If You Live In San Francisco, You Must Visit This Amazing State Park
OK, so it’s not Hawaii or anything, but there’s an island (the second biggest in the San Francisco Bay) that offers some unparalleled views of San Francisco and the surrounding Bay Area, all in a pristine and peaceful surrounding. Some 3,000 years ago, Angel Island was a fishing and hunting site for Coast Miwok Native Americans. Over the centuries, it became a home for Spanish explorer Juan Manuel de Ayala, a cattle ranch, a U.S. Army post, an immigration inspection and detention facility, a Nike missile base, and even a site where WWII POWs were held. In 1954, it was named a state park and officially opened its doors to the public. We highly recommend hopping on a ferry and checking it out.
Dip your toes in the sand at the beaches of Quarry Point and Ayala Cove, both of which are protected from some of the bay's stinging winds. Or head to Perle's Beach for some of the island's best views.
Or camp there yourself! You will need to hike in (at least 2 miles, depending where you’re pitching your tent)—and, remember, it’ll likely be a bit chilly.
Stephanie is a freelance writer and editor based in San Francisco, California. When she's not tapping at a keyboard, she can be found leading groups on gourmet chocolate walking tours (best job ever) or running the many lovely hills and stairs of the city (to burn off all that chocolate, of course). She also runs a travel blog with her husband at Big & Small Travel (bigandsmalltravel.com).
