Cycle the Scenery & Historic Sites
Bicycle Angel Island's Scenic Perimeter Road
A bike ride is a fantastic way to take in the 360-degree panoramas you get on Angel Island. 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.
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.
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.
On the southeastern part of the island you'll also see the Point Blunt Lighthouse area (*closed to the public) and a former Nike missile site from the Cold War-era.
Another place to stop on your bike tour is at the Angel Island Immigration Station. Designated a National Historic Landmark in 1997 and spanning 14 acres, it tells the story of the island’s past as the largest immigration station on the West Coast. There are two museums here.
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).
