Angel Island State Park

Angel Island State Park, located in the middle of San Francisco Bay, is rich in both beauty and history. The island offers stunning views of San Francisco, the Marin Headlands, and Mt. Tamalpais. With more than 12 miles of trails and roadways for hiking and biking, beaches and campsites, what the island offers can keep the whole family busy.

At the same time, the island's museum and historical sites offer a rare panoramic view of California history. Angel Island was used as a fishing and hunting site for Coastal Miwok Indians 3,000 years ago, was a haven for Spanish explorers, and also a U.S. Army post. During World War II, Japanese and German POWs were held on the island.

The former Immigration Station is now a museum and includes a re-creation of one of the original dormitories. It is open to the public during park hours, 8am to sunset, daily.

The whole family can explore the island on the motorized tram tour. The trams run regularly scheduled one-hour tours with an audio program including information on the history of the island. The tram schedule is available at the Cove Cafe.

State Park Volunteers also provide programs at the island's historic sites on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from May through October.

Several beaches on the island are ideal for beach play, picnics, and sunbathing, even on windy days. Beaches at Quarry Point and Ayala Cove are both sandy and protected from the afternoon breezes that so often blow in from the ocean through the Golden Gate. Quarry Beach is especially pleasant for sunbathing. Perle's Beach is ideal for sightseeing, walking, and beachcombing. The water, however, is quite rough, making swimming hazardous.

For a hike, circle the island and climb to the 781-foot-high summit of Mount Caroline Livermore. Bicycles can be used on the island's main roads. Bikes can be rented or brought to the island on the ferry boats. Many picnic areas are available with tables, running water, and barbecue pits. Groups of 35 or more can reserve a picnic area by calling (800) 444-PARK.

The island also has nine environmental campsites, each with a table, food locker, running water, pit toilet, and barbecue. Campers must carry their equipment two miles to the campsites. For camping reservations, call (800) 444-PARK.

Camps:
Discover the island through games, crafts, science, and explore trails and historic hideaways. Camps are offered through Belvedere-Tiburon Community Recreation.

2013 Week-long Summer Sessions:
Dates: June 17–August 16
Ages: entering grades 1–7
Days/Times: 9:15am–4:15pm
Cost: $280–$395 per week
San Francisco campers meet at 9:15am each morning near the Cost Plus at 2552 Taylor Street. They take the ferry to and from Pier 41 and can be picked up near the Cost Plus at 4:15pm. No campers will be allowed to check in/out from camp en route to/from the ferry.