angel island tram tours

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Angel Island Tram Tour Price and Schedule 2024

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Angel island tram tour price and schedule.

Hiking and biking are fun activities at Angel Island, but not everyone enjoys long hikes and bike rides , especially when there are some steep hillsides to climb. If you’re short on time, have young kids or don’t want a long walk, the Tram Tour is a great choice.

The tram travels the full 5.5 mile (8.3 km) Perimeter Road on Angel Island, making a full circle and seeing all of the great views. It stops briefly at a few of the major view spots so you can take pictures. The route is marked on the map below, and it’s about a one hour ride. Recorded narration is available in several major languages.

Best of all, the Tram climbs the steep road up the hill from Ayala Cove , so you don’t have to! The tram cars are comfortable, and remind me of the trams in the parking lots at Disneyland.

They also offer Angel Island Segway Tours , which include a short orientation to riding Segways.

Insiders Tip: If you have not made an advance reservation, the tram tours fill up quickly after the first morning ferries arrive, and afternoon trams are often more crowded than the morning. Go to the Angel Island Cafe right after you arrive to get your tickets if riding the tram is an important priority.

Angel Island Tram Prices

Note: These prices are from 2023. As of January 1, 2024 these prices have not been updated, and we’ll report if and when they are.

Tickets cost $17.00 for adults, $16.00 for seniors, $11.00 for kids ages 5-12, and kids under 5 are free.

Insiders Tip: Different travel promoters sometimes have discount coupons for the Tram. You can look for them with a Google Search like this one .

Tram Schedules

You can buy tickets at least 48 hours in advance on the Angel Island Tram Tickets page. Usually they will still have some free seats if you have not ordered in advance, and if any are available you can buy your same-day tram tickets at the Angel Island Cafe , near the ferry pier in Ayala Cove.

During the busy summer travel months we recommend that you book tram tours in advance, since tickets can see out.

The Angel Island Tram runs on different schedules at different times of year:

June through September 4 (high season): 

11:30 AM and  1:30 PM every weekday. 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM on weekends

September 6 through November 27 (good weather in September and October, smaller crowds): 

11:00 AM and 1:00 PM on weekends

November 28 through February (winter season):

No tram service

Guide to Visiting Angel Island in San Francisco Bay

TripSavvy / Melissa Zink

Angel Island is the San Francisco Bay's "other" island. In fact, it's one of several islands in the bay beside the one with the famous prison on it. 

Today, you can go hiking on the island, tour its old military posts, visit the Immigration Station and get some of the best views of San Francisco you'll find anywhere. Here's what you can see and how to see it.

Highlights of Angel Island sights, in order going counterclockwise from the Visitor Center, are as follows:

Built by the U. S. Army in 1863, Camp Reynolds is the oldest permanent settlement on Angel Island, and today it's one of the best-preserved groups of Civil War military buildings in the country.

Almost a century later, an underground Nike Missile silo was built on the southeast corner and used until 1962.

In the early twentieth Century, Fort McDowell , also called East Garrison, replaced Fort Reynolds. This facility was used to process and stage troops for the Spanish-American War, World War I and II. After World War II ended, the Army closed the camp and declared Angel Island surplus property. It lay unused until the Cold War.

Perhaps the most famous chapter in Angel Island's history was its life as  Immigration Station from 1910 to 1940. During that time, a million new immigrants were processed before beginning their lives in America. Because of exclusionist policies, many Chinese immigrants were detained on Angel Island for extended periods of time while officials checked and re-checked their paperwork. Out of frustration, many of them carved poems into the barracks walls, which are still visible today.

Guided tours of most of these locations are offered on weekends and holidays.

Things to Do

• Take a tram tour:  If you want to see it all but don't want to hike, the best way to get around Angel Island is on the tram tours that leave from the cafe several times daily. Pick up your tickets inside. On this hour-long tour, you'll visit Camp Reynolds, the Nike Missile Site, Fort McDowell, and Immigration Station. Check the tour schedule as soon as you arrive on the island and buy your tickets early, as they sometimes sell out.
• Take a Segway tour: Riding a Segway is so much fun you may forget to listen to what your guide has to say about the island's history, but you'll enjoy it no matter what.
• Walk the perimeter road: This 5-mile trip follows the same route as the tram tours. For a shorter stroll, take the half-hour walk to Immigration Station, take the paved road that starts near the Visitor Center (left of the ferry dock). The views from that short walk are some of the best in the San Francisco area.
• Hike: 13 miles of foot trails and fire roads give plenty of places to go. It takes about 2.5 hours to make the moderate hike to the top of 781-foot-tall Mount Livermore.
• Rent a bicycle or a kayak: Rent a mountain bike and pedal around the island.
• Have a picnic: Pick up something from the Cove Cafe, or you can bring charcoal and have a barbecue.
• Camping : With such a beautiful location, Angel Island is a popular place for camping, but they only have nine sites, and they fill up fast.

Tips for Visiting

• Leave Bowser at home. Dogs are not allowed on Angel Island.
• The kids may just have to walk here. Roller skates, roller blades, and skateboards are prohibited, but you can bring a stroller for the little ones.
• Avoid the cafe during the first few minutes after a ferry arrives, when the lines can get long. Ten minutes later, your wait will be much shorter.
• Keep track of the time. If you're stuck on Angel Island after the last ferry leaves, you may have to pay a hefty fine to get off. Not to mention how much you'll be panicking until you're rescued.

The state park on Angel Island is open daily. The cafe and bike rentals are open and tram tours run daily from April through October. Daily tour schedule varies the rest of the year.

Reservations are not required, but advance ferry tickets are a good idea on weekends and in summer. 

A day-use fee for the park included in all ferry tickets. The annual state park day-use pass doesn't work here

The best time to go is spring through fall when the tours are running, and the cafe is open. Go on a clear day for the best views of San Francisco .

Angel Island is located on the north side of San Francisco Bay , north of Alcatraz. The only way to get there is by boat.

Ferry services to Angel Island include Tiburon Ferry, Blue & Gold Ferry, and the East Bay Ferry. You can also get to Angel Island in a private boat if you have one. The ferry ride from San Francisco takes a little less than half an hour, and it costs about the same as an evening movie ticket.

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Tiburon, CA 94920

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Why I need 85 characters to review this service demonstrates the lack of UX and growth expertise at yelp. Friction kills participation. The Tram is iconic and awesome.

Worst organization ever! The people working here have no idea which tram goes where; passengers end up sitting and waiting in vain for a tram to depart. Do not waste your time taking this; just hike the island or rent a bike to explore.

This tour takes one hour. It's not terribly expensive. We paid about $15 per adult. Although, note that you can get some better deals online. You don't have to get tickets ahead of time. You go to the cafe to buy the tickets. Then, there is a clearly Mark place to wait for the tram. Of course, you can't really miss the trams since they are the biggest thing in the area. The train goes around the entire perimeter of the island, stopping at several of the main sights. For example, the trend briefly stops at the garrisons as well as the immigration stations. Our driver, Kimmy, was very friendly and told lots of corny jokes. But she was very enthusiastic and we really enjoyed her as a tour guide and Driver. When the tour starts, note that there could be a lot of dust kicked up. I got some dust in my eyes which made it a little tougher for me the rest of the trip. So be careful.

The tour takes you by the immigration station

One of the many historical buildings

The tram tour was amazing. It was very foggy the morning that I went to visit so we couldn't see much across the river. I enjoyed the driver letting us out to see some the sites, informing us about the various buildings, and the immigration site. I really enjoyed this ride. It takes about 50 minutes to an hour from start to finish.

We were on foot trying to make it back to the port in time to take the 2:05 ferry back to SF--feet aching on a HOT July day. We weren't going to make it. I put my thumb out and Robert stopped for us. He saved the day and we got a little history as well! Of course I tipped. Thanks Robert! I bet the trip around the island would be fun--bring a cold drink and a snack for the ride!

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Alcatraz and Angel Island Combo Tour – Alcatraz Cruises

Our season has ended - check back in March!

• Round-trip ferry ride to Alcatraz Island
• Round-trip ferry ride from Alcatraz Island to Angel Island
• Award-winning Cellhouse audio tour on Alcatraz Island
• Daily optional programs and exhibits
• One-hour narrated tram tour of Angel Island

Please note:  The roads and walkways on Alcatraz are steep. The distance from the dock to the Cellhouse is approximately 1/4 mile (.4km) and the elevation change is 130 feet (40 meters), the equivalent of walking up a 13-story building. The roads and walkways are wide with several places to stop along the way to rest and take in the breathtaking views. Comfortable athletic or walking shoes are strongly recommended. If you have mobility concerns, please see our  Sustainable Easy Access Transport (S.E.A.T.)  Tram information.

Allow 5½ hours to complete your visit to both Islands.

March : Weekends only: March 14-15, 21-22, 28-29 April : Daily April 4-26 for Spring Break. (Easter, Sunday 4/12) May : Weekends only: May 2-3, 9-10, 16-17, 23-25 (includes Memorial Day Monday) 30-31 June-September : DAILY service June 1 through September 30 October : Fridays, Saturday, Sundays & Mondays: 2-5, 9-12 (includes Columbus Day), 16-19, 23-26, 30-31

The combination of two of San Francisco Bay’s most famous Islands, Alcatraz and Angel Island, make for a great day on the bay. This seasonal tour includes ferry rides to and from Alcatraz and Angel Island, a one-hour narrated tram tour of Angel Island, and the Alcatraz Cellhouse audio tour.

On Alcatraz Island, walk the Cellhouse at your own pace with the award-winning audio presentation “Doing Time: The Alcatraz Cellhouse Tour”. Stop to picture yourself in a dark solitary confinement cell, hear the stories of life inside from real prisoners, and feel the intensity of a prison breakout from correctional officers who lived and worked on the Island.

Your one-hour Angel Island Tram Tour is a short walk from the Angel Island dock. An audio tour is now available in French, Italian, Mandarin Chinese and Spanish that is offered only before the tram tour begins. Please see an agent on Angel Island to retrieve the headset before boarding the tram.

Accessibility requests can be sent in advance by emailing the special arrangements team at  [email protected] .

The second hour of your tour is spent as you choose: taking a walking tour, enjoying the cafe or chatting with a ranger at the Visitor Center.

Please note: All other tours or activities, such as the Immigration Station or segway/bicycle rentals, on Angel Island are not included in the Alcatraz & Angel Island Combination Tour ticket. Immigration Station is only open Wednesday through Sunday.

For more information about Angel Island please visit  http://angelisland.com/ .

Cellhouse Audio Tour Included

Tour the Cellhouse at your own pace with the award-winning audio presentation “ Doing Time: The Alcatraz Cellhouse Tour ”. Stop to picture yourself in a dark solitary confinement cell, hear the stories of life inside from former inmates, and feel the intensity of a prison breakout from correctional officers who lived and worked on the Island.

No one can tell the Alcatraz tale quite like the men who lived it. Hear both sides of life in the Island prison including such famous events as escape attempts, “The Battle of ’46”, “Food Riots”, and “Surviving Solitary Confinement”.

The Cellhouse audio tour is available in Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish.

Please note: Audio tour refunds are available for Alcatraz Day Tours only. There are no audio tour refunds available for Alcatraz Night Tours. If you prefer not to take the Cellhouse audio tour, we will be happy to refund the audio program portion of the Alcatraz tour ticket price. Please inquire with a supervisor at the entrance to the Cellhouse for refund amount. Audio tour refunds are not given through the Alcatraz Cruises Ticketbooth or the central reservations office.

Please arrive at Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing at least one half hour prior to your scheduled departure time. The 9:40AM departure (Yellow Group) goes to Angel Island first so you will have to stay throughout the whole program. Please note that no refunds will be issued to those who miss the ferries or choose to skip the Angel Island portion of the tour.

Start day on Alcatraz Island

Departure at 9:30AM (SELECT 9:15 OPTION)

(Green Group)

• 9:30AM – Depart Alcatraz Landing for Alcatraz Island
• 9:50AM – Arrive Alcatraz Island
• 12:15PM – Depart Alcatraz for Angel Island
• 12:45PM – Arrive Angel Island
• 2:40PM – Depart Angel Island for Pier 33
• 3:15PM – Arrive Pier 33

View Full Itinerary 

Start day on Angel Island

Departure at 9:40AM (SELECT 9:30 OPTION)

(Yellow Group)

• 9:40AM – Depart Alcatraz Landing for Alcatraz Island
• 10:30AM – Arrive Angel Island
• 12:55PM – Depart Angel for Alcatraz Island
• 1:30PM – Arrive Alcatraz Island
• Any regularly scheduled ferry – Depart Alcatraz Island for Pier 33

Where to Meet

Alcatraz Landing

Pier 33, San Francisco, CA 94133

RELATED TOURS

Enjoy outdoor-only access to several areas on Alcatraz Island, including the Alcatraz Gardens, and iconic San Francisco Bay vistas.

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Find your experience.

Plan Your Visit!

Step 1: book your ferry tickets..

Step 2: Arriving on Angel Island

Angel Island State Park Information

Angel Island Company Information

Step 3: Getting to the Immigration Station

HIKE, BIKE, SHUTTLE

STEP 4: What To See And Do

Two Museums, Beautiful Views and More!

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Alcatraz Time 05:30 AM (PST)

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Early Bird Tour

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Tour Options

We are the official provider of alcatraz island tickets.

Ticket Quantity

As the official concessioner to the National Park Service, Alcatraz Cruises offers several Alcatraz Island tour options, from in-depth, behind-the-scenes experiences to daily visits to Alcatraz Island. Your visit to Alcatraz Island includes round-trip transportation and the award-winning “Doing Time: The Alcatraz Cellhouse Audio Tour”.

Tour Options Overview

Compare what’s included per tour.

2.5 / hours

Round Trip Ferry to Alcatraz

Famly Packs are available **

Adult $37.25

Special Tour Activities

On-Board Narration

Guided Tour

Adult $44.25

4.5 / hours

No Children Allowed

Adult $89.25

5.5 / hours

Angel Island Tram Tour

Adult $71.50

Pertinent Information

Language translations.

The awared-winning Cellhouse audio tour is available in Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Portugues, Russian, and Spanish

When to Buy Tickets

Tickets are available for purchase 90 days in advance. Advance purchase is highly recommended due to seasonal sellouts.

Tour Duration

Duration of tour is approximate based on duration data averages.

Family Packs

Family Packs are available for the Early Bird and Day Tours only. The family Pack includes 2 Audlt and 2 Child (ages 5-11) tour ticets. Family Pack Alcatraz tour tickets can only be purchased by phone at 415.981.ROCK (7625) , or in person at the ticket booth located at Pier 33 Alcactraz Landing.

Group Tours

If booking a tour for a group of 15 people or more, please contact Alcatraz Cruises Group Services Department at 415.438.8361 ; or e-mail [email protected]

First Visit, Least Crowded

Departing Pier 33 at 8:45AM; this is the first Alcatraz Island tour of the day. The Early Bird Tour is the same as the Day Tour, so get a head start on your Alcatraz Island adventure and avoid the crowds arriving later in the day.

Available Daily (except when closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day).

Tickets Include

• Round-trip Ferry Ride to Alcatraz Island
• Award-winning Cellhouse Audio Tour
• Daily Optional Programs and Exhibits

Learn more about the Early Bird Tour

*Prices subject to change without notice

** Family pack tickets can only be purhcased by calling 411.5981.ROCK (7625) or in person at the ticket booth, located at Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing.

Experience the Cellhouse. Explore the Island.

Step back in time and experience the legendary Island that has been a Civil War fort, a military prison and one of the most notorious federal penitentiaries in US history.  Tour the Cellhouse at your own pace with the award-winning audio presentation “Doing Time: The Alcatraz Cellhouse Tour”.  Stop to picture yourself in a dark solitary confinement cell, hear the stories of life inside from real prisoners, and feel the intensity of a prison breakout from correctional officers who lived and worked on the Island.  

In addition, this memorable tour includes multiple   Park Programs : an orientation video by Discovery Channel; ranger and docent tours; historic gardens and abundant wildlife.

Learn more about the Day Tour

Only Visitors, Night Views

Your tour begins as you leave the Landing and enjoy a guided tour around Alcatraz Island by ferry, pointing out the hidden spots used for attempted escapes, and prison structures unreachable by foot.  Once docked, a ranger-led walk up the hill to the Cellhouse stops to highlight the layers of history from pre-Civil War to military cannon, and family life on the Island.

Tour the Cellhouse at your own pace with the award winning audio presentation “Doing Time: The Alcatraz Cellhouse Tour”.  Stop to picture yourself in a dark solitary confinement cell, hear the stories of life inside from real prisoners, and feel the intensity of a prison breakout as told by correctional officers who lived and worked on the Island.

You are the only visitors on the Island, so take advantage of special   Park Programs   during the course of the evening and enjoy breathtaking views of San Francisco as night falls.

Available Monday through Thursday

• On-board Narration During Round-trip Ferry Ride
• Docent Guided Tours and Talks

Learn more about the Night Tour

Behind the Scenes Tour

Limited group size, in-depth exploration.

Discover areas previously not available to the public!  Join a group of 30 people or fewer on a Ranger-guided adventure to explore clues to the Island’s fascinating past…a tunnel here, an underground jail there, and special gardens with stunning views.  Stories, artifacts, and hidden doorways will satisfy your passion for Alcatraz secrets!

Continue your comprehensive Alcatraz Island experience by taking the Cellhouse audio tour at your own pace, with the award winning audio presentation “Doing Time: The Alcatraz Cellhouse Tour”.  Stop to picture yourself in a dark solitary confinement cell, hear the stories of life inside from real prisoners, and feel the intensity of a prison breakout from correctional officers who lived and worked on the Island.

For more insights, take advantage of special Park Programs   during the course of the evening tour and enjoy breathtaking sunset and city lights of San Francisco as night falls.

Available Thursday through Monday

• Exclusive Behind the Scenes Ranger Guided Tour

Learn more about the Behind the Scenes Tour

PLEASE NOTE: This is a physically strenuous tour that lasts 5 hours. All participants must be 12 years of age or older due to the lengthy duration of the Behind the Scenes Tour. FAQ’s for Behind the Scenes Tour

Alcatraz and Angel Island Tour

Two islands, full day experience.

The combination of two of San Francisco Bay’s most famous islands, Alcatraz and Angel Island, make for a great day on the bay. This seasonal tour includes ferry rides to and from Alcatraz and Angel Island, a one-hour narrated tram tour of Angel Island, and the Alcatraz Cellhouse audio tour. Details about your time on Alcatraz and ferry schedule are below; click here for details about your time on Angel Island.

Your one-hour Angel Island Tram Tour is a short walk from the Angel Island dock. The second hour of your tour is spent as you choose: taking a walking tour, enjoying the cafe, chatting with a ranger at the Visitor Center. Please note: All other tours or activities, such as segways or bicycle rentals, on Angel Island are not included in the Alcatraz & Angel Island Combination Tour ticket.

On Alcatraz Island, walk the Cellhouse at your own pace with the award winning audio presentation “Doing Time: The Alcatraz Cellhouse Tour”. Stop to picture yourself in a dark solitary confinement cell, hear the stories of life inside from real prisoners, and feel the intensity of a prison breakout from correctional officers who lived and worked on the Island.

Available weekend service March – October 2017. Additional daily service June 3 – October 1, 2017.

• Round-trip Ferry Ride from Alcatraz Island to Angel Island
• One-hour Narrated Tram Tour of Angel Island

Learn more about the Alcatraz and Angel Island Tour

Alcatraz Island Named #1 Landmark in the U.S.

In 2015 by tripadvisor reviews.

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Angel Island with Kids: Family-friendly Hike, Tram Ride and More

• April 1, 2022
• by Maureen Burke
• No Comments

A day trip to Angel Island with kids is like a mini-vacation. Perfect for a weekend adventure or day off from school, the trip has a little something for everyone on your list: a ferry ride, outdoor time, food and drinks, history, beach, AND beautiful scenery. Sound good? Let’s go!

Getting to Angel Island from the East Bay

Traveling to Angel Island with kids required a ferry ride, which is part of the fun! There are options from Tiburon or San Francisco. Our family traveled via the Tiburon Ferry. You’ll want to arrive early enough to find proper parking and allow a few minutes to walk from the parking lot. There are several lots within 5-15 minutes of the ferry depot. We’ve paid $5 to park in a lot near the CVS and $15 to park right next to the ferry terminal. The Ferry is punctual; don’t be in a situation where you miss your planned departure!

We took the 10 am Tiburon-Angel Island Ferry. Round trip fares are priced at $15/adult, $5/small children, and children 2 years and under are free. Advance reservations are required. Clipper cards aren’t accepted. Bikes, strollers, and wagons are allowed on board. The boat ride is a short 12-minute trip to the island—just long enough for your little ones to stay excited and short enough to avoid getting seasick. Our family likes to ride on the top level for the best views and to cool down in the wind. Our family has found it best to take the earliest ferry so there’s plenty of time for activities and exploring. The ferry schedule is seasonal so check the times before you plan your outing.

After disembarking, you’ll find clean restrooms, a welcome station, and a ranger station to learn more about activities on the island, bike rental, and the on-site cafe.

Pro tip: Pay attention to estimated travel times if you’re hiking or biking on the island. Make sure you’re back at the ferry depot about 15 minutes before your ferry departs. You don’t want to miss the boat! Our ferry back to Tiburon departed at 3:20 pm on the day we visited. It’s a long day, but there’s so much to explore on Angel Island with kids.

What to do on Angel Island with small children

There’s so much to do on the island for all ages and abilities. We’ve visited the island with little toddlers and grandma in tow. The primary activities are hiking, sightseeing via tram, picnicking, biking, camping, boating, and enjoying the beach.

Pro tip: Hit the restroom and stock up on water and snacks at the cafe; these resources can be limited in other parts of the island.

Hiking on Angel Island

Family favorite: we hike west along Perimeter Road, from Ayala Cove to Camp Reynolds. The 1.5-mile hike can be steep at first, but then it’s fairly flat on a paved, yet rough road. My five-year-old can handle the walk, but my toddler needs to sit in the child carrier. There are plenty of gorgeous views of Raccoon Strait and wildlife spotting (butterflies, hawks, etc.) along the way to keep everyone interested. Once you arrive at Camp Reynolds, walk down the hill to explore the former army quarters and bakehouse. There’s also a handful of picnic tables for lunch, a beach to run along when the tide is out, and Instagramable views of the Golden Gate Bridge. The walk to Camp Reynolds is sunny; hats and water are recommended.

Pro tip: Skip the stroller because there are stairs along the trail.

Our second favorite: hike east to visit the Immigration Station. This route has two museums and great views of the East Bay. The trail has some steady inclines but follows along Perimeter Road for just over a mile. If you’re visiting with more experienced hikers, consider hiking to the peak of Mt. Livermore via the Sunset Trail or North Ridge Trail. Expect the hike to last about two hours. You’ll be able to see all three bridges at once from the top. Or travel around the island to see everything along the 5-mile Perimeter Road.

Our new favorite: Tram Tour around Angel Island

The Angel Island Tram Tour is a wonderful and accessible option for visitors who want to see the entire island and all it has to offer . Our family was able to get to the scenic viewpoints and historic destinations without any delays or complaints. The tram itself was so novel to my children; they had a blast riding on it. We were able to visit areas that are normally too challenging to reach by foot for two littles. My five-year-old said the tram ride was her favorite part of our most recent visit.

The tram tour travels along the 5-mile Perimeter Road, starting and ending at the Angel Island Cafe. It lasts about one hour. Tickets range from $11 for children and $17 for adults. You can purchase tickets in advance online or same day at the cafe. There are usually two tram tours Thursday through Sunday: 11 am and 1 pm (check the schedule before your visit to confirm). The tour stopped several times for riders to get a view of a historic site or hop off to take a picture. Audio plays throughout to explain the island’s history, flora and fauna, and inhabitants. The driver supplements with additional facts. Even if you’re not a history buff, the tram tour is worth it for the easy access to beautiful scenery and lookouts.  Riders also have the option to ride the tram and then hop off to hike.

Our family took the 11 am tram tour and then hit up the cafe for lunch for a boxed meal. The timing was great for our kids and fun for all of us. Because we didn’t expend too much energy, we were able to stay on the island and play all day until the last ferry. Most importantly, my kids didn’t say, “I’m tired”.

Angel Island Beaches

There are a handful of beaches accessible by foot on the island. Most visitors stop by Ayala Cove’s beach. It’s near the ferry, cafe, main picnic area, restrooms, and visitor center. It’s a long and narrow beach that’s perfect for making sandcastles, chasing seagulls, swimming, shell hunting, or watching wildlife. My kids spent nearly two hours playing in the sand while my husband and I enjoyed an adult beverage from a nearby picnic table. (Did I mention the cafe sells beer, wine, and hard cider?!) It was such a relaxing way to spend the afternoon.

Pro tip: The water at Ayala Cove is calm, but seals and sea lions frequent the area so make sure your children know to keep their distance.

Camp Reynolds Beach. Our family has also visited the beach at Camp Reynolds. It’s lovely but is only accessible when the tide is out. Pick up a map when you arrive on the island to find more beaches. Several portions of the island are maintained by the US Coast Guard and closed to the public, so a map will come in handy on that front, too.

Biking on Angel Island

Angel Island is an uber popular destination for biking. Cyclists can ride on the Perimeter Road to visit all the hot spots on the island. Bikes are allowed on the ferry so you can bring a bike from home. Or, there are seasonal rental bikes and e-bikes available on the island . Unfortunately, there are no children’s bikes, bike seats, or bike trailers for rent. Remember to bring a helmet!

Dining options on Angel Island

Visitors can enjoy al fresco dining during their visit. Enjoy the scenery of Ayala Cove from the deck at Angel Island Cafe and Cantina. There are options for breakfast, lunch, snack time, and self-proclaimed happy hour. We enjoyed the sandwiches in our boxed lunches. There are also hot dogs, burritos, nachos, frozen treats, coffee, soda, alcoholic beverages, and many snack options. The Cantina has live music on weekends during the summer months, which sounds so lovely.

Many visitors pack a lunch or snack and enjoy a bite at the picnic tables or spacious green at Ayala Cove. There are also two reservable group picnic areas with plenty of tables and grills if you’re looking for a special destination for a large gathering. Grassy spaces make it fun to kick a soccer ball, toss around a frisbee, or take a nap in the sun.

A few campsites on Angel Island

Did you know you can camp on Angel Island? It sounds like such a unique experience and requires planning ahead. Visitors can reserve campsites and lodging six months in advance from the current date. There are ten hike-in campsites, 1 kayak-in campsite, and 1 group campsite. Camping in the middle of the Bay sounds amazing. Can you just imagine the beautiful sunrise or sunset from your tent?

Explore the island’s rich history with self-guided tours. Stop by the Visitor Center, Immigration Station Museum , or U.S. Immigration Station Barracks Museum on the island to learn about the first inhabitants—the Coastal Miwok, how the Spanish landed on the island, and its use as a quarantine station and an immigration processing station, and more.

There’s a little something for everyone on the island. Best of all, you can explore at your own pace. Plan a trip to Angel Island with kids or relatives visiting from out of town. This family-friendly island is not to be missed!

What other family-friendly hikes or destinations are on your radar? We’re on the lookout for some good ones.

A big thank you to Basecamp Hospitality for inviting us to check out the cafe, tram, and island. My unbiased views are included in this guide are based on several visits, both invited and not.

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• Filed Under: Babies , Day Trips , Grade Schoolers , Outdoors , Preschoolers , Toddlers , Tweens

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U.S. Immigration Station Tours

Visit the U.S. Immigration Station on Angel Island, in operation from 1910-1940, the Station served as the main immigration processing center for hundreds of thousands of immigrants from all over the world looking to start a new life in America. A direct result of the passage of the Chinese Exclusion Act in 1882, the U.S. Immigration Station  detained immigrants an average of two weeks while they endured interrogations and medical exams – sometimes for no reason other than their national origin.

Today the U.S. Immigration Station serves as a house museum dedicated to interpreting and making connections between the experiences of those who made the journey to America over 100 years ago and the continuing story of immigration in America today.

Many of the facilities at the Immigration Station are ADA accessible. Please visit the park’s site for additional information about access and tours or call (415) 435-5537.  

Guided Tours

Tour capacity is 5 – 40 people. If a group has more than the maximum number allowed, groups will need to book additional tour times. Please note that without a reservation, tours are offered on a first-come first-served basis when staff are available and for groups of 5 or more. Tour length is about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Tour content is appropriate for 4th grade and up.

Please contact the Angel Island State Park Tour Coordinator or call (415) 435-5537 for available guided tour dates and times.

Times: 11:00am, 12:30pm, 1:45pm daily (tour times subject to change; please check with park staff for availability)

Upon arrival, please check-in with park staff at the Immigration Station Barracks admissions desk, located at the top of the long staircase (near the main Barracks entrance) to verify where your tour will begin.

• $7 per adult (18 and older)
• $5 per youth (6-17 years old)
• Free for children age 5 and under
• $3 per person K-12 school rate – to receive, contact the Tour Coordinator

Forms of payment accepted: cash or check payable to California State Parks

Self-Guided Tours

The inside of the Immigration Station Barracks and the WWII Mess Hall (including Room 105) can be viewed by self-guided tour. Park staff and docents are available throughout the building to answer questions. The grounds (outside of the buildings) are free to the public.

Times: Weekdays – 11:00am to 3:00pm              Weekends – 11:00am to 4:00pm

• $5.00 per adult (18 and older)
• $3.00 per youth (6-17 years old)

Tickets for the self-guided tour can be purchased at the Immigration Station Barracks admissions desk located at the top of the long staircase (near the main Barracks entrance). No reservations are required. Forms of payment accepted: cash or check payable to California State Parks.  

Immigration Station Ranger Talks

Ranger talks, lasting approximately 15 – 20 minutes, are offered to the public at no cost on the Immigration Station grounds throughout the day on both Saturday’s and Sunday’s. Please check in with park staff at the Immigration Station the day of your visit for more information about these talks.

K-12 Scholarship Program for Immigration Station Tours

Angel Island Conservancy seeks to engage, educate, and inspire the next generation of youth through its Student Service-Learning Scholarship Program which enables under-served youth from qualifying low-income schools (K-12) to visit Angel Island State Park for educational and recreational purposes.  TeacherÂ’s are required to submit an application – ”scholarship” funds are currently available.

Getting to the Immigration Station

Hiking The shortest and most direct route to the Immigration Station is via the Northridge Trail (located at Ayala Cove  ferry dock area).  The trail consists of  144 stairs up to the paved Perimeter Road, once you reach the road turn left and travel approximately one mile. The USIS is on the left-hand side.  Signs are posted to direct you down the hill into the site. Approximate walking time: 30-40 minutes

To avoid the stairs walk towards the Visitor Center in Ayala Cove and follow the road up the hill, turning left when the road ‘T’s, the walk is approximately 1.5 miles. Approximate walking time: 1 hour

Biking Follow the green “Bike Route” signs from Ayala Cove   toward the Visitor Center.  As you approach the Visitor Center you will make a left onto the bike trail.  At the top of the bike trail make a sharp left (u-turn) and continue on the Perimeter Road until you reach the USIS. Expect to bike 1.5 miles.  The USIS is on the left-hand side. Due to steep terrain and vehicle traffic, bicycles are not permitted on the USIS grounds and must be secured on the bike racks located just outside the entry gates.  Approximate biking time: 20 minutes

Shuttle USIS shuttle service is available for a fee to and from the USIS grounds.  Departing from Ayala Cove (ferry landing), the shuttle is scheduled to get you there in time for tours and pick up after tours are completed (Don’t confuse the shuttle with the tram! The tram is a tour around the island, the shuttle is a ride to and from the USIS). For cost and schedule contact the Cove Café at (415) 435-3392 or visit them online .

Ferry Fees

Ferry fees are not included in tour costs and are paid separately to the ferry company of your choosing.  Visit their sites for a current  ferry schedule .

K-12 school groups may be eligible for a reduced ferry ticket price. Please contact the Angel Island State Park Tour Coordinator or call 415-435-5537 to inquire about your groups eligibility.

Recommended Reading & Viewing

Angel Island Prisoner 1922

Carved in Silence (DVD)

Images of America; Angel Island

Island; Poetry and History of Chinese Immigrants

Kai’s Journey to Gold Mountain

Miwoks to Missiles Return to top of page

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