San - Francisco 12Aug26 (Day Trip out to Angel Island State Park)

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Day Trip out to Angel Island
Departs Ferry Building Gate B


*Catching the F-Tram. Only ones on the tram.*

*Plenty of options and small bites available at the Ferry Terminal*

ABBATip:
- Payment is simple. Contactless credit card or clipper it still charges the same at USD10/way for Adults.
- Ride is about 30mins long and there are toilets on board. 
- Bring a water bottle. There's only one shop at the start of the location, however there are toilets located sporadically at each of the rest spots.

* Another view point and option apart from Blue & Gold Ferry, 
and Red and White Cruise Ship Tour.*

Angle Island State Park
Click here for scheduled timing

Depart 0925am-0955am
Return 235pm-305pm

Apart from the views of the bay area, there are four main attractions. Ayla Cove (where you arrive), Angel Island Immigration Station, Fort McDowell, the summit and of course the views. 

Entry to the national park is free the enter and there are a couple of ways to enjoy the island. Tram, walking and cycling. 

*The guide was beautifully entertaining and engaging on the routes and gave great estimates. Discuss with him which would you be your best options.*

Getting Around:

Tram: USD18/pax

Tour trams takes an hour. An audio guide plays as you go along with short stops in between for photo takings. (Does not bring cover the summit of Mt Livermore)
You don't have to stay on the entire trip and can get off at any stop. It is not a hop-on hop-off option but you could walk the last leg to cover to the peak. 

Bicycle: USD16/hr for standard bikes or 26USD/hr for E-Bikes.

Great way to enjoy the island but there are certain attractions have no access and would require you to walk. 

Hiking (Free)

Free to do but prepared to walk. Its about 12km+++ or greater which covers most of the views on all sides and to make it up the summit. Trails are fairly easy to walk with some areas requiring some care to traverse. Good shoes, have a water bottle and there are toilets and water fountains at most of the main attractions. 

Ayla Cove

You're received at Angel's island. Toilets, cafes, tour and rentals all start from here. So is the gift shop which closes at 1430hrs. 

*Most of the routes are well paved and easy to naviage.*

*Some of the local wildlife that we spotted.*

Angel Island Immigration Station
(The most historically significant attraction on the island.)

*There's a free to enter museum to tell you more and you can ring this bell.*

Fort McDowell

Former military area with WWI and WWII-era buildings left in their original state which really gave of the feels and one could feel the weight of its history. The buildings aren't structurally safe and can't be entered.

Summit of Mt Livermore & Sunset Trail


Sunset Trail
(Most of the views seen below were seen along the Sunset Trail)

Beautiful elevated views of the bay area, the Golden Gate Bridge, Sausalito and more. Fantastic! The last leg is a long zigzag trail to descend, brining you back to Ayla Cove. 

*Sweeping views San Francisco – Oakland Bay Bridge*

*The Golden Gate Bridge.*
- Click here for an easy cycling along the bay to the Golden Gate Bridge for Sunrise

*Views of the Belvedere, a scenic, affluent residential enclave*

*Loads of photo spots along the way!*

Amazing day out where I'd say spending 4hrs of would be about just right. Not too rushed and can finish most of the attractions. A full day is possible but you'd either have to bring food along or purchase food, only available at Ayla Cove. Great if looking for some exercise and views to boot.

For a easy hike on the bay area side, one could consider an easy Lands End hike (click here for more) 

You maybe interested in these other island hopping day trips
- Alcatraz Island, SFO
- Governor's Island in NYC
- Roosevelt Island in NYC

- Singapore's Kusu Island