At 7 by 7 miles, San Francisco is small but mighty, with all sorts of treasures in its labyrinth of hilly roads and secreted neighborhoods. But for clients who have exhausted the coastal city’s offerings, take them north to Angel Island, which is set in San Francisco’s eponymous bay.
Angel Island, also known as Angel Island State Park, is only about 1.18 square miles, or 760 acres — so, even smaller than San Francisco — while still San Francisco Bay’s second-largest natural island (the first is Alameda). During a mini-expedition onboard Lindblad Expeditions – National Geographic’s National Geographic Venture, our group traveled by zodiac boat to the state park for activities including sea kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and hiking. (Typically, the island is only accessible by public ferry from San Francisco or Tiburon, or by private boat.)
After a morning of soaking in the California winter sunshine and kayaking around the island’s circumference, my sister, Melody, and I decided it was time to set foot on soil. Eager to properly stretch our sea legs, we tackled the nearly 5-mile Angel Island Loop trail, which combines the island’s Perimeter Road, North Ridge Trail, Sunset Trail and a short spur that leads up to the 788-foot Mount Livermore peak. In January, the hike was delightfully peaceful; our only companions were the few campers lucky enough to stay overnight on the island (camping spots must be reserved far in advance and go quickly) and a few other folks from our Lindblad cruise.
Manzanita, oak and pine trees surround the trail, with occasional gaps between heavy vegetation that allow glimpses of the deep-blue bay. Reaching the top of Mount Livermore, though, is undoubtedly the piece de resistance — a rare clear day can afford spectacular 360-degree views of not only San Francisco Bay and the distinct Golden Gate Bridge, but also, some say, as far as Sonoma and Napa to the east, and San Jose to the south.
Angel Island is open from 8 a.m. to sunset. During off-season (November through February), ferry service is provided on weekends and holidays only; during peak season, which begins the first Sunday of March through the end of October, ferry service runs daily.
The Details
Angel Island State Park
www.parks.ca.gov
