Angel Island
Take a Blue & Gold Fleet ferry to Angel Island. A California State Park and Wildlife preserve, Angel Island is one of the finest historical sites in the Bay Area and includes military garrisons and compounds from every major war dating back to the U.S. Civil War. Also known as the "Ellis Island of the West”, Angel Island's Immigration Station was the first stop for millions of Pacific Basin, Asian and Russian immigrants entering the United States. A day trip to Angel Island will provide a quick overview; however return visits are recommended to explore all that the island has to offer. For more about special events, tours on Angel Island and ferries from San Francisco, Oakland/Alameda and Vallejo, visit the "Angel Island Schedule" link below.
 The official park concessionaire, the Angel Island Company, offers a variety of visitor services in the island's Ayala Cove area. Seasonal services include: economical mountain bike rentals, naturalist-led kayak tours, a one-hour, audio-enhanced Tram Tour of island historic sites, and a moderately priced menu of food and beverages at the Cove Cafe. Explore the island on a Segway Tour, a professionally guided 45-minute or 2-hour tour. The company also offers special catering and recreational equipment rentals for groups and picnics. See the Angel Island Company website for more details. Only service animals are allowed on the island.
Angel Island ferry tickets from San Francisco can be purchased online (redeemable at the Self-Service Kiosk at PIER 39), the PIER 39 Box Office or Bay Crossings Store at the San Francisco Ferry Building. Angel Island ferry tickets from Alameda and Oakland can only be purchased onboard respective ferries. Vallejo to Angel Island ticket are available at Vallejo Terminal Ticket Office.
Note: For passengers departing from and returning to San Francisco's Pier 41 or the San Francisco Ferry Building, please make sure to purchase two (2) one-way tickets. Tickets are valid for any departure time for up to six (6) months from date of purchase.
Come see the newly restored Immigration Station...Now Open!
United States Immigration Station, Angel Island
Guided and Self Guided Tours
The majority of the Detention Barracks are available by guided tour only. RM 105 will be open for a self-guided experience when staff is available. The US Immigration grounds are open to the public during park hours 8am-sunset daily. Visitors may look at the interpretive panels and displays that are outside.
*Weekday tour reservations SOLD OUT March through May 2009*
Weekend tour reservations are still available for groups of ten or more from April through the end of October. See schedule below. Please email aivc@parks.ca.gov for reservations. Groups of less than ten can purchase tour tickets on a first come, first serve basis at the Cove Cafe on Angel Island. Tours are not recommended for children under 10.
U.S. Immigration Station Tour Schedule
Reservations can be made for groups of 10 to 30 people
and must have no less than 2 weeks notice
*As of June 1, 2009 Weekday Guided Tours
Wednesday - Friday: 11:00am, 12:30pm, 2:00pm
On weekdays the 2pm tour is 40 minutes (2nd floor only, tour starts from bottom of covered staircase, special price
$4 Adults / $3 Children (5-11yrs))
Weekend Guided Tours
Saturday - Sunday: 11:00am, 12:30om, 2:00pm
May - Sept: 11:00am, 12:30pm, 2:00pm, 3:30pm
To participate in tours at 12:30pm or later, your group must take a ferry that departs the island at 3:00pm or later.
Tour Fees
Schools K-12
Tour Maximum: 40 people (including chaperones)
Cost Per Person: $3.00
Tour Length: Approx. 1 hour
All Other Groups
Tour Maximum: 30 people
Cost Per Person: $7.00 Adults / $5.00 Children (5-11yrs)
On Island Transportation
Hiking
Visitors should expect to walk up 140 trail stairs and travel approximately one mile along park trails and roads to the USIS.
Biking
Visitors should expect to bike 1 1/2 miles to the USIS, bicycles must be secured at the top of the hill into the site. Due to steep terrain and vehicle traffic, bicycles are NOT permitted on U.S. Immigration Station grounds.
Shuttle Service
Shuttle service will be available for a fee, to and from Ayala Cove (ferry landing) and the USIS. Contact the Cove Cafe at www.angelisland.com or 415-435-3392 for cost and schedule.
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