Your Journey Starts Here.
Between 1910 and 1940, approximately 500,000 immigrants crossed the Pacific Ocean for a chance at a new life in America. Now, you have an opportunity to walk in their footsteps by visiting the Angel Island Immigration Station, once known as the “Ellis Island of the West,” located in the heart of San Francisco Bay.
You will visit the first place immigrants walked on U.S. soil and see the poems they left behind on the barracks walls. You’ll learn about the exclusionary laws that restricted immigration to America and discover stories of strength, hope, and resiliency.
STEP 1: Selecting Your Point Of Departure
The first step in visiting Immigration Station is to decide which ferry you would like to take. The Golden Gate Ferry and Angel Island Tiburon Ferry offer multiple trips each day to and from Angel Island.
💡 PRO TIP: For a shorter day, take the Tiburon ferry. The San Francisco ferry will take longer to reach Angel Island and return at the end of the day. The Tiburon ferry is also the preferred way to visit for those who are prone to motion sickness.
SAN FRANCISCO
1 Ferry Building, San Francisco, CA 94105
Taking the Golden Gate Ferry will give you great views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz.
Your trip begins at the Ferry Building Terminal, Gate B, near the intersection of Market Street and the Embarcadero. It is a short walk from BART and MUNI. Parking is also available in nearby.
See Ticket Pricing and Schedule
TIBURON
21 Main Street, Tiburon, CA 94920
The Angel Island Tiburon Ferry is a convenient way to visit. Crossing the Raccoon Strait, the ride takes 10 minutes from shore-to-shore.
Downtown Tiburon offers affordable parking options near Main Street, where the ferry departs. Tiburon also offers a variety of charming shops and restaurants for you to enjoy before or after your trip.
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!
ANGEL ISLAND STATE PARK
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.
Download the Park Brochure (Free)
AYALA COVE
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 to 20 minutes, but you’ll have a greater chance of seeing the island’s wildlife on your way to the Immigration Station.
HIKE
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. At the top, make a left and follow the road to the Station.
HIKE, BIKE, SHUTTLE
If you follow the paved road, you’ll pass the Welcome Center and make a left at the top of the hill. If you’d like to take the shuttle, visit the café to purchase a ticket.
STEP 4: What To See And Do
Once you reach the Immigration Station, there is 14.3 acres to explore. We invite you to enjoy the beach, discover outdoor exhibits, have a picnic, and visit the two museums at the site.
💡 PRO TIP: Visit the fog bell first. From there, you can trace a path through the outdoor exhibits to the Detention Barracks Museum & WWII Mess Hall or AIIM. You can also use AIISF’s Flora Field Guide to learn more about this Immigration Station’s historic plants.
DETENTION BARRACKS MUSEUM & WWII 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 weeks, months, or years on Angel Island.
Hours of Operation
Wednesday - Friday: 11:00 AM to 2:30 PM
Saturday - Sunday: 11:00 AM to 2:30 PM
| Detention Barracks | Admission | Guided Tour |
|---|---|---|
| Adults (18+) | $5.00 | $7.00 |
| Youth (5 - 17) | $3.00 | $5.00 |
| Child (4 & under) | FREE | $3.00 |
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 past and present.
Hours of Operation
Wednesday - Friday: 11:00 AM to 2:30 PM
Saturday - Sunday: 11:00 AM to 2:30 PM
Admission to AIIM is FREE.
Visit the AIIM Gift Shop (Open Saturdays and Sundays)
Visit the AIIM Virtual Exhibition
QUESTIONS: Know Before You Go
ANGEL ISLAND STATE PARK
Contact AISP at 415-435-5537 or tours.angelisland@parks.ca.gov for holiday hours, group tours, and tickets.
ANGEL ISLAND IMMIGRATION STATION FOUNDATION
Contact AIISF at 415-658-7691 or info@aiisf.org for more information about exhibits, programs, resources, and special events.