Angel Island Activities — Exploring the Bay’s Largest Island from The Inn Above Tide
Only a 15-minute drive from The Inn Above Tide to the Tiburon ferry terminal, Angel Island offers one of the Bay Area’s most rewarding day trips. Known as the “Ellis Island of the West” and home to stunning natural scenery, the island is part state park, part historical treasure, and part outdoor playground. With trails, beaches, military sites, and museums, these Angel Island activities offer something for every visitor.
Ferry Landing Area
Your day of Angel Island activities begins with a scenic 10-minute ferry ride across Raccoon Strait from the charming town of Tiburon. Along the way, you’ll enjoy bay-level views of San Francisco, Alcatraz, and the Golden Gate Bridge. Keep an eye out for harbor porpoises, seals, and other marine life.
Round-trip fares (including park admission) are $15 for adults, $14 for seniors, $13 for children, and $5 for kids aged 3–12. Children under 3 ride free, and bikes are just $1 to bring aboard.
Mt. Livermore
The island’s highest point at 788 feet, Mt. Livermore rewards hikers and cyclists with panoramic views stretching from the Marin Headlands to the East Bay hills. Trails vary from gentle loops to more challenging climbs, making it accessible for casual walkers and seasoned trekkers alike.
Camp Reynolds
Established during the Civil War to defend San Francisco Bay from Confederate attack, Camp Reynolds later housed infantry troops. From The Inn Above Tide, you can see its historic buildings across the water. On some weekday mornings, visitors are treated to the boom of its restored cannon.
Battery Ledyard
Perched on a bluff with commanding views, Battery Ledyard served as an artillery site from 1898 to 1915. From here you can take in sweeping vistas of Berkeley, Tiburon, Alcatraz, San Francisco, and both the Golden Gate and Bay Bridges.
Ayala Cove Beach
Just steps from the ferry landing, Ayala Cove Beach is the perfect spot to relax before or after exploring the island. It’s a family-friendly beach with calm waters and picnic tables nearby.
Angel Island Visitor Center
Housed in a former quarantine station building, the Visitor Center features exhibits on the island’s natural and cultural history. Short films showcase the island’s beauty and the story of its immigration station, a site that processed thousands of newcomers to America. Learn more at the Angel Island Conservancy website.
Angel Island Immigration Station Museum
Built in 1905, the Immigration Station was used primarily to detain and process immigrants—many from Asia—under restrictive U.S. immigration laws. Exhibits display preserved dormitories, dining halls, and the moving poetry carved into the walls by detainees. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for youths 6–17, and free for children 5 and under. Visit the Angel Island Immigration Station Foundation for more details and a virtual tour.
Fort McDowell
Once a major military processing center during both World Wars, Fort McDowell’s restored buildings and interpretive displays provide insight into its role in U.S. military history.
Planning Your Angel Island Activities from The Inn Above Tide
- Getting there: Drive 15 minutes from the hotel to Tiburon, then take the 10-minute ferry.
- Best seasons: Spring and fall for mild weather; winter for crisp, clear views.
- What to bring: Comfortable walking shoes, water, snacks, and layers for changing conditions.
- Accessibility: Many sites are wheelchair accessible; check ferry schedules in advance.
Experience Angel Island from The Inn Above Tide
With its blend of history, nature, and unbeatable Bay views, these Angel Island activities make for an unforgettable part of any Sausalito getaway. Staying at The Inn Above Tide puts you close enough to explore the island in a single day—yet you’ll want to linger. After your excursion, return to your waterfront suite, watch the ferry lights glide across the bay, and savor the perfect end to your adventure.
