Cycle the Scenery & Historic Sites
Bicycle Angel Island's Scenic Perimeter Road
A bicycle is a fantastic way to take in the 360-degree panoramas you get on Angel Island. The straightforward Perimeter Road is a car-free route (except for the occasional state park truck) that circumnavigates the island. You’ll pass hidden beaches, batteries, picnic perches, and historic buildings.
The entire ride is lovely, with just a few inclines (and some zippy declines where you’re asked to walk your bike). The premier viewpoints are on the southern end of the road by Battery Ledyard, where you score a double-bridge view of the Golden Gate and Bay Bridges.
{TIP: Bring a bike lock and park it at the bike rack at the first southern viewpoint of San Francisco near Battery Wallace. Then walk down to Angel Island's hidden Perles Beach for a beach picnic with a view.}
A poignant place to stop at is the Angel Island Immigration Station. Designated a National Historic Landmark in 1997 and later restored to include the Angel Island Immigration Museum, it tells the story of the island’s past as the largest immigration station on the West Coast.
From 1910 to 1940, about half a million immigrants were brought here for processing and detention, which could range from a few weeks to many months. At the museum, you can take an audio or self-guided tour, seeing where immigrants ate and slept, and where some etched poetry and writings into the walls—several still visible today. These words reflect hope, fear, loneliness, and resilience.
Outside, walk the grounds and visit the beach and former wharf, marked by a two-ton bell, where boats once arrived carrying immigrants.
LISTEN TO THE PODCAST: In the episode "Outdoors, You Complete Me" Weekend Sherpa co-founders discuss their explorations of Angel Island and cycling around the island.
From SF, book the Golden Gate Ferry to Angel Island. From Tiburon, book the Angel Island Tiburon Ferry *It's an extra $1.06/ticket to bring a bicycle. You can also rent bikes on Angel Island (book ahead).
