Picnic at Sunset, on the Sea

Angel Island Sunset Cruise and Picnic at Sea

Watching a sunset over the Bay is magical; so, where’s the ideal spot for catching this show while enjoying dinner and drinks, too? Bring a home-packed meal and some adult beverages (totally allowed) for a 90-minute floating feast that’s popular with locals. Friday and Saturday evenings the Angel Island Ferry moonlights as a homegrown cruiser and offers the best sunset picnic on the bay. Tables and chairs are already prepared.

After departing Tiburon at 6:30 p.m., the ferry heads west toward Sausalito and Richardson Bay. Toast the occasion as you watch the hues on the horizon change from lilac to mango to deep orange. The Golden Gate Bridge beams in the sun’s sinking rays. You can eat, drink, and be merry inside the ferry, but we recommend the stellar 360-degree views from the upstairs deck.

As darkness falls, the San Francisco skyline shimmers and the new Bay Bridge adds extra bling. All aboard this moveable feast!

Sunset cruises operate from mid-May to mid-October. Prices are $30 per adult. Reserve online.

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Barbary Coast Trail medallion hike in San Francisco

    Medallion Walk SF

    The Barbary Coast Trail is a 3.8-mile historical walk and treasure hunt through San Francisco. Be on the lookout for hubcap-sized bronze medallions placed on the city sidewalks with arrows pointing you in the right direction.

    View
  2. Greater by the Dozen

    This hike is anything but a dime a dozen. The all-new "Golden Gate Dozen Trail" links 12 National Park sites on a spectacular 13-mile journey across San Francisco's coastline.

    View
  3. Inn-spiration Point!

    For more than a century, people have been hiking or mountain biking to West Point Inn for good reason. Perched at 1,785 feet on the southern slope of Mount Tamalpais, the historic inn has sweeping views from the Marin Headlands to the San Francisco skyline.

    View
  4. A Thousand Steps to Paradise

    A picture is worth a thousand words, but is a gorgeous beach in Laguna worth a thousand steps? The answer is yes, though the question is moot, because it’s only 223 steep steps down to the 400-yard stretch of sand known as 1000 Steps Beach.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Roaring Redwoods

    Tucked next to brilliant Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park in Santa Cruz, the folks at Roaring Camp Railroads had a bright idea: When the sun goes down, the rainbow lights come up. Sequoias at Night brings big magic to some of the tallest trees in the world.

    View
  2. There's Always To Moro!

    Looking for a rock-solid itinerary in Sequoia National Park? Pair the park's most famous viewpoint with one that's often overlooked.

    View
  3. Rancho Style

    Vicente Bluffs Reserve dazzles anytime, but during the golden hour it’s an absolute knockout. Majestic rocky bluffs, dreamy ocean views, and a picturesque lighthouse are just a few of the reasons.

    View
  4. Hike to the Sierra Buttes Fire Lookout in the Lakes Basin

    Lookout for This View!

    Sierra Buttes Lookout, at a lofty 8,591 feet, is a memory maker for its pucker-worthy stairway to the tower’s balcony. It's a 5-mile (round-trip) hike to reach it. And the reward? Epic!

    View