Accessible by commercial ferries and private boats, Angel Island State Park, the largest Island in San Francisco Bay, is located one mile south of the Tiburon Peninsula. Park Headquarters and the main Visitor’s Center are located in Ayala Cove on the North side, the Islands’ main point of entry.
At the Cove, visitors can obtain a brochure providing a map and brief history of the Park’s sites, a description of the facilities and things to do. Brochures are available at the Rangers’ kiosk, the Angel Island Association’s Gift Shop and the Café. Large trail guides for bicycling and hiking are located on the railing in front of the Gift Shop. You may also purchase an information packet, including a map of the island, by sending $3 to:
Angel Island Association
Post Office Box 866
Tiburon, CA 94920
Map of Parking in the Downtown Tiburon Area
Clothing & Weather
If you are looking at local weather forecasts to determine what to wear, you may discover that nothing quite predicts what you will find on the island. Like the rest of the Bay Area, Angel Island is a study in micro-climates. It can be warm and sunny on the north side and foggy and cold on the south. For that reason, we strongly suggest dressing in layers to be ready for both chilly and warm weather.
General Information & Rules
Bicycles can be brought on the ferry, or rented seasonally at the Cove Café located in Ayala Cove. In addition to bicycle rentals, the Café offers Segway and tram tours which can be arranged seasonally. Visitors can buy lunch at the Café, the outdoor Oyster Bar and Cantina, or bring their own lunch to eat in the picnic areas. For information call the Café: (415) 435-3392 or visit angelisland.com.
Picnic tables and charcoal barbecues are available for small groups, a short walk from the ferry dock, on the lawn in front of the Visitor Center in Ayala Cove and locations around the island. For groups of 35 to 200 people there are five picnic areas that can be reserved for a fee for day use only.
The California State Park Annual Day Use Pass can be used to pay day use dock fees for private boats, however is not accepted by visitors coming via the public ferries.
A few small lockers are available for day-use for $1. They are located near the vending machines next to the bike rental kiosk in Ayala Cove.
Dogs (except service dogs) are not allowed on the island at any time.
For persons with limited mobility, visit the California State Parks site for Accessibile Features.
Due to the terrain, roller skates, roller blades, skateboards, scooters, and personal Segways, are prohibited.
Wood fires are prohibited. Bring charcoal for the barbecues, as it is not available for purchase on the island.
Metal detectors, while allowed, are not recommended because digging or disturbing the soil or ground in the park is prohibited.
Special event permits are required for events that:
- Involve the sale of alcoholic beverages
- Require liability insurance
- Charge participants fees beyond regular use fees
- Involve the sales of items or services
- Have special conditions or requirements
- Are for weddings and wedding receptions
- Include docking charter boats
Please contact the Rangers’ office for permit applications (415) 435-5390.
