A National Historical Landmark, Angel Island’s United States Immigration Station(USIS), after extensive renovation, is open for Guided and Self-Guided Tours from Wednesday thru Sunday.
The USIS grounds are approximately 1.5 miles from the ferry dock at Ayala Cove. If you plan to hike to USIS, use of Northridge Trail, including the 144 steps to Perimeter Road is the shortest and most direct way to the Immigration Station. Shuttle service from the Cove Café may be available but is weather and seasonally dependent. For more information on shuttle service, please contact the Cove Café at (415) 435-3392 or visit them online.
Weekday Tour Schedule
The majority of the detention barracks museum is shown by guided-tour only. It includes a re-creation of one of the dormitories, and highlights some of the poems that were carved into the station’s walls.
For self-guided tours, the USIS grounds are open to the public during park hours, 8:00am to sunset, daily. Visitors may view the interpretive panels and displays located outside, and room 105, the Chinese men’s dorm on the first floor where many poems are visible. Room 105 is open when staff is available.
Tour reservations are available Wednesday through Friday for groups of 5 or more, up to seven months in advance and no less than three weeks in advance. Groups must be between 5 and 30 people to make a reservation. (School Groups have a maximum of 40 people per tour.) Tours are not recommended for children under twelve years of age.
All first-come, first-served tour tickets for the visiting public may be purchased at the Cove Café or at the Immigration Station, if space is available. Forms of payment accepted: cash and checks only.
Weekend Tour Schedule
The USIS is now offering “self-guided tour” format on the weekends. Visitors can now pay an admission fee to visit the entire immigration barracks building and tour at their own pace. Staff and volunteers will be available throughout the building to assist visitors with questions and information.
All first-come, first-served tour tickets for the visiting public may be purchased at the Cove Café or at the Immigration Station, if space is available. Forms of payment accepted: cash and checks only.
Tour Information and Fees
Schools Groups, 4th-12th:
Tour maximum: 40 people (including chaperones)
Cost per person: $3 (ages 9 and up)
Tour Length: approximately 1 hour
Groups of 5 or more:
Tour maximum: 30 people
Cost per person: $7 adults, $5 children (ages 5-11)
Tour Length: approximately 1 hour 20 minutes.
Forms of payment accepted: cash and checks only. Please confirm the ferry schedule to coordinate the timing of arrival and departure from the island.
