How can you get to Angel Island?

Access to the Island is by private boat or public ferry from San Francisco or Tiburon. Weekday ferry service to the island during the winter is provided by the Golden Gate Ferry from San Francisco.



To get to Angel Island State Park in the San Francisco Bay, you must travel by boat, as there is no bridge access. In 2026, the primary method is via the Golden Gate Ferry, which operates daily service from the San Francisco Ferry Building (Gate B). The journey takes approximately 30 minutes and offers spectacular views of the Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge. Another major option is the Angel Island-Tiburon Ferry, a private family-run service that departs from the town of Tiburon; this is often the fastest route, taking only about 10–15 minutes. Private boaters can also visit the island by docking at Ayala Cove, though you must pay a day-use docking fee or a mooring fee if staying overnight. Once you arrive at the Ayala Cove dock, the island is yours to explore via hiking trails, a tram tour, or bike rentals. It is a "pro tip" to check the ferry schedules carefully before departing, especially on weekdays or in the off-season, as the number of daily return trips can be limited, and the last boat usually leaves by late afternoon.

People Also Ask

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

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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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The perimeter trail offers views of the entire San Francisco Bay along the 5.5mile loop around the island. This the most popular trails on the island and is open to hikers and bikes (rentals available at the island on a first come basis).

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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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The Angel Island Immigration Station in San Francisco Bay served as the main immigration facility on the West Coast of the United States from 1910 to 1940. It's shown here in 1935.

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Check out this 6.0-mile loop trail near Belvedere Tiburon, California. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 13 min to complete. This is a very popular area for birding, hiking, and mountain biking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring.

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