Checking Off a Bucket List Adventure

For my birthday this year, I wanted to spend it out in nature and decided I would finally make it to Angel Island- a place I had always wanted to visit but never got around to exploring. There’s something special about celebrating another year by doing something new, and this felt like the perfect way to mark the occasion. Two of my friends joined me, and we set off on the first morning ferry from San Francisco, which departs at 10:15 AM on weekends (or 9:25 AM on weekdays). We were excited to spend the day hiking, soaking in the stunning Bay Area views, and making unforgettable memories.

As the ferry pulled away from the San Francisco Ferry Building, we could already tell it was going to be an amazing day. The ride across the bay was beautiful, with crisp morning air and sweeping views of the city skyline. As we approached Angel Island, we were greeted by lush green hills, rocky cliffs, and the unmistakable charm of an island that feels like a hidden escape in the middle of the Bay.

Arriving on Angel Island

The ferry ride was short, and before we knew it, we were stepping onto the dock at Ayala Cove, the main entry point to the island. Right away, I noticed how peaceful and quiet it felt compared to the hustle and bustle of San Francisco. Unlike other popular hiking destinations, Angel Island didn’t feel overcrowded, which made the experience even more enjoyable.

Before hitting the trails, we took a few minutes to peek in the small visitor center and gift shop near the ferry landing. The gift shop had a fun selection of souvenirs, books, and postcards, which was perfect since I love bringing home small mementos from my trips. We also noticed that there was a casual café- something I hadn’t expected! More on that later.

The Hike: North Ridge & Sunset Loop

Once we were ready, we wasted no time and headed straight for the North Ridge Trail. The hike started with a steep but shaded incline, which helped keep us cool as we made our way up. I had expected the trails to be mostly exposed, but I was pleasantly surprised by the mix of forested paths, open ridgelines, and scenic overlooks.

As we climbed higher, the 360-degree views of the Bay Area became more and more breathtaking. We could see San Francisco’s skyline, the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, Tiburon, and the Marin Headlands all from different vantage points along the way. We stopped often- not just to catch our breath, but to soak in the incredible scenery and snap plenty of photos.

One of the highlights of the hike was reaching a viewpoint where we could see both the downtown skyline and the Golden Gate Bridge in the same frame! The Sunset Loop portion of the hike was equally rewarding, offering a mix of gentle slopes and sweeping views.

I was especially grateful for the shaded sections of the trail, which gave us a break from the sun. Even though it wasn’t an extremely hot day, the open sections of the trail could get warm, so having those tree-covered stretches made the hike more comfortable.

Angel Island’s History & Other Ways to Explore

Angel Island isn’t just a beautiful hiking destination- it’s also full of history. Often called the “Ellis Island of the West,” the island served as an immigration station from 1910 to 1940, where thousands of immigrants, mostly from China, were processed before entering the U.S. Today, visitors can explore historical sites, including old barracks and museum exhibits, to learn more about this part of the island’s past.

Beyond its immigration history, Angel Island has also served as a military outpost dating back to the Civil War and was even used as a detention center during World War II. Walking around the island, it’s fascinating to see old military buildings alongside the natural beauty of the Bay.

If hiking isn’t your thing, there are other great ways to explore Angel Island:

• Biking: Many visitors choose to bike around the island, following the Perimeter Road, which offers stunning coastal views with a more gradual incline than the hiking trails. You can bring your own bike on the ferry or rent one on the island.
• Camping: For those who want to extend their adventure, Angel Island has several campsites with some of the best sunset and sunrise views in the Bay Area. Since the island clears out in the evening once the last ferry leaves, campers get to experience a peaceful and secluded side of the island that day-trippers don’t see.

A Surprise Lunch Spot & Gift Shop

After finishing our hike, we had some time to relax before catching the ferry back. We originally planned to just snack on what we had packed, but we were pleasantly surprised to find a small café near the ferry landing.

The Angel Island Café is a casual spot where visitors can grab sandwiches, salads, snacks, and drinks. They also serve beer and wine, which made it an even better post-hike stop! Since we had worked up an appetite on the trails, we decided to get a light snack and drink before heading back to the city. Sitting at a picnic table, enjoying the views of the water while sipping on a cold drink, was the perfect way to unwind.

Next to the café, we stopped by the gift shop, which had a charming selection of local gifts, books on the island’s history, and classic souvenirs. If you’re looking for a keepsake from your visit, it’s a great place to browse before catching the ferry.

Tips for Hiking Angel Island

If you’re planning your own Angel Island adventure, here are a few things I learned along the way:

1. Take the First Ferry

• The earliest ferry from San Francisco leaves at 10:15 AM on weekends and 9:25 AM on weekdays.
• Taking the morning ferry gives you plenty of time to explore without feeling rushed to make it back before the last ferry leaves.

2. Choose Your Route Wisely

• If you want stunning views and a moderate challenge, North Ridge & Sunset Loop is a fantastic choice.
• If you prefer a gentler hike, the Perimeter Road offers a more gradual, scenic route.

3. Pack Smart

• Bring water, snacks, and sunscreen- some sections are shaded, but others are fully exposed.
• Wear comfortable hiking shoes, as some parts of the trail are steep and uneven.

4. Prepare for Limited Amenities

• There are restrooms near the ferry landing, but food options are limited.
• The Angel Island Café serves light meals and drinks, but if you want more food variety, consider bringing a picnic- They have picnic tables in many locations and even had some at the very top of the hike.

5. Take Your Time & Enjoy the Views

• There’s no rush- pause often, take photos, and soak in the natural beauty around you.
• Some of the best moments come from just standing still and appreciating the incredible views.

Ending the Day by the Water

After catching the ferry back to San Francisco, we wrapped up the day with a late lunch by the water near the Ferry Building. Sitting outside, enjoying great food, and watching the boats drift by and people watching was the perfect way to wind down after an adventure-filled day.

Spending my birthday on Angel Island was one of the best birthday experiences I’ve had. The hike was breathtaking, the company was amazing, and I finally got to check this Bay Area gem off my bucket list.

If you’ve been thinking about visiting Angel Island, just go! It’s an unforgettable experience.

Have you ever hiked Angel Island? What was your favorite part? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear about your experience! 😊