Hidden Perles

Hike in to Perles Beach on Angel Island

You're gonna need a boat to get to one of the best beaches in the Bay Area. Fortunately, ferries leave on a regular schedule to the tranquil state park in the middle of the Bay, Angel Island. Most visitors stick to the Ayala Cove barbecue area near the docks. But venture just yonder and discover a beach less blanketed. Access Perles Beach via a 1.5-mile (one-way) walk or bike ride along Perimeter Road. It's a south-facing slice of sun and sand that sees only a handful of people. Spread a picnic and soak in an impressive art deco backdrop: San Francisco and the Golden Gate and Bay Bridges. Alcatraz seems within rock-skipping distance. There's no signed trail down to the beach, just a worn path found by in-the-know folks. This Perles a real gem.

The Blue and Gold Fleet operates ferries to Angel Island from San Francisco and Oakland/Alameda. The Angel Island Ferry operates ferries from Tiburon. Rent bikes on the island ($13.50 per hour, $50.00 for a full day, including a helmet). To reach Perles Beach, walk or bicycle the Perimeter Road counterclockwise for 1.5 miles from Ayala Cove. When you reach the first view of San Francisco you'll see stationary binoculars. Just down the road is a wooden fence, and just past the fence is an unsigned trail to Perles Beach. Walk down it a few minutes to the beach. No dogs.

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Golden Mile

    Dubbed the Golden Mile, this car-free stretch of road in Golden Gate Park features rotating art installations of murals, sculptures, and abundant bright yellow Adirondack chairs for kicking back to relax.

    View
  2. Tamtastic Sunset

    Sure, the East Peak of Mount Tam is absolutely spectacular at sunset, but some magic-hour enthusiasts are onto a fresh perspective in getting a little more personal space for their panoramic viewings.

    View
  3. Napa's Art of the Matter

    Downtown Napa uncorks more than just excellent wine. Art has firmly established itself along the walkways and parkways in the area, punctuated by an annual ArtWalk (year-round) and a temporary Lighted Art Festival.

    View
  4. Hike Artdoors

    Add a little color to your new year. This 3-mile loop through the Montalvo Arts Center mixes the beauty of the natural world with local artists’ creations.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Animal Encounters

    Located where Redding’s famous Sundial Bridge overlooks the Sacramento River, Turtle Bay Exploration Park is 300 acres of gardens, a museum and playground, aquarium, and unforgettable up-close animal encounters!

    View
  2. View from Keys View Joshua Tree

    Trio of Trails

    Get into Joshua Tree National Park Park early and hit the classic circuit of short trails before the crowds arrive. We also have some food and overnight recos.

    View
  3. White Tank Campground for Stargazing

    Heaven for star buffs: the best campground in Joshua Tree National Park for night-sky viewing, in a place named an International Dark Sky Park, with a full-on observatory just minutes away! White Tank Campground is at 3,800 feet in the eastern part of the park.

    View
  4. Murray Up!

    Palm Springs’ highest summit, Murray Hill, is unfairly named. It’s not a hill: It’s a pyramid-shaped peak poking into the sky above the Coachella Valley. And it’s a demanding 2,200

    View