Angel Island State Park
Angel Island State Park, located in San Francisco Bay, provides visitors with breathtaking views of the skyline of the city, the Marin Headlands, and Mount Tamalpais. The island has a long and fascinating history, having served in the past as a place for the Coastal Miwok tribe to fish and hunt, as a refuge for the Spanish explorer Juan Manuel de Ayala, as a cattle ranch, and as a military outpost for the United States Army.
During World War II it was used as a prisoner-of-war camp in addition to a migration processing facility, holding hundreds of thousands of Chinese immigrants. It became a state park in 1954 and currently contains stations that are part of the Coast Guard.
History of Angel Island State Park
There is a long and exciting narrative behind the creation of Angel Island State Park. After being declared surplus property, work began in 1947 and 1948 to turn Angel Island into a public park. About 37 acres of land were purchased by the State Park Commission around Ayala Cove in 1954, and more land was purchased in 1958.
Before withdrawing, the United States army used Angel Island as a Nike missile launch site and radar control station. The island was donated to California as a park in 1962, except for the operational Coast Guard stations.
Swimming at Angel Island State Park
Due to safety concerns, swimming is discouraged at Angel Island State Park. Strong currents accompanying the tidal fluctuations and the lack of lifeguards make swimming dangerous. Swimmers and other visitors should use caution before entering the water.
Even though the park has beautiful scenery and fun activities, visitors should put safety first and follow all rules. Swimming in the dangerous currents around the island is not recommended, but other activities such as hiking, picnicking, and discovering the island’s rich history can still give a great experience.
Beaches at Angel Island State Park
Quarry Point and Ayala Cove in Angel Island State Park are sandy and protected from the afternoon ocean breezes that sweep through the Golden Gate. These shores are perfect for unwinding in the sand and taking in the park’s scenic vistas.
Cobblestone Beach
Angel Island State Park’s Quarry Beach is a beautiful location to soak up some rays. There are no lifeguards on duty though, and with strong currents emerging with every tide change, swimmers should use caution.
Perle’s Beach
The experience at Perle’s Beach on Angel Island is unique, with windier and choppier waters because of its exposed location. Perle’s Beach is a wonderful place to stroll or do beach climbing. and while not a good place to go swimming because of the waves, is a great place to take in the scenery and have an adventure.
Trails at Angel Island State Park
Angel Island State Park’s trails provide excellent hiking. Mount Caroline Livermore, at 788 feet in elevation, is accessible via footpaths and roads that ring the entire island. Use extreme caution around historic structures and erodible cliffs. Major thoroughfares and ferryboats are bicycle-friendly.
Nature Programs at Angel Island State Park
State park volunteers host exciting ecological programs at Angel Island State Park. From May until October, the park hosts these events at its historical sites on most Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. These trips allow guests better to understand the island’s fascinating past and breathtaking landscapes. The volunteer group also provides visits for organized groups like schools and clubs.
Location: San Francisco Bay
Phone: +1 415-435-1915
Email: Tours.AngelIsland@parks.ca.gov
Area: 3.057 km²
Highest elevation: 788.76 ft (240.414 m)
