Advanced bookings are recommended but not required. Please view the schedule page to review the available times for planning your visit.
Step 1: Book your ferry tickets.
Step 2: Arriving on Angel Island
Welcome to Angel Island! If you’d like to grab a brochure, purchase food, rent a bike, find a souvenir, or ride the tram, Ayala Cove is the perfect location to meet all your island needs.
💡 PRO TIP: Be sure to grab food, drink, and provisions at the café. Then you can enjoy a picnic at the Immigration Station!
💡 PRO TIP: Be sure to grab food, drink, and provisions at the café. Then you can enjoy a picnic at the Immigration Station!
Angel Island State Park Information
Your ferry ticket includes admission to the park. Once you arrive, you will be greeted by California State Park employees who will welcome you to the island and let you know how to find the Immigration Station.
Angel Island Company Information
All arriving vessels dock at Ayala Cove. It’s currently the site of a Welcome Center, restrooms, gift shop, café, bike rental, picnic area, and tram service for the island.
Step 3: Getting to the Immigration Station
Ayala Cove is located 1.2 miles from the Immigration Station. Follow the Perimeter Road along Angel Island’s north end for fantastic views of Tiburon, Raccoon Strait, Richmond Bridge, and Red Rock Island.
💡 PRO TIP: If you aren’t in a hurry, take the road instead of the stairs. The road adds an additional 15 - 20 minutes to your walk, but you’ll have a greater chance of seeing deer on your way to the Immigration Station.
💡 PRO TIP: If you aren’t in a hurry, take the road instead of the stairs. The road adds an additional 15 - 20 minutes to your walk, but you’ll have a greater chance of seeing deer on your way to the Immigration Station.
HIKE, BIKE, SHUTTLE
Option 1 -
To the left of the Welcome sign, you’ll find a shortcut to the Perimeter Road. Rising 140 steps, this route can be intense for amateur hikers. Once you reach the top, make a left and follow the road to the Station.
Option 2 -
If you follow the paved road from the ferry, you’ll walk past the Welcome Center and make a left at the top of the hill. If you wish to take the shuttle to the Immigration Station, visit the café to purchase your ticket.
To the left of the Welcome sign, you’ll find a shortcut to the Perimeter Road. Rising 140 steps, this route can be intense for amateur hikers. Once you reach the top, make a left and follow the road to the Station.
Option 2 -
If you follow the paved road from the ferry, you’ll walk past the Welcome Center and make a left at the top of the hill. If you wish to take the shuttle to the Immigration Station, visit the café to purchase your ticket.
STEP 4: What To See And Do
DETENTION BARRACKS MUSEUM & WORLD WAR II MESS HALL
The barracks remains a destination for visitors to learn more about the history of immigrant detention and exclusion from 1910 to 1940. Visitors can walk through recreated living conditions for the 300,000 detainees that were held for weeks, months, and sometimes years on Angel Island.
Hours of Operation
Wednesday - Friday: 11:00 AM to 2:30 PM
Saturday - Sunday: 11:00 AM to 3:30 PM
The barracks remains a destination for visitors to learn more about the history of immigrant detention and exclusion from 1910 to 1940. Visitors can walk through recreated living conditions for the 300,000 detainees that were held for weeks, months, and sometimes years on Angel Island.
Hours of Operation
Wednesday - Friday: 11:00 AM to 2:30 PM
Saturday - Sunday: 11:00 AM to 3:30 PM
Two Museums, Beautiful Views and More!
ANGEL ISLAND IMMIGRATION MUSEUM (AIIM)
AIIM is a place where visitors can explore the full complexity of immigration to the United States through the Pacific Coast. Housed in a former hospital, the museum presents personal stories, immigration policies, and social issues from both historic and contemporary times.
Hours of Operation
Monday - Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday - Friday: 11:00 AM to 2:30 PM
Saturday - Sunday: 11:00 AM to 3:30 PM
Admission to the Angel Island Immigration Museum is FREE.
AIIM is a place where visitors can explore the full complexity of immigration to the United States through the Pacific Coast. Housed in a former hospital, the museum presents personal stories, immigration policies, and social issues from both historic and contemporary times.
Hours of Operation
Monday - Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday - Friday: 11:00 AM to 2:30 PM
Saturday - Sunday: 11:00 AM to 3:30 PM
Admission to the Angel Island Immigration Museum is FREE.