Once you lumber off the ferry onto Angel Island, you're on your own to explore everything from the marine life of Ayala Cove, the 360-degree views on top of Mount Livermore and 100 years worth of military history. Although close to 200,000 annually make the boat ride to the park, many visitors limit their stays to the roomy picnic area in Ayala Cove.
There's a paved path leading to the tables and grills so it's handicap accessible, and nearby shade is great for seniors. The Ayala Cove picnic area also hugs the shoreline, allowing children to wade or splash around although no lifeguards are on duty. The adjacent visitor center provides a great introduction into the island's history, starting with Native Americans 3,000 years ago and through 1940, when it was last used as an Immigration Station.
"There's a huge amount of history here," said Surrey Blackburn, executive director of the Angel Island Association. "It's influenced the history of the Bay Area."
The historical contributions of Angel Island are so important that the park is on the National Registry of Historic Places and is a National Historic Landmark. Of international importance are the poems written by Chinese immigrants, who endured long waits to get into the country between 1910 and 1940. With very few belongings, Chinese expressed themselves with beautifully crafted calligraphy on walls in several Immigration Station buildings. More wall poems were uncovered at the Immigration Station hospital.
“This is a great way to get a good idea how California was built,” said Fran Rozoff, an elementary school teacher. “It gives the kids a sense of history.”
Because state history is part of the California’s fourth-grade curriculum, Rozoff escorts her students to the park every year. Blackburn estimates 50,000 youth annually take part in interpretive programs on Angel Island.
“It’s a wonderful place,” Rozoff said. “It’s a great way to end the year.”
Angel Island ranger Mike Whitehead has lived at several state parks since his dad was also a ranger. After more than a decade at Angel Island, he still gives his park two thumbs up due to the adventure factor."
“This is unique in the California State Park system,” Whitehead said. “It’s a jewel in the San Francisco Bay environs and the park system. Don’t miss the boat is a real concern out here. It’s an island. That makes it an adventure.”
As historically rich as Angel Island is, the park’s natural beauty demands attention, too. The park features nine campsites that can be reserved through Reserve America (1-800-444-PARK) and several other group sites for special use, including a kayak camp and a youth work camp.
”At night, you almost have the island to yourself,” Whitehead said.
Hiking can be breathtaking both for the views and the workout. The climb to Mount Livermore, named for the conservationist who led the campaign to create the park, is 781 feet -- enough challenge to get your heart pumping, but easy enough for average hikers to ascend. The island offers 12 miles of hiking trails and 8 for biking. The 5-mile paved trail that encompasses the island makes for a great bike ride, and rentals are available.
For seniors who may not want to hoof it but still want to experience the military history, there’s a narrated tram ride. Angel Island also embraces boaters, with 47 slips for day use 8 a.m. to sunset.
”There’s a lot to see out here,” Whitehead said. “It takes a little more dedication to come to the island.”
Location: Island located in San Francisco Bay; ferry service from San Francisco and Tiburon
Activities: Hiking, cycling, picnicking, boating, tram ride, snack shop, camping, visitors center
Ferry service: The cost of a round-trip fare from Tiburon to Angel Island is $10 for adults, $7.50 for children 5-11 and free for youth 4-and-under. Price includes admission to the park. Call 415-435-2131 for schedule. You can also board a Blue and Gold Ferry in San Francisco or Oakland/Alameda to reach Angel Island. The cost is $13 for adults, $7.50 children 12 and under and youth under 5 are free. Ferries leaving Oakland/Alameda stop at Fisherman’s Wharf first. Call 415-705-5555 for schedule.
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