Watching San Francisco shrink into the distance, filling your lungs with fresh, salty air, and gliding gracefully into Ayala Cove is a magnificent way to begin the day. I recommend it wholeheartedly. When you step off the ferry onto Angel Island, you can’t help but feel triumphant. You are on an Island–entirely detached from the noise and pollution of the city, surrounded by 360 degrees of picturesque bay water. You have escaped! And you can still make it home in time for dinner. Talk about the best of both worlds.

Here are a couple shots from my recent day trip.

Bruce Beckham says a few words about the Angel Island event that took place June 4th.

More than 300 tourism professionals representing 100 companies and four countries gathered to take part in the annual Tourism Cares for America clean-up event.

Angel Island Live our local music series continues to be a huge success. Cyndi Cady our music promoter has booked a wide range of diverse musical talent from Ukeleles to fiddles to rhythm and blues—every weekend is different. It all gets started at 2:00pm and ends around 4:45. Lagunitas beer is on tap and Hog Island Oysters are on the grill. See you there!

Quarry Beach on Angel Island is a great place to spend the afternoon. It has a breathtaking view of San Francisco, white sand and virtually no wind. There are interesting pieces of driftwood to explore and the best thing is you usually have the place to yourself. This beach remains virtually undiscovered by the masses and you can enjoy the afternoon sunning in peace. The beach is about a 2mile hike from the cove cafe—follow the directions to the United States Immigration Station and when you reach the detention center hike another half a mile to East Garrison. If you don’t want to hike then take a tram tour from the cafe and get off at the chapel–the beach is a short downhill walk.