Rich in local history, Angel Island is the largest island in San Francisco Bay. The Miwok Indians inhabited the island for 6000 years until 1775, when Spanish sailor Juan Manuel de Ayala anchored his ship in what is now Ayala Cove, and the Miwoks were driven out of the region. The island served as a military base during the Civil War and the Spanish-American War, and as part of the San Francisco Port of Embarkation during World War II.
In 1892 a quarantine station was opened on Angel Island, where ships from foreign ports were fumigated and their passengers kept in isolation. And in 1910 a controversial immigration station began operation. Although known at the time as the "Ellis Island of the West," the unofficial purpose of Angel Island's immigration station was to control the flow of Chinese into the country.
Many of these historical buildings remain on the island, and guided tours of historic sites are offered on weekends during the peak season (typically, April through October). Motorized tram tours also are available. If you simply want to enjoy nature, Angel Island has miles of scenic hiking and bicycling trails, nine camp sites, and many picnic tables at various locations on the island. Kayaking around the island also is popular.
Location
Angel Island is one mile from the Tiburon Peninsula in San Francisco
Bay. Pilot your own boat or take a ferry to the island. The Visitors
Center and Park Headquarters are located in Ayala Cove on
the north side of
the island. Boat slips and mooring buoys are available for private
boats on a
first-come, first-served basis at Ayala Cove. Ferry service to the
island, provided by the Blue & Gold Fleet or the family-owned Tiburon Ferry
Company, runs throughout the year.
Hours of operation
Angel Island is open from 8 a.m. until sunset all year.
Ferry services
The Tiburon Ferry Company is located at 21 Main Street, Tiburon, Calif.,
and offers a 10-minute ferry ride from Tiburon to Angel Island. For a complete
schedule of departures, see the Angel
Island-Tiburon Ferry schedule, or call (415) 435-2131.
Blue & Gold Fleet ferries depart from Pier 41 at San Francisco's
Fisherman's Wharf. The trip from Pier 41 to Angel Island takes approximately
40 minutes. For a complete schedule of departures, see the Blue & Gold
Fleet schedule, or call (415) 773-1188 for recorded information and sailing
times.
Cost
Tickets for Blue & Gold Fleet may be purchased at the Pier 41 Fisherman's
Wharf box office or by calling (415) 705-5555. (There is a $2.25 per ticket
service charge for phone orders.) Fares include Angel Island State Park
admission.
Adults
$11.00
Children ages 6-12
$ 6.50
Children ages 5 and under
Free
Tickets for the Tiburon ferry must be purchased as you board the vessel. There are no advance ticket sales, with the exception of group reservations. Fares include Angel Island State Park admission.
Adults
$ 7
Children ages 5-11
$ 6
Children ages 5 and under
Free (one free child per paying adult)
Boat slips (30' to 50')
$ 2
Slips are available from 8 a.m. until sunset
Mooring buoys
$ 3 per night
Contact information and reservations
General information about Angel Island can be obtained by calling (415) 435-3522.
The nine camp sites on Angel Island are available on a first-come, first-served basis, unless you make a prior reservation. Call ParkNet at (800) 444-7275 to reserve a camp site. Groups of 35 to 200 people who wish to reserve a picnic site may also make a reservation by calling (800) 444-7275.
Special considerations
Weather on the island varies a great deal so prepare for both chilly and warm weather. It's advisable to dress in layers.
Bike rental is available on the island (or bring your own), but roller skates, in-line skates, skateboards, and scooters are not permitted.
The Cove Café deli provides food service, but only on weekends, from April through November.
Pets are not permitted on the island.
A map of the island is available for $1 at the Visitors Center.
Additional information
Visit the Angel Island Web site.
Please note
Cost, hours of operation, or other information about this attraction is subject to change without notice. We suggest you confirm with the attraction prior to your visit.
