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Free Traveling Guides » States » California » Greater San Francisco
Angel Island
If you are looking for a spectacular view of the San Francisco skyline, Marin Country Headlands and Mount Tamalpais, then Angel Island is the place for you. This island is designated as a California state park and is just a short ferry ride from San Francisco, Tiburon, Oakland or Alameda.
The highest point on Angel Island is exactly at the center of the island and is known as Mount Livermore, which is 788 ft (240 m) tall. The island is spread across 1.2 square miles (3.107 sq. km.) and is a haven for those looking for mountain bike and hiking trails.
Angel Island has a fascinating history which is over two thousand years old. The island was a hunting and fishing ground for Coast Miwok Native Americans until the arrival of the Spanish naval vessel San Carlos in 1775. During the American Civil War, the US Army established a camp on Angel Island which later on became an infantry garrison used by the US during their campaigns against the Native Americans. The island was also used during the Spanish-American war and it was a discharging depot for returning troops. During World War II, Japanese and German prisoners of war were housed on Angel Island.
From 1910 to 1940, Angel Island was used as an immigration processing center for Asian immigrants entering into the US. However, the Angel Island Immigration Station burned down in 1940 and subsequent processing was performed in San Francisco.
At Angel Island, visitors can take guided Segway tours or feast on barbecued oysters at the Cove Café deck. There are various picnic stops on the island and one can also go on a historical tram tour. The hike up Mount Livermore gives the most panoramic view of the bay area and makes it worthwhile.
Angel Island is a place to spend an unforgettable day, and is rightly called the Jewel of the San Francisco Bay.
- Telephone: (415) 435-1915
- Hours: 8 AM - sunset daily
- Website: www.angelisland.org
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