Best Things To Do In Marin: Angel Island Day Trip

Almost everyone who visits the Bay Area knows about Alcatraz Island. But there’s another island out there in the Bay that is a must-do for visitors to Marin: Angel Island State Park. For an off-the-grid feeling, hop on the Angel-Island Tiburon Ferry in Tiburon and head out to this little slice of paradise in the San Francisco Bay for a day of outdoor fun.

Getting There. From Waters Edge Hotel, you will walk a few steps from the hotel to board ferry to Angel Island — the dock is right behind the hotel. From Mill Valley Inn it’s about 20 minute drive to Tiburon, and from Acqua Hotel about 15. Here’s information on where to park. Please note: street parking in downtown Tiburon is limited to 2 hours, so don’t park in those spaces.

HIKE. In our opinion, the best thing to do on Angel Island is to walk the Perimeter Trail for an unfolding series of panoramic views — San Francisco skyline, the Golden Gate Bridge, the hills and shoreline of Tiburon, and the outline of East Bay towns and bridges. We like to hike the trail "backwards", starting out by heading East. This leaves the crowd behind and saves the Golden Gate Bridge reveal for the end of this 5-mile loop. Add on a hike to the 788 Mount Livermore for the summit experience.

BIKE. Angel Island is perfect for the casual bike rider; the Perimeter Trail is a paved route with spectacular views of the San Francisco Bay and everything surrounding the bay. Lots of scenery for not a lot of effort! Rent a bike from Pedego Electric Bikes in Tiburon or BYO, the ferry accommodates bikes. Or, rent a bike on Angel Island from Angel Island Company.

PICNIC. Ayala Cove is a grassy picnic area near the ferry dock on the shores of the island that’s just made for picnicking. If solitude is your thing, you’ll find many secluded spots throughout the island. In the mood for a WOW view? There are picnic tables on the Perimeter Trail with full views of the Golden Gate Bridge.

Worth noting: Angel Island Cantina is a prime post-hike spot for a beer (and meal if you didn’t pack a picnic), and on weekend afternoons through October, live music and Hog Island oysters.

See you out there!

p.s. a special offer for our Marin Hotels guests!

Angel Island-Tiburon Ferry also offers Bay Cruises, and they have a special offer for our Marin Hotels guests!

Book a Sunset Cruise, Bay Cruise, or Whale Watching Cruise for the 2019 season using the discount code MARINHOTELS at checkout and you’ll receive 15% off your tickets.

Say Hi to the crew and let them know you’re staying with us, they'd love to meet you!