direct result of our countries past bigotry and racism. Some of its history includes an army fort and battery defense for WWI and WWII, a quarantine station for the bubonic plague, an immigration station, and nowadays, a state park with an active US Coast Guard lighthouse. While for most visitors (including us), Angel Island is just a day trip. But you can also book a reservation for a camp site to stay overnight. For the rest of us, you can opt to either hike, bike, or like us, book one of the tram tours that will take you from the pier to the former immigration center and back. The tram costs $18/adult, and most people will hop off at the immigration center to explore and ultimately walk back to the pier on foot.

Juanita F.

Yelp
Angel Island is a wonderful natural place to visit. However the trams are noisy, rattling, out of date messes. The audio portion was too loud and harsh on top of it so I had to use earplugs to try and tune it all out. They need to replace all of them with modern electric vehicles and no pre-recorded content. Allow the visitors the luxury of the natural environment. I would not recommend the tram as a way to see the Island.
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Jessica Q.

Yelp
My boyfriend surprised me with a wonderfully planned trip to Angel Island after doing an extensive amount of research on his own. We ended up taking the ferry at noon at the Tiburon location instead of the SF one. We left our car at a $5 all-day public parking lot a couple blocks down. It was approximately $18 round trip for the ferry itself and about $8 for the toll back over the Golden Gate Bridge. The ferry was a fun and gorgeous 10 minute ride. There's plenty of activities you could do on Angel Island and we were tempted to rent a bike or do a tour. My boyfriend planned for us to do the 5 mile hike to Mt. Livermore (roughly 2.5 hours). The forested portions of the hike had a lot of nettles that felt impossible to avoid because of the number and the narrowness of the path. There were also a few scattered poison oak towards the top of the island. I highly recommend avoiding shorts for this hike. Luckily, we soon forgot bout the nettles once we started getting glimpses of the 360 view of the bay. This was definitely one of my favorite hikes and I highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for a mild/moderate challenge! The Tiburon Ferry departs Angel Island every 20 minutes past the hour, with the last being 5:20 pm. Our line was significantly shorter than the SF line, however, since the ferry arrives less frequently, we ended up leaving after everyone in the SF line had boarded and left.
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Danae G.

Yelp
Took a day trip out to Angel Island. You take the ferry from the ferry building. Make sure your clipper card has $18 for round trip fair. All the folks at the dock were very nice and helpful. They made sure we were I'm the right place and had enough fair. We went on a Tuesday so there were not a lot of people. It was nice to be able to sit on the sun deck on the way over. You can see the whole city from out on the water -- from Bay Bridge to Golden Gate Bridge. The only down side is the museum isn't open on Monday or Tuesday so we didn't have access to that. We walked the Perimeter Trail which was a moderate hike. It was not super hard but there is parts with incline that can get you out of breath if you're not used to hiking (AKA me). We did have a hard time finding which trail to start on using the map they have near the ferry but once we figured it out it was easy to follow. Such a great day trip. However note there are only a select number of ferries so plan accordingly.
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Lisa W.

Yelp
Angel Island is a perfect destination for a day trip. I did camp here once which was a really cool experience. Today though we hopped the ferry in Tiburon with picnic lunches in our backpacks and walked the perimeter of this beautiful island. The views are spectacular! We made some time to visit the historical buildings which are quite alarming when reading the history of the immigration station. During World War II, the U.S. military used the immigration station on Angel Island as a processing center for prisoners of war, as well as a detention center for hundreds of Japanese immigrants from Hawaii and the mainland United States. I'm pleased that much of the history has been preserved so that others may learn what happened here. If you come to Angel Island sans food, there is a cafe on the weekends and otherwise a small snack station. I've brought my bike on the ferry in the past to cycle the island- also quite nice. Bike rentals are available however.
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Katie R.

Yelp
Located a short ferry ride from the city, a trip to Angel Island will have you feeling like you're a world away...that is until you see the sweeping views of the city from the island's many vantage points. From the ferry building it was $18 roundtrip to visit the island. After a nice ride over you're greeted by beautiful views, a small cafe, some other historical buildings. The island offers hiking, bike rentals, and guided tram tours. We went with the intention of riding bikes and arrived just before 10am on the first ferry. The cafe, which it seems also runs the bike rentals was short staffed and let us know they would be open for rentals closer to 11am. We spent the hour walking around and looking in the small museum on the island. Finally around 11 we were able to get our bikes and head out on the bike path around the island. The first part was more of a dirt path, but as soon as you got to the top of the hill it opened up to a paved road. We rode around the island stopping at different viewpoints and historical sites including the old military barracks. Biking was definitely the best way to explore the island if you want to see the whole thing. The ride did have some steep hills, including one you have to walk your bike down, but it was fairly easy riding for two people that hadn't ridden bikes in years. Bathrooms were sparse and we did run out of water, so be prepared with water and go to the restroom before you take off. Food on the island is limited to the cafe, so be sure to check the menu beforehand and see if they'll have something you want. We opted to bring our lunch while was the right move. The ferry schedule to and from is fairly limited on weekdays so be sure to plan ahead and look at the schedule.
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Juan V.

Yelp
Angel Island is a good place to learn about the history of immigration to San Francisco. Angel Island offers a trams tour around the island which is very informative. The immigration center had lots of history about Asian immigration to California. The person at the pay desk at the immigration center was very helpful in helping me navigate around the island. Angel Island has stunning views of the San Francisco landscape. There are lots of biking and hiking trails. There is also lots of picnic tables available . This place is worth multiple visits.

Delia D.

Yelp
Beware if you are attempting Angel Island as a chaperone for your child's class. We missed the public ferry because I took a wrong turn on the freeway. We stood on the dock and watched as our scheduled public ferry pullEd away. I reassured my son the next public ferry would be along soon. But when it arrived, we were refused admission due to a wealthy wedding party. They had rented out the entire ferry! The employee at the ferry entrance told us we could board and beg the wedding party to take us to the island. I explained to my son we do not beg wealthy people to board a public ferry. Instead, we had a fun day in Sausalito and San Francisco. My son made up his homework assignment because we drove back to Angel Island (from a suburb of Sacrament) the following weekend. Angel Island itself is incredible. It was well worth the very long drive back. But I would strongly advise against making it your school's field trip destination unless the school makes alternate plans for late arrivees. Thank you. Peace.
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Stone Z.

Yelp
The park itself is amazing but it does need some trail maintenance. The path to Perles Beach has a section that completely fell off at some part, no trailhead either, and another trail has a giant fallen tree. It would be nice if they trimmed up some of the poison oak and included landmarks like the Red Hospital on their map, along with some symbols for stairs and such. I went camping and the directions we got contradicted and used landmarks not on the map. It was a lovely time though! Definitely come through.
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Brittany M.

Yelp
My husband and I visited Angel Island over the weekend and it was such a wonderful day! We took the ferry from SF and spent the day hiking and exploring the historical buildings. There is so much to explore on the island and so many breath taking views! They have a food stand for smaller bites and snacks and they also have a cafe for a bigger meal after hiking or biking. They offer guided tours and electric bikes too! I highly recommend the day trip to Angel Island for the views and history.
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Roya J.

Yelp
From time to time I plan weekend outings for our family of 3. We hadn't visited this general area in a long time and I thought it would be a nice treat. We've visited Angel Island in the past for organized events, but this was the first time we went for sightseeing. One can take the ferry to the island either from SF or Tiburon. I prefer Tiburon as it is the quieter option with parking for $5 a day in parking lots A & B. Just be sure to arrive early on weekends tension a parking spot. For an extra $1 per ferry ride one can bring bikes on the island, just be sure to stay on the bike paths. Great place to hike, catch-up on history, enjoy 360 views of the surrounding bay and spend time with family.

Lily B.

Yelp
Very beautiful island with a lot of history, hiking trails and amazing views of San Francisco city and Bay . You need to take short ferry rides to get there.best time to visit there is on the sunny day. Pack your snacks and water before get on the trails.

Larry R.

Yelp
On a cool and clear April weekday, the Tiberon Ferry was on-time and no problems. We hiked to the top of Mt. Livermore, where the views were spectacular. Allow a minimum of three hours for a hike with some stops for viewing or picnicking. The afternoon tram ride was very interesting with John, an informative and helpful driver.
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Ed U.

Yelp
Way back in my working drone years, I seemed to have a boss who wanted to come here for our corporate outing. It happened twice to me, and the last time I was with a group of tortoise-like colleagues who found ourselves running late for the last ferry. A ranger in a sag jeep picked us up to get to the dock much to our humiliation for several weeks back at the office. Now you know why I had not been back to Angel Island in over twenty years. But the reopening of the Angel Island/Tiburon ferry (review: https://bit.ly/3ErPSaq) in the midst of the endless pandemic made me think I should address my mental block, especially since neither Jamie W. not I had visited the immigration station museum (review: https://bit.ly/3EpAyvd). Going there itself took up a quarter of the 5-1/2-mile perimeter hiking trail. While most of it is scenic and manageable, there are a couple of unexpected hills that will add flights to your FitBit. There's another, more challenging trail up Mt. Livermore, but after all, we had Bloody Mary's waiting for us at Sam's (review: https://bit.ly/32u8bPc)., and no one likes a show-off. RELATED - Up for a hike? Here's a collection of trails I've walked and reviewed: https://bit.ly/2OrC8nU
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S N R V.

Yelp
Had a great day on the island with family visiting from out of town. I highly recommend the Angel Island Company tram tour for first-time visitors or anyone wanting to see more of the island without having too strenuous of a walk. Hames the driver / tour guide was kind and informative. Great customer service from the rest of the company, answering any questions I had and helping make the day memorable.
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Navin K.

Yelp
This day trip is a must if you're a Bay Area resident and probably worth it even if you're not. Take the ferry from Fisherman's Wharf or Tiburon (like we did) to Ayala Cove, which is in the northwest part of the island. Plan on at least a couple of hours to explore, or camp overnight if you want to stay longer (the last Tiburon ferry leaves at 3:20 pm). Visitors either bring bicycles and circumnavigate the island's gentle rise clockwise from Ayala Cove, or hike counter-clockwise along a steeper gradient to the best vistas on the southwest corner where the batteries are. You can book a tram which takes you around if you want to do neither. We saw beautiful views everywhere we looked - from Mount Tamalpais, Tiburon and the Richmond Bridge to the north, to the Bay bridge, fog-shrouded San Francisco, Alcatraz, and the Golden Gate to the south. We also saw deer and an amazing pair of flowering cacti that took my breath away! We will definitely be back!
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Shirley N.

Yelp
I'd been to Angel Island a couple of times prior to yesterday. Both were for corporate events from an earlier chapter in my life. Yesterday was much different. It was a day trip with my bike group. Contrary to popular belief e-bikes are allowed on the island. There are signs posted throughout the island marking the bike route. The perimeter road is asphalt. Our bike leader led us on both the asphalt perimeter route and the fire road which is gravel. I've never been on a mountain bike or off road gravel road so this was a little unnerving for me. But I managed without incident on my trusty ebike. Some folks in our group later defaulted to only the perimeter road as the hill climbing and off road became challenging with their non ebikes. Be prepared for hill climbing. We covered most of the island. I think it's nine miles around the island but not 100% sure. Someone in our group had a flat tire. Fortunately it was replaced as our group of 31 bikers were prepared. I suggest a packed lunch. Lots of picnic tables scattered throughout the island. Many great views from atop of the island. We had enough time to bike the island but not enough time to examine the various buildings or learn more about Ellis Island of the West which is what Angel Island is known as because it served as the immigration station for both Asians and non Asians. I did visit the immigration building previously but that was many years ago. No recollection now. As a native San Franciscan you think you can visit anytime but in reality you don't. Like New Yorkers who have never been to the Statue of Liberty. I'm not going to say I'll return for another visit to Angel Island but never say never.
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Ryan S.

Yelp
After trying for over a year, we got a camping spot! So my brother in law and I took a 10, two 8, and two 6 year olds backpacking to spots 7 and 8. This is the worst site areas since it's not covered and views the east bay. But wow so fun! We hiked the 1.5 miles to the site, set everything up then went down to the army base and beach. The next day we hiked over mt. Livermore, then back down to the ferry. The whole experience is so so fun and really age appropriate for our kids. It was the perfect last hooray before school!
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Walter B.

Yelp
Walt from Walt's Adventures here. I found myself on Angel Island! We took the tour and our guide was awesome. He stopped our tour now and again to further give us additional information on several locales around the island. We saw the old Civil War fort, the Immigration Processing Center and the old WWII fort. Each locale had its eerie energies from the past. The isle was beautiful and it was a great day. If given the chance... visit the isle.
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Theresa M.

Yelp
First time here and I love it! Angel Island, a National Historic Landmark, is located in Angel Island State Park. The island is almost entirely in the city of Tiburon, in Marin County. You ride the ferry from Tiburon terminal to get there and it's just a 12 mins ride. Amazing views of the city of San Francisco, Golden Gate Bridge, Bay Bridge, city of Belvedere,Tiburon, Oakland, Alcatraz and Treasure Island.Overlooking the Marin County and San Francisco bay. Highest Point is Mount Caroline Livermore, 788 ft elevation. We started walking at 1030 am since first ferry ride is at 10. The traffic was still light both ways because we're the first batch and couldn't have asked for a better weather. It's considered an easy route but make sure to wear the right Took us around 13,000 steps for 5.2 miles and almost 3 hrs total. For my weight, pace, and age, my phone says I burned 558 calories. Not bad. However, feet and legs were a little sore after. I was dog-tired that night lol! There are a lot of picnic tables allover by the seashore and by the time we got done hiking, there were already a lot of people having picnic and people that just landed and starting their walk. We got done at around 130 pm and we still have ample time for the 220 ferry ride back to Tiburon. There's a cafe shop there that has a 2-man band playing guitars and next to ut has a small boith giving away free cocktails for promotion. What do you do? Of course taste them! Lol! Their toilet is clean but make sure that you go first before you start your hike. There is no portalet up there lol! I'd like to go back here and try again with biking instead then picnic afterwards.
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Pj M.

Yelp
Beautiful hidden gem in Northern California (near San Francisco) Lots of history located on this small island. Immigration Processing for the west coast for those wanting to immigrate to the United States, Nike Missile Base, Camp Reynolds, hiking, biking and more. Highly recommend the tram ride around the island as it gives a great overview of what has taken place and is currently happening on the island. Definitely tour the museum at the immigration processing. Then walk the last 1.2 miles back to where you started. Plan for about 3 hours to do it right.

Christy M.

Yelp
This is a review for the Angel Island Company - they link to this Yelp page when they solicit a review. The Angel Island Tram had potential to be an excellent experience. Our driver was polite and informative; however, the tram makes a simple circuit of the island with a dated (25 year old) recording. A better experience would be a tram with on/offs permitted to explore the many beautiful and interesting sites on the island. This would be a very enjoyable way for those without the mobility to bike, hike, or walk, to see so much more than the tram's circuit permitted. Also, the Angel Island company does not pick up the phone or return calls.
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Cheyenne R.

Yelp
Super fun day! Ferry ride is fun and Angel Island is beautiful and loved learning about the history.
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Mila E.

Yelp
COVID-19 Precautions. Admission to Angel Island State Park included with roundtrip ferry purchase. Scenic Bay Area Views. Hiking Paradise. Fun Day Trip For All. See below for more info: COVID-19 Precautions: Staff and visitors of the State Park wear masks. People keep a physical distance when exploring the island as well as when getting ready to board the ferry back to Tiburon. Admission to Angel Island State Park included with roundtrip ferry purchase: Admission to the Angel Island State Park is included with roundtrip purchase of the Angel Island-Tiburon Ferry. Roundtrip tickets are $15 for adults, $14 for seniors ages 65+, $13 for children ages 6-12, $5 for children ages 3-5, and free for passengers under the age of 2. There is a $1 additional fee for each bike. Scenic Bay Area Views: The scenic views of the Bay Area at Angel Island State Park are easily the best we have seen, and we are active hikers! Our favorite spot was about halfway of the perimeter loop as you can see iconic SF; there is a bench and table, ideal for a picnic. We the morning we went, Karl the fog was active, making the ferry ride to the island look straight out of Jurassic Park. Hiking Paradise: There are various hiking trails to choose from to explore. Two of the more popular trails are Mt. Livermore and the perimeter. We went for the latter and are happy we did as the views of the Bay Area were incredible. The perimeter loop is 5.9 miles and the easier of the two as the road is paved making the route popular among hikers, families, and bike riders. Mt. Livermore is a little longer at 6 miles but more of an elevation gain. There is more dirt on this road, but you get the highest views of the island with less people as many opt for the perimeter. Fun Day Trip For All: Angel Island State Park is a fun day trip for all. We saw a lot of duo hikers, like us, bikers, and families with small children to grammies. Activities whicg one can do at Angel Island State Park include walking, hiking, bike riding, photography, picnicking, and sightseeing to name a few. Overall, we had a lot of fun at the Angel Island State Park, and highly recommend y'all visit! :D
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John G.

Yelp
We love to hike. We started with just a small group with my cousin and her family more than a dozen or so years ago and we'd hike everywhere in the Bay Area. Heck, even when we go on vacation we look for places to hike. She even started a Facebook group and called it, "Oh, A Hiking We Would Go" which have grown in members over the years. I still go on my solo hikes a lot as I love the solitude and I can go on my own pace and go anywhere I want to go. However, hiking with a large group is fun, and there is safety in numbers. But you have to keep an eye for the newbies and "kids" who think they're invincible. That's why I always carry a medical kit in my backpack among other things just in case something happens. It's always better to have 'em and not need it than the other way around. Now hiking here at Angel Island is pretty unique since there's only one way to get here - which is on a boat. Ferry, boat, yacht, speedboat, sailboat, catamaran, dinghy, raft, canoe, kayak, paddleboat, cutter, fishing boat, you name it...it's still a boat. We've been here several times and we usually take the ferry from Tiburon. It's a short but pleasant and relaxing ride. I do recommend getting here early to get an early head start and the earlier the better. Angel Island is a State Park and the entrance fee is $5.00 (18 and over), $3.00 (6-17) and free for anyone 5 and under. Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed unless they are service animals. Once on the island, there are more things to do than just hike and a lot of cyclists come here bringing their mountain bikes along. There are also bike rentals available seasonally. If you're into history, Angel Island is often referred to as the "Ellis Island of the West" as more than one million people from 80 countries passed through here during the early 1900's. Most did not receive a warm welcome, especially Chinese immigrants who were often detained on this island due to the 'Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882' as it restricted the numbers of immigrants based on their race, nationality and class. They were processed and held at the Angel Island Immigration Station, which is now designated as a National Historic Landmark. Well, the whole island is designated as California Historical Landmark administered by the California State Parks. At 1.2 square miles, there's plenty of areas to explore and sometimes one day is not enough to explore the entire area. Now if you want to go further down in history, the original inhabitants were the Coast Miwok Native Americans, who lived, thrived and fished along the Bay Area coasts. I could only imagine how life was back then and they certainly had some of the best views in the bay. And of course there is also military presence here as it was also used as a fort with batteries and garrison built on the island. During WWII some of the facilities were used as detention center for Japanese, German and Italian immigrants, an unfortunate and ugly history of that era. Later on during the war, Japanese and German prisoners of war were transferred here until after the war was over. During the cold war, a Nike Missile Site station was installed on the island until their removal in 1962. In the middle of the island is Mt. Livermore, the tallest peak at 788.86 feet above sea level. Here, you can get a 360 degree view of the Bay, and what a marvelous place to be, especially on a clear day. Just follow Fire Road Trail from the visitor's center and it'll eventually take you to the summit. There are also two different trails that you can explore like Sunset Trail and N. Ridge Road Trail that will take you around the rest of the island. Either trails you take, it's a nice challenge and scenic. Be sure to have enough water with you, and some snacks, too. However, there's a cafe at the boat dock in case you didn't bring any. If you're visiting here or if you live in the Bay, it's a nice excursion where you can easily spend an entire day. #YelpChallenge2020 review No. 89
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Megana V.

Yelp
Perfect place for a day trip/hike! It's around a 6 mile loop around the island with beautiful bay views. You can get down to the beach as well which is around 2.7 miles from the starting point. I would recommend visiting the immigration museum as well, very informative, well organized, and eye opening. It costs around $5 per person for the self guided tour. People can bike on the island as well, though there are a few steep parts. Highly recommend for a nice outdoor day!
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Amy C.

Yelp
We had such an amazing time camping on Angel Island! We seriously can't wait to go back. The group campsite that we reserved was so great, really secluded and spacious with running water, a sink, a large raccoon box, and an outhouse. It was a bit of a hike in, but it was all on relatively flat, paved roads so you could certainly bring a cooler on wheels or load up a cart with supplies for a longer trip. We'll be booking our spring camping trip on the island soon since the sites tend to go quickly!
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Hiba T.

Yelp
It was a great experience of visiting angel island with friends. Everything was proper organized and ferry was on time . I will have one request for the small cafe please stay open till the last ferry. Because when we came back from our walk the cafe was closed and tbh we were super hungry at that time. Overall good experience
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Evangelene G.

Yelp
I love Angel Island, but my big regret is the last time I was here was 25 years ago! I like how COVID conscious the park is. The ferry is by reservation only and upon arriving, they enforce strict social distancing rules. I totally respect that and was very sanitized before I entered the park. The ferry ride is quick, but it's nice to have fresh air on the way to the island. We took a walk around the entire island and it took all day to get around. Let's just say we made it back in time for the last ferry ride to Tiburon. This time around, we took our time going through the buildings and checking out what's out there. I think if I did it again, I would like to take a shorter hike, but set up a picnic spot near the beach area. Definitely bring a picnic, hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen if you go. This is definitely an all day trip. When you get back, you can check out the restaurants in Tiburon before you head home.
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Hayley G.

Yelp
Had a lovely day on Angel Island! We took the boat to one of the slips here and went for a job around the island's perimeter. It was about 5 miles around with plenty of interesting landmarks to stop and see on the route. As you make your way around the island, you will see abandoned military buildings, a Nike missile site, batteries, and great views of Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge when it's not blocked by the fog. There are nature trails through the middle of the island that I am sure are beautiful! Definitely worth a day trip!
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Winnie Y.

Yelp
Beautiful park with a lot of history and a great option for a day trip. The island is generally well maintained and has bathrooms available. I first visited the welcome center which is a quick walk from the dock. Appreciated the 3D terrain map at the welcome center. The immigration barracks are slightly further away and requires a walk/hike up some stairs. The alternative would be to pay for one of those tram tours. Visiting the immigration barracks is unfortunately an additional $5 per person (credit cards accepted) but was worth the cost. Free and reliable WiFi in more populated areas of the park courtesy of California State Parks.
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Cindy L.

Yelp
Great day trip from SF (or you can overnight camp too)! We took a ferry from Fisherman's Wharf (can also come from the Tiburon side) - $18 RT with Clipper card. Be sure to load up RT ferry fare because there are no machines to load up on the Angel Island side. We got there around 11am (ferry left wharf around 10:30am). We did the perimeter hike, stopped by the immigration museum (free), and spent a lot of time wandering into the smaller areas reading signages outside of the historical buildings. If we were more time efficient and caught the earliest ferry, we could've done both of the main hikes (perimeter + the hike up to Mt. Livermore) but we went about it on a more relaxed pace. Views dependent on luck - we encountered persistent fog so it wasn't super clear for us. The perimeter hike was mostly paved so don't need boots or poles. We brought our own lunch/snacks and water source but did see spigots around. The restrooms in the main area are clean but the cleanest/nicest restroom around is definitely in the immigration museum (hours vary - when we were there: they are open only Fri - Sun for self guided tour). There was a small fee for the barracks museum so we didn't bother. We took the last ferry back (around 4:30pm) and enjoyed an early dinner at the ferry building (Hog Island Oyster = no wait!). A pretty lovely way to spend a day in the bay area!
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Emily C.

Yelp
Seriously amazing day! From the ferry ride to the tram tour to the hikes, I love this island! We did the tram tour just to get our bearings and hear the history. It was an hour ride (had to wear masks) with stops for pics and USIS. Museum at USIS is open! Sorry great G-ma and G-pa, we will come back to learn more about your struggles at the Chinese detention camp next time. We didn't attend this time as we were there to hike and thought it was "Covid-closed" as listed on their website the day before we went. We asked the tour guide about the hikes and he recommended North ridge trail. This is the one with the steps. I am not a hiker. I strive to workout 2-3x a week. I read a ton of the reviews on alltrails and random blogs and almost psyched myself out that I couldn't do this hike based on the way some people said it was really strenuous. This hike up to the top took about 77minutes and was 2.5ish miles up. It is unpaved, and rough terrain in some spots. Rough meaning a little rocky and uneven with knotty branches poking through areas of the path. It was narrow, single file throughout and we avoided the poison sumac/ivy/oak at times by raising our hands. A couple hairpin turns but nothing scary. Guardrails do exist when the cliff is close and my toes felt like they were coming out of my sneakers on the way down(harder than i thought even though it is downhill.) the view from the top was so worth it! Checkout the picnic tables on the small path beyond the point for the best views. There is one table at the summit but if you walk down the small path beyond, there is a platform with 2-3 tables and the views here were the reward! I was beat and sore afterwards and remember to apply sunscreen often if you sweat a lot. It was only 72degrees but the sun was beating down as it was a very clear day. Bring tons of water if hiking. 64oz per person or more if possible. I felt proud that I finished the hike in time to get the last ferry back at 4:15 but sunbaked and sore the day after. My 21yo niece of course had no problems at all on the hike and patiently waited for me to catch up at times (hi 144 step stairs) She even came home and went for a run afterwards as I hobbled to the bath! That's what a 30year age difference looks like! Great time, fun day, everyone should go at least once.

Bernie G ..

Yelp
A great place to visit. I'd suggest you rent a bike or take the tram the walk it no joke!
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Daniel C.

Yelp
I once did some volunteer cleanup at Angel Island many years ago with a bunch of coworkers. We were charged with removing brush and debris from culverts so that water can drain downwards. I never got the chance to hike or enjoy to awesome views here. Fast Forward to Labor Day 2019. Angel Island is an essential visit if you're in Tiburon. Just 10 minutes by ferry and $15/pp for a round-trip ticket and park entrance. They have lots of amenities here: helpful and friendly rangers, food, live music, and even free wifi in some areas. The park is well suited for hiking, biking, or BBQ or picnics. The hikes here are not too difficult, and the trails are wide and paved. You can see all the bridges, Alcatraz, and downtown SF on a clear day. The Park also offers up some history, with old military barracks, houses, a missile station and immigration station. Seeing all this can take 3-4 hours, and hiking around the perimeter of the park can take 3 hours. If you have limited time and prefer not to hike the entire island, you can commit to two stops. Starting from the ferry dock, hike in the counter-clockwise direction and check out Camp Reynolds and then the Batteries, which offer gorgeous view for pictures. This can easily be done in 1-2 hours.
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David S.

Yelp
hi everyone. today I rent a bike on angel land Ca. it cost $16 per hour you can take bike hole land under 45mims it depends. how fast go and look at scenery . they also have won touror bus land wonderful or hike nice the ferry info Timetable DEPART SAN FRANCISCO FERRY TERMINAL GATE B leave on Monday throw Friday at 9:20am or 10:25am or 1:55pm last leave at 3:35pm but can't stay land last one. Go ride back to San Francisco Saturday and Sunday/holiday 9:20am or 11:05am or 12:35pm or 3:15pm If you have any other questions let me know I want everyone to enjoy it have a wonderful day

Marlene N.

Yelp
I am a native California from Oakland, CA and in my 70's. I had never done the Angel Island tour so I took family and a friend and we took the Ferry from the Embarcadero and did the tour. We had a fantastic tour guide and a beautiful day on the Island. I can't believe I waited so long to do it. My husband who is from Buffalo, had never heard of Angel Island, even though he has lived in the Bay Area for many years and does tours with visitors of the Golden Gate, Muir Woods, Wine country, and even Alcatraz. He loved the tour.
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Jay T.

Yelp
Definitely worth a visit, but you want to do it right! Come prepared for the weather depending on the season. We just went this June on a week day. It was cool in the morning, was windy SO SO windy all day before getting in the high 70's early afternoon. Layers and lightweight windbreakers are your friends. The barracks at the immigration station are available to visit, but the hospital (now a museum) was closed and only open on the weekends. Boo. We packed lunches and snacks beforehand. Glad we did because the cafe there has limited options and if you have dietary restrictions it's not likely they'll be able to accommodate. The cafe is decent for snacks and popsicles though. We brought our own bikes to get there via Tiburon ferry and it's so much fun to do the Perimeter Road loop. I actually recommend being ready for some cardio because there were steep and hilly parts. If bringing your own bike make sure your brakes are good-to-go. There are so many scenic spots to stop, sit at a bench and enjoy a snack or drink of water. Can't wait to return on the weekend.
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Tracey A.

Yelp
The mid-term elections can't get here soon enough for me. My anxiety level ratchets up daily. Each piece of political news obliterates the last and by Tuesday night I can barely remember the news of Tuesday morning. I look forward to the good old days, when I didn't feel compelled to listen to NPR Politics, Hardball, The Beat, and All In every day. If you don't know what I'm talking about, lucky you. Tom Stienstra, outdoorsman and SF Chronicle columnist recently published an article on the joys of a mid-week trip to Angel Island at this time of year. Beautiful weather and, with kids back in school, the place feels like your own urban oasis. I'll go a little further by saying what I particularly enjoyed about a recent Wednesday spent here: I think it's virtually impossible to worry about anything once you set foot on the island. If you haven't been to Angel Island in a while you'll arrive wondering why it's taken you so long to return. If you've never been, what are you waiting for? It's a mind-clearing experience, a reset. Go. An 8-minute, $15 (round trip) ferry boat ride from Tiburon lands you at Ayala Cove and you'll exit the ferry to a place with few cars, no homeless encampments, and views about which I couldn't stop remarking "as good as the Amalfi coast". At this time of year, the earliest ferry from Tiburon departs at 10 a.m. and the last return ferry back to Tiburon is at 3:30 p.m. I could've enjoyed another 60 - 90 minutes but that's not a complaint. Who wouldn't want more time in paradise without a care in the world? On this visit I started by enjoying a latte at the cove cafe, then hiked to Mt. Livermore - the island's peak - and took a long way around the island, stopping for a picnic at the serene, empty Quarry Beach. Even taking my time there was plenty of time to see the ruins left here by the military following WWII (and to wonder why someone didn't work to maintain them before letting them fall into ruin). The island isn't just beautiful, it's interesting and historic as well. A Ranger in Ayala Cove can tell you how to see or do any or all of these things during your visit. On a regular basis it's good to spend a day in a way that causes you to leave every care in the world behind you. Head to Angel Island mid-week this fall and see for yourself what a little time on an island in the middle of one of Earth's most beautiful places does for your mental health.
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Heather S.

Yelp
Lovely daytime getaway. Beautiful lush trees and a nice hiking spot. Be sure to wear comfy shoes and come prepared to walk. Don't miss the ferry back!
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Tammy E.

Yelp
There are definitely some great views from here and a lovely paved/gravel 5 mile hike, but to get here there's a pricey ferry ride and the building and structures could use an update. The old "residences" should be fenced in if they are in danger of collapse. You know some curious George is going to go wandering over if a building looks open and can be walked through. Bicyclists don't have a lane so it's dangerous if you're going uphill with a stroller and someone else is flying downhill on a bike. A small child lost control and crashed into a sign in front of us (no helmet) and his parents were nowhere to be seen for minutes after. Sigh - bad parenting. But also signage could be better at downhill junctions. The only restroom (after the docks) that we saw were at the 3.3 mile marker. And they ended up being completely blocked by a huge downed tree. The next one was at the 3.5 mile marker at the China camp immigration station. These restrooms were clean but there were only two individual unisex permanent porta-potty style rooms outside. The flushing toilets and running water were a plus, however.
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Viclaire S.

Yelp
I've been to Angel Island a few times but this last go round was a memorable one. We took the Angel Island-Tiburon ferry in, they offer several departure times (there and back). When arriving, stop by the visit center for a map if you need one. We had planned to visit Perles Beach and enjoy some quiet time, fresh air and lunch. We packed sandwiches in our cooler and trekked to the beach. From visitor center (there are also bathrooms there, tip: take the time to use it, it's fairly clean with sinks, soap and paper towels) take the perimeter road trail, past Camp Reynolds (or stop by if you have time), enjoy coastal views past Battery Ledyard. Just a few steps trekking down perimeter road, look for the "beach sign" and start your descend. The sign going to the beach can be a bit hidden but keep an eye out! If you don't want to go to the beach, you can hike Mt Livermore and also check out the other Forts and immigration station. Please keep this park clean and dispose your trash properly. This park is great for kids/families/couples/bike rides/solo hikes.
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Amy L.

Yelp
Such a great place to visit and explore! I came here on a company day trip and was immediately impressed with this beautiful island! Started the morning taking a ferry at around 10am from Pier 41 in San Francisco (one way is $8.50). My company booked an event here where we played a scavenger hunt game, drank beers/wine, ate BBQ chicken, potato salad, salad, cookies and macaroons. Fun filled day all organized by the people working on the island (but of course paid for by my company). After the food and games, we were able to choose what we wanted to do. Whether it was hike up to Mt Livermore, play sports (badminton, volleyball, football, etc), ride bikes around the island ($15/hour), or take the tram tour ($16.50). I decided to go on the hike with my coworkers and it was absolutely amazing! Of course we had a lot of wine left over so we brought that along to our hike and drank while hiking! Not a treacherous hike at all but there is some incline. We didn't go all the way up to the top of the summit because we were afraid of missing the last ferry at 4:10pm but the views along the way were beautiful and worthwhile! I would definitely want to bring my bike back here and go around the island! I also want to visit the immigration center next time I come here as well because I know this island has tons of history behind it. I hear it's the Ellis island of the west coast!
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Lib B.

Yelp
Took the ferry over at 945am I packed a Lunch an plenty of water the hike up . This was an easy hike once got to the top the most amazing views of the bay area . San had lunch went right down by the time I got down the ferry back to San Francisco is already gone so I had to wait an hour for the next ferry which was super Disappointing because then that fairy stopped in Sausalito Tiburon and then San Francisco so it added an extra 15 minutes on to the normal 30 minute ride it was a great trip I would suggest families to go and take that hike have a great picnic afterwards there's a place to barbecue as well and you can bring your bikes over and just ride on the road just beautiful
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Robert D.

Yelp
Enjoyed the tram ride around the island and the docent tour. Angle island is heaven, and the park and ancillary staff do a great job helping visitors get the most from their excursion. I plan on returning many times to this island paradise.
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Chandana S.

Yelp
a beautiful escape from the city into nature! only a short, fun ferry ride away to see these breathtaking views. Fun to hike and explore
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Yonnie C.

Yelp
Hiked to the top of this park in October 2020 during covid season and it was so fun. So glad we were able to do this, even with toddler in tow. The trail is manageable and steady incline to the top. We were lucky enough to make it to the top to see 360 degree views of the bay and even see the Golden Gate Bridge. Right after we arrived at the top, and saw everything for about 20 minutes or so - the fog came in and engulfed the bridge! Haha good thing we got our photos in before the fog took away all the sites. This is likely to happen when you hike to the top in the morning. Definitely recommend this state park if you want something different when visiting the Bay Area, the museum was closed though. Amazing views and fun way up exercise!
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Grace L.

Yelp
It's a Gorgeous day on Angel Island. It's very peaceful here and therapeutic. Hikers, Bikers, Joggers, Campers, and Photographers will love this place. There's a lot of history that comes with this island. Must wear comfortable shoes and bring camera to capture the moment. It can get very hot as well as very cold here. Weather can be very tricky, dress in layers. If you're not planning to buy the tour on the island, be ready to walk a lot.....I mean a lot and must be in good shape. Otherwise, it's a gorgeous place to be doing outdoor activities. Next time we come here, we are seriously considering bringing a bike. We're not able to tour the whole island on foot today, but we got very far. Also,. Depends how far you want to walk, you might miss the last ferry back to Pier 41.......Then you'll be stuck on the island overnight. Plan ahead or this trip might not be worth it. I would suggest bringing food and drinks If you're planning to stay more than 3 hours. There's plenty to see. For those who have little ones, an island tour might be wise to purchase. Happy exploring!!!
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Chris M.

Yelp
Angel Island is fantastic! If you're a history buff, then you're aware that Angel Island is known as the "Ellis Island of the west." During the first half of the 20th Century, Angel Island was the primary immigration inspection station for individuals and families immigrating from Asia. Prior to that, the island was home to a United States military presence since 1850. After World War 2, the island became a California state park. Over the years, the island has become a relatively low-key park with picnic areas, hiking trails and wonderful views of the San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, Sausalito, Tiburon and Berkeley. Throughout the year, there are several events held on the island. From half-marathons to Civil War reenactments (the island was fortified for fear of a Confederate invasion of the Bay Area during the Civil War), there are many things going on most of the year. If you take the ferry, you'll arrive in Ayala Cove. The cove is home to some picnic areas, restaurants and many parked boats. From there, you can explore the island along many of the wonderful trails. There is quite a bit to see and experience. However, it is very important that you keep track of time. The ferries run on schedules -- and you don't want to miss the last ferry off the island! We usually take the Blue & Gold ferry from Pier 41 in San Francisco or Tiburon. TIPS: Bring a camera, snacks and water! This is a big island. Despite the year-round cool weather, you'll need to stay hydrated as you hike up and down the trails.