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Angel Island State Park

Angel Island State Park: Our most recommended tours and activities

San Francisco: 1-Hour Bay Cruise by Boat

1. San Francisco: 1-Hour Bay Cruise by Boat

Enjoy a 1-hour journey along San Francisco's historic waterfront and experience the thrilling history of the San Francisco Bay, with all the sound and glory it deserves. The 1-hour non-stop Bay Cruise takes you past the famous PIER 39 sea lions and along San Francisco’s historic waterfront, revealing the city’s fascinating skyline. Relax in comfort, with both indoor and outdoor seating, and enjoy a full narration describing major landmarks as you sail by. See sights like the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and the iconic San Francisco skyline as you go. Whether it’s your first time to San Francisco, or your 10th visit, the Bay Cruise is something you should experience at least once in your life. You will get a complimentary souvenir map, which is available in nine languages, and if you get hungry, there’s a full-service snack bar on board with food and drink available to purchase.

San Francisco: California Sunset/Twilight Boat Cruise

2. San Francisco: California Sunset/Twilight Boat Cruise

Enjoy sunset views as you sail on beautiful San Francisco Bay. See important landmarks, including Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge. In the winter months, take in the serene twilight views instead. Along the way, view numerous National Historic landmarks and San Francisco sights, including Coit Tower, the Transamerica Pyramid, St. Peter, Paul's Church, and the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge. As the sun begins to set over the Marin Headlands, cruise past Alcatraz, Angel Island, and the shorelines of Tiburon, Belvedere, and Sausalito. Watch the sun setting over the Pacific Ocean, as you sail west towards the Golden Gate. On your way back to Fisherman’s Wharf, see many more famous sights, including the Presidio, the Marina District, and Fort Mason.

San Francisco: Golden Gate Bay Cruise

3. San Francisco: Golden Gate Bay Cruise

Cruise around the Golden Gate Bay on a boat tour. Enjoy informative commentary, see sights like Alcatraz Island, and purchase food and drink from the onboard bar. Launched in 1939 as part of the Golden Gate International Exposition, this 1-hour cruise has been a highlight of any visit to San Francisco for over 75 years. With 8-14 departures daily from Fisherman's Wharf, you will sail along San Francisco's breathtaking waterfront, under the majestic Golden Gate Bridge, and close to the notorious Alcatraz Island. Discover San Francisco's fascinating history, brought to life through audio commentary broadcast in 16 languages via personal headphones. Look out for wildlife along the way, including pelicans, sea lions, and even dolphins and whales. Sail past the lively neighborhood of North Beach, the famous swimming clubs of Aquatic Park, the historic vessels at Hyde Street Pier, and San Francisco Maritime National Park, before heading west towards Golden Gate Bridge. Enjoy views of Crissy Field and the lush hillsides of the Presidio, before cruising under Golden Gate Bridge. Steam back into the Bay, traveling past the wildlife reserves of the Marin Headlands, and the legendary town of Sausalito, once home to the 1960s’ flower generation. With Angel Island State Park to your left, cruise around the infamous Alcatraz. After a full hour of exciting sights, the barking sea lions at Pier 39 welcome you back to Pier 43 1/2. A full bar with drinks, snacks, and merchandise, including logo wear, is available at reasonable prices on board the iconic red and blue sea vessels.

San Francisco: Bay Sailing Tour with Drinks

4. San Francisco: Bay Sailing Tour with Drinks

Embark on a relaxing cruise along the San Francisco Bay and enhance your sightseeing experience with two complimentary drinks. Take in views of the San Francisco skyline and important landmarks, including the Golden Gate bridge. Be welcomed by your captain and first mate and make yourself comfortable on the Privateer, a double-masted sailboat. Motor out of the dock towards the bay and watch the sails rise above you. Be served two complimentary drinks of your choice from a selection of beer, wine, soft drinks, or water. Pass Alcatraz and Angel Island and see the Bay Bridge. Glide past the city of Sausalito before cruising parallel to the the Golden Gate Bridge for some great photo opportunities. Feel free to ask the crew any questions about the landmarks. Finally, be returned to the departure point.

San Francisco: Go City All-Inclusive Pass 25+ Attractions

5. San Francisco: Go City All-Inclusive Pass 25+ Attractions

The San Francisco All-Inclusive Pass is an all-access sightseeing pass that offers the ultimate in convenience, cost savings, and flexibility for visitors to the Bay Area. Customers choose 1, 2, 3, 5, or 7-day passes at a low, pre-paid price. Use the pass to gain access to any and all of the 25+ included attractions, saving up to 55% off compared to full retail admissions. The California Academy of Sciences, Aquarium of the Bay, Exploratorium, bay cruises, theme parks and rides, bike rental, and much more are all included! See below for the complete list. The free digital guide helps you decide what to do, where to go, and how to get there. With the San Francisco All-Inclusive Pass, you’ll spend your time in the Bay Area collecting memories instead of credit card receipts. Attractions and activities included with the San Francisco All-Inclusive Pass: Tours and Cruises • Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off San Francisco: 1-day Classic Tour • Escape from the Rock - Cruise around Alcatraz • San Francisco Bay Cruise • Scenic Golden Gate Bridge Bike Tour • Go Car San Francisco 30-min Rental • One All-Day Comfort Bike Rental by Blazing Saddles • Golden Gate Bridge Bike Tour • Fisherman's Wharf Walking Tour • Tiled Steps Urban Hiking Tour • Golden Gate Park Bike Rental by Unlimited Biking Museums and Places of Interest • Aquarium of the Bay • Exploratorium • Madame Tussauds • California Academy of Sciences • The Walt Disney Family Museum • Six Flags Discovery Kingdom • The Flyer - San Francisco's Flying Theater • California's Great America • San Francisco Zoo & Gardens • San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) • Legoland Discovery Center • de Young Museum and Legion of Honor • USS Pampanito • Asian Art Museum • USS Hornet Museum • The Contemporary Jewish Museum • The Beat Museum • California Historical Society Attractions and tours are subject to change. Check your included digital guide for an up-to-date attraction line-up including opening times and instructions on how to access each attraction with your pass before you go.

San Francisco: Hop-On Hop-Off Bus & Golden Gate Bay Cruise

6. San Francisco: Hop-On Hop-Off Bus & Golden Gate Bay Cruise

Make your way around San Francisco with a 24-hour hop-on hop-off bus ticket. Hop off to explore the city's best highlights or stay on the double decker to enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of the city for two hours. Combine your ticket with a 1-hour Golden Gate Bay Cruise to sail around the famous San Francisco Bay. Golden Gate Bay Cruise Arrive at Fisherman's Wharf and look for the red and white colors of the "Red & White Fleet" to find your boat. Sail past the lively neighborhood of North Beach and take advantage of the bar onboard with drinks, snacks, and merchandise. Admire the famous swimming clubs of the Aquatic Park and the historic vessels at Hyde Street Pier. Enjoy idyllic views of Crissy Field and The Presidio of San Francisco before the stunning image of the Golden Gate Bridge comes into view. Cruise straight under the bridge as the sun shines and waves lap against the boat. Travel past the wildlife reserves of the Marin Headlands to reach the shores of Sausalito, once home to the Flower Children. With Angel Island State Park to your left, finish your cruise outside the infamous Alcatraz prison. Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Exchange your voucher at any of the bus stops and get ready to discover the city of San Francisco. Discover local parks and architecture as you listen to the digital commentary, available in 10 languages. The route of the hop-on hop-off bus includes stops at iconic landmarks from Fisherman’s Wharf, Union Square, Golden Gate Bridge, and Little Italy. This flexible approach to sightseeing allows you to enjoy your day at your own pace.

San Francisco: Seaplane Flight with Champagne

7. San Francisco: Seaplane Flight with Champagne

Have you come to San Francisco with that special someone and you're looking for a fun and exciting adventure to share together? Take a premium flight for your special occasion over the romantic and iconic Golden Gate Bridge. After you're airborne, the champagne will flow, and as you sip your Mumm's Champagne, we'll fly directly south along the Pacific Coast and directly over the Golden Gate Bridge. Nothing is more romantic than the history and iconography of this lovely city, and this adventure will be something truly special. After flying over the bridge, we head around the bay, pointing out Alcatraz, Fisherman's Wharf, Pier 39, and Aquatic Park. We then head east towards the State Park of Angel Island. You'll be sure to see all of the beauty down below out of our huge viewing windows. Land back on the water so you can sip your final glass of champagne, after having also seen the beautiful towns of Tiburon and Belvedere Peninsula

San Francisco: Muir Woods and Marin by Land, Air and Sea

8. San Francisco: Muir Woods and Marin by Land, Air and Sea

Discover the scenery of Muir Woods, the Marin Headlands, and San Francisco Bay by land, air, and sea. Savor an included lunch with sparkling wine, then wander around Sausalito at your own pace before taking the ferry back to San Francisco. After pickup at your hotel, drive over the Golden Gate Bridge to the nearby wilderness of Marin County. Arrive early at Muir Woods National Monument, before most visitors, to experience the serenity of the grove. Spend at least an hour under the canopy of redwoods in Muir Woods, and marvel at trees over 250 feet (76 meters) tall and more than 1,000 years old. By going early, enjoy a better chance of seeing black-tailed deer, chipmunks, coyotes, or even wild turkeys. Next, drive back out through the rolling green hills of the Tamalpais valley into the Marin Headlands, where roads cling to the cliffs and red-tailed hawks soar in the sky. Explore abandoned military bunkers with beautiful views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the San Francisco skyline in the background. Then, head to the seaplane base in Sausalito for a 30-minute seaplane flight along the coast. Soar over the Golden Gate National Recreation, retracing your morning adventure over the Marin Headlands, then turn left over the legendary Golden Gate Bridge. Continue on above Crissy Field, Downtown San Francisco, Oracle Park, and the infamous island prison of Alcatraz. Finally, end your flight passing by the historic Angel Island – the Immigrant Gateway to the West – before landing back in Sausalito’s Richardson Bay. On your return to solid ground, pop the cork on a sparkling wine toast and enjoy a locally sourced, organic lunch in the Marin sunshine. After lunch, get dropped off in Sausalito to discover the village’s arty shops, funky houseboats, and charming cafes on your own before boarding a ferry back to San Francisco’s Pier 39.

California: Downloadable Audio Guide for Highway 1 and More

9. California: Downloadable Audio Guide for Highway 1 and More

Complete your road trip around California with an audio guide featuring 169 locations and 3 hours of audio in 1 app. Listen to the recordings as you take in views at Yosemite, Mt. Whitney, and Zabriskie Point, experience the unique cultures of Silicon Valley, Santa Monica, and Hollywood, and drive down Highway 1. Feel at ease taking in the views while the app uses GPS to find your location and suggest stops. From famous landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge to lesser-known gems like Moss Landing, appreciate the wealth of beauty and history in California with detailed audio descriptions.   Stop and start your journey as often as you please, there’s no constraints once you download the app and activate your audio guide. If there’s a specific site you’d like to visit, manually choose audio guides from the built-in map or from a list.

Other Sightseeing Options in Angel Island State Park

Want to discover all there is to do in Angel Island State Park? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Angel Island State Park

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 4,300 reviews

My experience was great! The team was friendly! We departed at 1 which was great because the sun was just doing through. I’d suggest travelers to book afternoon departures if they want better views. However, the bay is beautiful in any weather condition. Checking in is quick and mindless and onboarding is easily accessible, especially for families with strollers. Parking and surrounding eateries are also easily accessible. 10/10 recommend!

Really picturesque cruise, sunset views of the GGB were perfect, my son always gets seasick on the way to Catalina but not on this trip, despite swells under the bridge. Came real close to Alcatraz which was sobering. Clean and comfy on board

The cruise was excellent!! Great views and audio tour, and the hot chocolate that was available for purchase was delicious. Highly recommend

Really amazing Bring a beanie or hat can get cold and on a sunny day outstanding

Really enjoyed this Was recommend to anyone coming here Worth the cost