As long-haul crew, I am incredibly fortunate that my job takes me all over the world. Whenever I find myself in San Francisco with a beautiful day forecast, there is no way I am going to waste it sitting in a hotel room.
On a recent trip, a friend who knows how much I love to hike recommended I take the ferry over to Angel Island. Often overshadowed by its infamous neighbour, Alcatraz, Angel Island is the largest island in the San Francisco Bay.
It offers some of the most spectacular, uninterrupted views of the Golden Gate Bridge, the city skyline, and Marin County.
If you want to escape the busy city streets and get your hiking boots dusty, here is everything you need to know to plan a perfect day trip to the island.
Angel Island Need-to-Know:
Getting There:
Catch the Angel Island ferry from Pier 41 in San Francisco or from Tiburon in Marin County.
The Golden Ferry Rule:
The ferry is the only way on and off the island. Check the return schedule carefully as soon as you arrive. The last ferry back to the city often leaves mid-afternoon (around 3:00 PM or 4:20 PM depending on the season), and you do not want to get stranded!
Facilities:
Head to the visitor centre at Ayala Cove when you disembark to buy a $1 trail map. There is a small café near the cove, but I highly recommend bringing a packed lunch and plenty of water.
Connectivity Warning:
Cell phone signal on the island is incredibly patchy. Switch your phone to “flight safe mode” to save your battery for taking photos!
Getting the Ferry from Pier 41
After a hearty breakfast, I walked down to Pier 41 to purchase my ferry ticket.
Because I had an hour to kill before departure, it was the perfect opportunity to meander around Pier 39.
You can grab a caffeine refill and admire the famous sea lions lounging on their pontoons (you will definitely hear them before you see them!).
The ferry ride itself is a brilliant experience, but pack a windbreaker! San Francisco is famous for its micro-climates, and even on a blazing hot summer day, the wind out on the open bay is freezing.
You leave the cityscape behind, cruising across the bay and passing right by Alcatraz en route. The views of Sausalito and Tiburon look so inviting from the water.
Before long, the ferry pulls into Ayala Cove, where you disembark onto the island.
Hiking the North Ridge Trail to Mt. Livermore
There are several trails to choose from, but my aim was to reach the summit of Mt. Livermore.
At 788 feet, it is the highest point on the island, named after Caroline Livermore, a conservationist who was instrumental in preserving the island for public use.
I headed up the North Ridge Trail. If you are planning to do this hike, expect a roughly 4.5-mile to 5-mile round trip that will take you about 2 to 3 hours depending on your pace.
The paths are well-maintained, but they are natural dirt trails, so you need to keep your eyes open for tree roots and the odd embedded stone.
It is a popular place to visit, but don’t be surprised if you don’t see anyone else for long stretches.
I was fortunate to meet a lovely lady along the way, and we decided to hike together.
We stopped regularly to catch our breath, admire the stunning views, and take photos of the deer and blue jays darting through the trees.
Alternative Ways to Explore the Island
If a 5-mile hike with a 700-foot elevation gain isn’t your idea of a relaxing holiday, don’t worry! You can still experience the island’s beauty.
Right at Ayala Cove, you can rent bicycles (including e-bikes) to ride the paved Perimeter Road, which offers a mostly flat, incredibly scenic 5.5-mile loop around the island.
Alternatively, you can book a ticket for the open-air Tram Tour, which runs the same perimeter route and includes a fantastic audio guide explaining the island’s history.
The Summit: The Best Views of the Bay
When you reach the top of Mt. Livermore, the payoff is immense. If you are as fortunate with the weather as I was, you will be treated to a spectacular 360-degree panorama.
Seeing the San Francisco skyline, the rugged coast of Marin County, and the Golden Gate Bridge stretching across the water all at once is a view you will not quickly forget.
There are picnic tables at the summit, making it the perfect spot to sit down, refuel, and soak in the surroundings (just keep that windbreaker handy—it gets breezy at the top!).
A Brief History of Angel Island
As you walk the island, it is fascinating to remember its deep history. It was first visited by the Coast Miwok over 2,000 years ago, who used it mainly as a fishing and hunting site.
In 1775, Lieutenant Juan Manuel de Ayala sailed into the bay and anchored at what is now Ayala Cove, christening the land Isla de los Ángeles.
Later, during the American Civil War in 1863, the U.S. Army established Camp Reynolds here to protect the bay. It later served as a busy immigration station (often called the “Ellis Island of the West”) and a WWII garrison.
There is always so much to see and do when I come to this wonderful part of California. If you love to walk and want to experience San Francisco from a completely different vantage point, an Angel Island hike is an absolute must-do.
Beautiful photos. A healthy does of nostalgia as I grew up in Tiburon (I can actually see my parents’ home in one of those photos) and spend a few summers taking the ferry over to Angel Island each day for Summer Camp as a kid. Thanks for sharing!
Glad you enjoyed it Andrew. Such a wonderful way to spend a day and take in the beautiful area.
Visiting angel island through your blog is an awesome experience. I would love to spend me holiday around there. However this is a place which is free from hassle and we can buy some quality relaxing moments.
It is definitely an ideal area to relax and enjoy the stunning scenery. I hope you get there someday.