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Angel Island Review

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Angel Island

Address: Pier 41, Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco, CA | Map It
Phone: 415/435-1915 park information and ferry schedules; 415/705-5555; 800/426-8687 tickets
www.angelisland.org

Category: Islands
Location: Fisherman's Wharf

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Fodor's Review:

For an outdoorsy adventure, consider a day at this island northwest of Alcatraz. Discovered by Spaniards in 1775 and declared a U.S. military reserve 75 years later, the island was used as a screening ground for Asian immigrants—who were often held for months, even years, before being granted entry—from 1910 until 1940. In 1963 the government designated Angel Island a state park. Today people come for picnics, hikes along the scenic 5-mi path that winds around the island's perimeter, and tram tours that explain the park's history. Twenty-five bicycles are permitted on the ferry on a first-come, first-served basis, and you can rent mountain bikes for $10 an hour or $30 a day at the landing (daily April-October; call during other times). There are also a dozen primitive campsites. Blue and Gold Fleet is the only Angel Island ferry service with departures from San Francisco. Boats leave Pier 41 weekdays at 10 and return at 4; on weekends they sail at 10:35 and return at 3:50 and 4:55.

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