One of the most visited outdoor and educational attractions from Sausalito is Angel Island State Park in the middle of the San Francisco Bay. The onetime military installation and immigration station has become an outdoor paradise with stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the San Francisco cityscape.
One of two very recognizable landmarks in the waters of the San Francisco Bay (the other being Alcatraz Island), Angel Island can be seen from most of the Sausalito and San Francisco ferries and from many points along the shore of the bay. With the peak of Mt. Livermore towering over the bay, Angel Island has long drawn visitors to its shores for hiking, camping, and cultural exhibits in the historic buildings.
The Angel Island Ferry runs regularly from Tiburon over to the island, making a convenient and efficient transportation option for visitors who would like to go out for the day.
“The Ellis Island of the West Coast”
After being used for a time by the military as a base and as troop housing for the variety of military activities around the bay, Angel Island began its work in earnest as an immigration station for the west coast. Compared by many to Ellis Island in New York, Angel Island functioned in much the same manner and helped to process those wishing to enter the United States. It is estimated that more than one million immigrants from Asia entered the country through Angel Island between 1910 and 1940.
The historic immigration center buildings have since been renovated and reopened to the public and contain a variety of touching and emotional, as well as educational, exhibits. Visitors often take the ferry to Angel Island specifically to see these exhibits and to enjoy a quiet and scenic lunch afterwards before heading back across to Sausalito and the North Bay.
Hiking, Biking, and Camping on Angel Island
Whether you would like an outdoor adventure for the afternoon or an overnight stay in one of California’s most famous state parks, Angel Island has a bit of everything for outdoor lovers. More than 13 miles of hiking trails and more than 9 miles of paved bike trails give those wanting a bit of adventure and exercise a chance to get out and play around the island or up the steep sides of Mt. Livermore.
If you would like to camp on Angel Island, there are primitive campsites available in several areas of the island. Spots for camping have a tendency to fill up quickly, so advance notice and reservations are suggested. One note also is that campers are permitted to burn gas stove and/or charcoal, but not wood fires.
Take a trip from Sausalito out to Angel Island and it’s easy to forget that you are in the Bay Area at all, and not out in nature far from a major metropolitan area – until you see the stunning views of San Francisco, Sausalito, and the Golden Gate Bridge!
Angel Island Information:
Angel Island State Park
California State Parks
(415)435-5390
http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=468
Angel Island Conservancy
(Events, Volunteer Opportunities, Information)
P.O. Box 866
Tiburon, CA 94920
(415)435-3972
www.angelisland.org
Angel Island Company
(Public Services: Restaurants, Bike Rentals, etc.)
(415)435-3544
www.angelisland.com
Angel Island Ferry
(From Tiburon to Angel Island)
See website for scheduling information as schedules change frequently.
(415)435-2131
www.angelislandferry.com
Physical Address:
Angel Island – Tiburon Ferry
21 Main St.
Tiburon, CA 94920
Mailing Address:
Angel Island – Tiburon Ferry
P.O. Box 1231
Tiburon, CA 94920 |
