Angel Island State Park — Attraction in Tiburon

💚 amazing landscape and bay views with subtle wildlife 💚 historically restored camps, housing and administration structures from the island’s past lives are found throughout the park 💚 alternatively, a similar number structures are found in varying states of abandonment and decay, which only heightens the level of mystery and intrigue; most viewed from outside, but some can be explored inside 💚 old battery remnants also dot the island; fully accessible for exploring 💚 in short, this park is a photographer’s dream 💚 excellent rangers and park staff 💚 museum: Detention Barracks & Mess Hall requires a nominal fee to enter (check park’s website for current fee); highly recommended as all the top-notch displays completely bring the walls to life and submerge visitors into another time; it is two-floors, self-paced with an estimated time of 20-60 minutes depending on your interest 💚 museum: Immigration Museum is a former hospital facility and requires no fee to enter (as of this writing); this attraction is also self-paced with two floors of displays that do a superb job of taking visitors to another time; estimated time of 15-45 minutes depending on your interest 💚 amenities: restrooms, benches, and picnic tables are found throughout the park 💚 hiking: from easy to moderate, mix of both roads and trails accommodates 💚 biking: wonderful place to bike; bike rentals available; check hours and prices 💚 tram/shuttle: excellent option for those with mobility issues to cover the whole park and see its attractions (or those short on time); check available times beforehand—may require reservations at peak times 💚 cafe on the island, but do check hours; cafe may not open if not enough visitors on island; minimally bring a water bottle (can be refilled in a few locations) 💚 aside from ferry fare, and nominal fee to enter Immigration Station, there is no other cost to enter the park (as of this writing) ⛔️ caution: some attractions are accessed by very steep roads ⛔️ biking: must walk bike...

We had a great time camping at Angel Island. It was a HAUL to get our bikes and gear to site 7, there are a lot of uphill climbs pushing your bike with a heavy pack. Because of this I would recommend staying 2 nights for your efforts, we felt a little rushed with just 1 night. The easiest way to get in is leave Ayala Cove clockwise and just after you pass the downhill to the Immigration Station on your left, you will come up to the fire road on your right where the employee housing is. Follow this road to Sunrise Sites and East Bay Sites. Leaving camp, I would suggest going south towards Four Points and following the perimeter road. This was easy on a bike with a pack.

Of the Sunrise Sites, 8 has the best view, then 7. If you can though, get a Ridge Site for the best view IMO. There's no shade at 7 (thus no place to hammock) and it did get a bit hot (May 11th) when the breeze would die down. I thought it was going to be much colder at night but I didn't end up needing the warm clothes I brought.

One of the perks of the Sunrise Sites is their proximity to Mt Livermore. Taking the Ida trail was quick, about 25 minutes, to the top.

Regarding the restaurants. One wasn't open but the Cantina was. Their snack options are limited. Chips, sodas, beer/wine, ice cream. If you're camping, I wouldn't rely on the Cantina...

Wow, what a park! I wish I'd had more time to spend there. I originally intended to hike the mountain after seeing it from Sausalito, but I got there, and discovered there was a history tram tour. I mixed up what I said to the employee at the snack counter, and when I went to correct it, he was so nice, which was par for the course. The tram driver was super kind and even let me hop off at the Immigration Station museum and come back on the last tram, which had no one else on it, so thanks to John for not leaving me stranded. The other concession workers remembered me and were so friendly, and every park ranger I spoke to was happy to answer my weird questions and joke with me when appropriate.

The immigration station museum was incredibly moving. I had no idea this was here, and the museum itself is very well modernized, including elevators and accessible restrooms. The original dormitories with the carved poetry from detainees - my goodness. They have done such an incredible job of preserving the interior, though I know some of the original buildings have slowly deconstructed.

Truly an amazing experience, and if I come back, I hope I'll be able to camp and get that hike in, but I'm so glad I was able to visit today, and so grateful for all the lovely staff at Angel Island. What an...