Can you get to Angel Island by car?

Angel Island can only be accessed by boat. With the exception of maintenance and emergency vehicles, the island is car-free.



No, it is impossible to get to Angel Island by car. Angel Island is a protected California State Park located in the middle of the San Francisco Bay, and there are no bridges or roads connecting it to the mainland. In 2026, the only way to reach the island is via the public ferry (departing from San Francisco’s Ferry Building or Tiburon) or by private boat. Once on the island, private motorized vehicles are strictly prohibited to preserve the natural environment and historical sites. Visitors must explore the island on foot, by bicycle, or via the seasonal Electric Tram Tour operated by the park. If you arrive by private boat, you can utilize the day-use slips at Ayala Cove, but even then, you must leave your vehicle at the mainland parking lots before embarking on the ferry.

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Explore Angel Island State Park, the “Jewel of San Francisco Bay,” and the many activities it has to offer from hiking, biking and picnicking or learn it's role in the history of our country. A 15-minute ferry ride from downtown Tiburon gets you there!

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The Angel Island Perimeter Loop is by far the most popular walk on, and thus the most trafficked, so getting there early is a plus. The 5.5-mile paved trail offers panoramic views of the entire San Francisco Bay, and will take a few hours.

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Take a tram tour: If you want to see it all but don't want to hike, the best way to get around Angel Island is on the tram tours that leave from the cafe several times daily. Pick up your tickets inside. On this hour-long tour, you'll visit Camp Reynolds, the Nike Missile Site, Fort McDowell, and Immigration Station.

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Finally, in 1997, the station was declared a National Historical Landmark. Just over one square mile in size, Angel Island currently hosts a small community of about 30 residents, all of whom work, or are related to those who work, on the island in some capacity for the state.

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Is there a possibility to over-night? - Angel Island State Park. “Is there a possibility to over-night?” Yes, but there are only a handful of sites so they book up well in advance. Reservations can be made 6 months in advance, on a rolling day-by-day availability calendar.

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Can I bring alcohol to the island? Yes, it is allowed.

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Wildlife on Angel Island The fauna are very benign; no mountain lions, coyotes or poisonous snakes have made it to the island. They do have signs on the dock warning visitors about poison oak and ticks, but that is only of concern in the more heavily wooded trails up the mountain.

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In August of 1940, a fire destroyed the administration building and hastened the government's decision to abandon the Immigration Station. On November 5, the last group of about 200 immigrants (including about 150 Chinese) were transferred from Angel Island to temporary quarters in San Francisco.

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Swimming to the island is not encouraged due to strong currents found in Racoon Strait, the waterway between Tiburon and Angel Island. Tiburon is one (1) mile from the island and the closest mainland point. Can I camp there? The park's four environmental camping areas have water and pit toilets nearby.

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Angel Island
  • Location: San Francisco Bay.
  • Immigrants processed: 150,000.
  • Number rejected: 50,000.
  • Percentage rejected: 33%
  • Average length of stay: 2-3 weeks.


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In July 1946, after serving the military for a variety of purposes, the Army declared Angel Island surplus and eventually transferred ownership to the State of California for park, recreational, and historical purposes.

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