A day on
Angel Island

Hike, Museums and Kayak!

• Hike up to Mount Livermore, and smell the sagebrush!

  • As a microcosm of Bay Area climates, Angel Island hosts a range of ecological niches and species. A 2.5 mile climb up to Mt. Livermore via the North Ridge trail winds hikers through damp Oak Woodland habitat and up 788 ft, while the 2.5 mile descent via the Sunset trail explores Coastal shrub and Chaparral. 

• Visit the Immigration Station

  • Choose from a number of options for getting to the U.S. Immigration Station: hike, bike, or take the shuttle (operated seasonally). The 1 mile route along Perimeter Road leads to the grounds of the U.S. Immigration Station, and visitors have the opportunity to explore the history at the Angel Island Immigration Museum and Detention Barracks Museum. Hours and more information are linked here: Angel Island Tour and Program Information

• Kayak around the Island

  • While not fit for a first paddle, a human powered circumnavigation of the island is possible with careful planning and preparations. The Bay Area Sea Kayaking Trip Planner, linked below, is invaluable for timing your trip to align with favorable currents as much as possible. Keep in mind that the currents are especially strong through Raccoon Strait due to precipitous depth, and the East side of the island is prone to contradictory and swirling eddies, especially on ebb tides. Hug the shore, and practice caution around Point Blunt on the Southeast corner of the Island, as currents are known to rush around the rocks and capable of sweeping craft into the shipping channel. Note that there are a number of sheltered shores to take refuge and wait out tidal swings if necessary, including Ayala Cove, Camp Reynolds, Perle’s Beach, Point Blunt Beach, Quarry Beach, and China Cove. Kayakers and paddlers are strongly encouraged to contact the Angel Island Lifeguards for advice on navigating conditions and to alert them of circumnavigation plans.

  • Enjoy a picnic on the beach: Bring your own food or pick up a sandwich from the Angel Island Company Cafe (operated seasonally!)

    • Quarry Beach can be more protected from prevailing Westerly winds in the summer. It is our widest, sandy beach, offering space to set up even during high tides.

    • Perle’s Beach is highly exposed, but it offers sweeping views of San Francisco and is a prime location for a picnic on our rare still sunny days in the fall or winter.

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