5 |
PERIMETER |
DISTANCE: 5.5 miles round-trip
HIKING TIME: 2.5 hours
SEASON: year-round
DIFFICULTY: easy
There’s nothing like a hike around an island in the middle of the bay. As you circle Angel Island, a complete panorama of Marin County, San Francisco, and the East Bay unfolds. The fun starts and ends with a short and scenic ferry ride. And there’s a bonus for parents: You can push a baby stroller the entire length of the trail.
Start at the ferry landing and head right past the island’s café and bike-rental kiosk. The picnic area at Ayala Cove is usually packed with people; leave them behind by taking the trail to the left of the picnic tables. Switchback gently uphill to join the main Perimeter Trail, a mostly paved road. Because the road loops around the island, you can head either right or left.
Angel Island served as an immigrant processing center from 1910 to 1940, and a prisoner-of-war detention center during World War II. The visitor center near Ayala Cove has brochures and exhibits on the island’s history.
The weather can be fickle, so bring an extra jacket—or buy one at the café/store near the boat dock. The café’s deck is inviting, but most likely you’ll want to choose your own private picnic spot elsewhere on the island.
Ferry service to Angel Island is available from Tiburon, San Francisco, and the East Bay. For Tiburon departures, contact Tiburon Ferry at 415/435-2131 or www.angelislandferry.com. For San Francisco or East Bay departures, contact Blue and Gold Fleet at 415/773-1188 or www.blueandgoldfleet.com.
