"Angel Island was very beautiful. Went there with my family during a trip to San Francisco during my summer break after high school. The oceans and forests are perfect places to go sightseeing, taking pictures, or finding somewhere to eat lunch or just sit back and chill. A really great place to visit during road trips or vacations, and the boat trips to Angel Island are also really cool! 🌊🏝 🩵"

Caleb Mateo

"​The salt-laced air, thick with the scent of the sea, hit us the moment we stepped on the ferry in Tiburon. As the boat pulled away from the dock, a cloud of gulls and pelicans followed, soaring so close we could almost reach out and touch them. The sun glinted off the water, a thousand tiny diamonds dancing on the surface of the San Francisco Bay, with sailboats like white commas flowing acrossthe blue expanse.

​We quickly arrived and started our ascent up the trail near the welcome center, winding our way up Angel Island, heading towards Mount Livermore, surrounded by nature and enjoying every vista along the way. The initial climb was gentle, but soon the path became steeper. Our legs and thighs began to burn, a familiar ache that was both a challenge and a reward. We felt our hearts beating stronger and our breathing was deeper as we pushed on, eager for the panoramic picture perfect views from the top.

​Finally reaching the summit, we were met with sights that took our breath away. A gentle fog, like a slow-motion tidal wave, was rolling in from the Pacific, a ghostly blanket that was beginning to swallow the Golden Gate Bridge and the distant cityscape of San Francisco. The views were serene and majestic, and we could feel the shared sense of wonder among the other friendly hikers, a mix of locals and tourists having a spectacular moment alike.

​After a long soak in the breathtaking 360-degree views, we began our descent. The downhill jog was a release, and the endorphins surged through our bodies while we listened to our favorite songs and sang along. We felt a sense of pure joy and freedom as we ran down the trails. It was on one of the less-traveled paths that we had our most magical encounter.

​A young deer, its eyes wide and curious, stood perfectly still on the trail just ahead of me. It wasn't spooked, and for a few long, quiet moments, we simply stood and admired it. The encounter was peaceful and amazing, a perfect encapsulation of the island's natural beauty. We continued on, feeling the warmth of the sun and the gentle breezes, a perfect ending to a serene day. The ferry ride back was relaxing and if you're lucky you might see a sea lion. We simply felt better for having taken the time to get away from it all.

It has an immigration station that was in service from 1910 to 1940. You can also take your time and explore Camp Reynolds and Fort McDowell. It's perfect for camping, hiking, biking, and picnics.

It's perfect for a weekend getaway that offers a great mix of physical activities, educational experiences, and nice natural beauty, all set against the iconic backdrop of the San Francisco Bay.

There are also sunset 1.5 hour ferry rides around Angel Island on Saturdays and Sundays from mid-May through mid-October. Reservations are required as space is limited.

Passengers are encouraged to bring their own picnic dinner and a bottle of wine to enjoy on the journey. The ferry provides tables and chairs, both inside and outside."

Derek Perner

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

Mike Springer