Anybody have any rants or raves or good to know stuff about it? Interested in best time to visit, hiking trails, photo ops, and how to reach it via the ferry system.

First time visitor to SF and I thought this would be a relaxing and interesting half day trip to soak up some history, take a boat ride and do some hiking.

Get Tiburon Ferry at the Ferry Building at the foot of Market St.Then there is a ferry to Angel Island from there.
Great hiking trails, have seen bicycles for rent as it would be a BIG hike to go completely around Island. Don't know if there is a "tram" that goes around the Island???
Historical "Barracks" on eastern side
where Chinese immigrants were housed.
It would be best to try to avoid weekend days..
Great photo ops looking toward SF

Thanks Traveler24, the bike ride idea sounds great.

Hi ChatNoir
I was in San Fran about a year and a half ago (and I going back in 2 days!!!) and I loved Angel Island. You can do a tour with the Blue and Gold Fleet. The tour is in combination with Alcatraz.
Your tour will include a round trip ferry ride and a tram tour of the island with both an audio tape narrative and questions and answers with the tram operator. There will also be stops for picture taking.
I think the web site is http://www.blueandgold fleet.com
If I'm wrong you can just do a google search.
Have Fun!!!
Kim

I think the ferry to Angel Island stops at Tiburon on the way, but I may be wrong.

When were much younger we hiked all the way up to the top of the island, up to the level where the eagles fly, this was so amazing!

Just make sure the day is sunny.

There was something about the food - lack of it, perhaps, so bring a picnic. Or maybe they have it now on the island?

But: if you're pressed for time Alcatraz may be enough.