Angel Island State Park in San Francisco Bay
Day Trip to Island with Hiking, Campgrounds, History is Kid Friendly
Angel Island State Park celebrated their re-opening ceremonies on February 15, 2009 after a disastrous fire on Sunday, October 12, 2008 that burned 300 acres.
There are many articles written about Angel Island State Park, the largest island in the San Francisco Bay, many tourists forget about this island as an attraction as they reserve their tickets to go to a neighboring island in the bay, Alcatraz Island. Yet Angel Island has something for everyone and is a short 10 minute ferry ride from nearby Tiburon, north of San Francisco.
San Francisco Bay area local television personality, Doug McConnell, of Bay Area Backroads, describes Angel Island “as a walking time capsule of history.”
Angel Island should definitely be added to the list of vacation trips, with its history of military and government buildings from the Civil War and Second World War, wildlife environment, sightseeing, and recreation outlets such as 13 miles of hiking trails, bike riding around the perimeter of the 788 foot Mt Livermore, and camp grounds.
Visitor Information of Angel Island in San Francisco Bay
Angel Island State Park re-opened for groups on Feb. 15 and will open for individuals on April 1, 2009, from 8 a,m. to sunset all year. The easiest access to the island is by ferry from Tiburon, Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco, Oakland, or Vallejo.
The park service does caution visitors to be extremely careful about approaching the burned areas of the island, because they want to protect these areas to allow the natural evolution of wildlife to return. The island recovery is assisted through The Angel Island Association and the California State Park Service.
Things To Do on Angel Island State Park in San Francisco Bay
As one gets off the ferry at Ayala Cove, there are several things to choose from on a day trip. People may bring their own bikes to the island by ferry, or rent bikes for $10/hour or $35/day.
While roller skates, skate boards and scooters are not permitted, tickets may be purchased for Tram Tours at the Cove Café, a short distance from the ferries. Tram Tours are recommended to see the whole island when one first arrives. It is $13.50 for adults (less for 55 or older adults and children) and the tours go completely around the island with an audio narrative. Another great way available to see the island are Segway Tours which are very easy to learn (and fun) to ride.
Guided walking tours through the historic buildings are fascinating to explore the years when the island was used as quarantine, immigration station, and military posts from both the civil war and world war. This island was labeled as “Ellis Island of the West,” gateway for immigrants on the west coast. Unfortunately, there are not any immigration records as the real Ellis Island has today.
Campgrounds are available from May to September for $20 per night and private boats have access to the island with a small fee for mooring available on a first come, first serve basis.
A favorite activity is to sit and enjoy the scenic views of the famous city by the bay, San Francisco, and neighboring towns while eating barbequed oysters from the oyster bar and outdoor cantina of Cove Café. On clear days, one may see the five bridges in the bay and streets and neighborhoods of San Francisco.
Angel Island is also a photographer’s heaven, whether novice or professional, to shoot some mesmerizing images.
Angel Island State Park has re-opened in February 2009 after a disastrous fire in 2008, for all visitors to enjoy tours, bike riding, hiking trails, and even camping activities with history intertwined in these activities.
Angel Island State Park Map
|
View of Angel Island - Click for Total View
|
Ayala Cove
|
More in Outdoor & Recreation
Latest Articles