Angel Island:

Things to Do and Visitor Tips

Where is Angel Island?

Sitting in the middle of the San Francisco Bay, Angel Island is the second largest island in the bay. The island is so large that on a clear day, Sonoma and Napa counties can be seen from the north side of the island, and San Jose can be seen from the south side!

The highest point on the island is Mount Caroline Livermore at a height of 788 feet (240 meters).

The island is separated from the mainland of Marin County by Raccoon Strait, where the depth of the water is approximately 90 feet (27 meters). Keep your eyes peeled for some local sea life, including sea lions and dolphins.

From San Francisco

Your trip begins at the Ferry Building Terminal, Gate B, near the intersection of Market Street and the Embarcadero. Taking the Golden Gate Ferry will give you great views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz. Tickets cost $15.50 one-way for adults from San Francisco. You will need to purchase round-trip tickets before departure, as there is no ticketing site on the island. These may be purchased online in advance. The Golden Gate Ferry accepts Clipper Cards.

From Tiburon

If you're going to Angel Island from the Marin side of the bay, the Angel Island Tiburon Ferry is a convenient way to visit. Park in downtown Tiburon near Main Street, where the ferry departs. The ride only takes 10 minutes, and is a good option if you're prone to motion sickness. 

Tickets cost $18.00 round-trip for adults from Tiburon and can be purchased online or at the terminal (depending on availability). This ferry does not accept Clipper Cards. 

Once you dock in Ayala Cove, you'll have access to the Welcome Center, restrooms, gift shop, café, bike rental, picnic area, and tram service on Angel Island. 

Often called the “Ellis Island of the West,” Angel Island was the West Coast holding place for Asian immigrants seeking U.S. citizenship. Although many of the original buildings were destroyed in a 1940 fire, they were replaced with educational monuments that detail, among other things, the Chinese immigrant experience. Due to strict immigration laws, some individuals were kept on the island for years! 

If you'd like to learn about the history of Angel island, you can visit the Detention Barracks Museum and WWII mess hall, along with the Angel Island Immigration Museum. 

The Barracks lets visitors explore the history of immigrant detention from 1910 to 1940 and experience the living conditions of 300,000 detainees held on Angel Island. 

The Immigration Museum allows visitors to explore the full complexity of immigration to the United States along the Pacific Coast. Housed in a former hospital, the museum presents personal stories, immigration policies, and social issues from both past and present.

The park rangers also offer informative, one-hour tours of the museum and barracks.

To see incredible views, journey up North Ridge Trail. The trail is well marked, chock-full of stunning vistas, and moderately easy. It only takes about an hour to reach the top of Mt. Livermore. At the summit, settle onto a picnic table to enjoy 360-degree views of San Francisco Bay. This part of Angel Island is far less frequented than some of the other attractions, so you can enjoy the scenery without a crowd.

After a scenic 45-minute climb down the other side of the mountain, enjoy a quick bite at the waterfront Angel Island Cafe on Fire Road Trail. If you want a heartier meal, they offer pre-made sandwiches and salads with advanced ordering while supplies last. They often feature live music from local bands on the weekends. After your snack, you can board the ferry and you’ll be back in the city in less than an hour.

Angel Island is rife with natural beauty, and that includes its beaches. Less crowded and equipped with stunning views, Perles Beach and Quarry Beach are definitely worth a visit. 

Perles Beach  

This secluded cove on the island's south side is the largest, and a rewarding 1.5-mile trek or bike ride from Ayala Cove. As you go counterclockwise on the Perimeter Road, you'll pass Camp Reynolds and enjoy views of Richardson Bay. Once you arrive at the panoramic view of the city skyline, there will be a sign that indicates the trail to the beach. Follow this for around five minutes, and you'll find yourself at metal stairs leading you to the sandy shore. At Perles, you can enjoy 360˚ views of all three bridges in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Quarry Beach  

Known as the "Rangers' Favorite", Quarry Beach can be found on the east side of the island. Quarry Beach is well-protected from the wind and situated directly adjacent to the historic World War I and World War II buildings at Fort McDowell (East Garrison). This white-sand beach is a great place to collect sea glass or enjoy a picnic at the nearby tables.

Learn more about the beaches here.

If you'd like to explore the island on two wheels, that is also an option. There is a bike trail around Angel Island, and you can either bring your own bike or rent one at Angel Island Company Rentals. Rentals cost $16 per hour or $64 for the day, including a helmet. You can also rent an e-bike for $26 per hour, or $99 for the day. It is also possible to camp overnight on Angel Island at one of their 11 campsites.