What Ellis Island was to the East Coast, Angel Island was to the West Coast. Graffiti left by immigrants who were awaiting admission or deportation can be seen on the walls of the holding areas. The wooded 740-acre (300 hectare) island sits peacefully in the middle of San Francisco Bay. In addition to the immigration facility, the island is also home to two now-abandoned military installations, Fort McDowell and Camp Reynolds. Hiking and biking trails circle the island and offer spectacular views of the poppy-colored peaks of the Golden Gate Bridge and the iconic San Francisco skyline. Volunteer guides lead informative tours of the island's historical sites and one can even catch a glimpse of the indigenous deer population. Camping is allowed with proper permits. Ferry service varies according to the season.
Overlooking the San Francisco Bay, the Presidio is one of San Francisco's best kept and oldest parks. The Presidio Trust, along with the National Park Service, seeks to preserve the heritage and architecture of the area while providing both locals and tourists with a splendid recreational spot. Visitors to the park can admire several restored military buildings and embark on explorations of the expansive area. Attractions such as the "Spire," attributed to artist Andy Goldsworthy, and other unique additions have even helped the park be featured in numerous TV shows and movies. The Presidio is an excellent destination to visit with the entire family, and the park also offers tours to help acquaint you with all it has to offer. It is open year-round, and entry is free.
Located in Downtown Oakland, this historic district was the city center for the city in the late 1800s. Beautiful Victorian buildings were scattered around the district and it was a popular spot until the 1906 San Francisco earthquake. Today, this small area contains restored elegant Victorian buildings, trendy boutiques, and great restaurants.
Muir Woods National Monument is a breathtaking natural sanctuary that is renowned for its stunning old-growth coast redwood trees, and some of the tallest and oldest living organisms on Earth. The towering trees, some reaching heights of over 250 feet (76 meters), create a serene and awe-inspiring environment. It is interesting to note that some of these towering redwoods have survived for over 1000 years. The monument is named after John Muir, a renowned naturalist, and conservationist who played a pivotal role in the preservation of wilderness areas in the United States. Trails are set out for the casual stroller and the avid hiker looking for a challenge in the cool stillness of this 554-acre (224-hectare) National Park. While visiting Muir Woods, visitors can also learn about the ecology, history, and significance of the redwood forest through interpretive displays and guided walks.
A charismatic metropolis hugging the Pacific coast and built on a series of hills, San Francisco is a major player in the world's growing technology markets. First inhabited by the Ohlone tribe, the land was soon explored by Don Gaspar de Portola. The Spanish constructed a fort at the Presidio and later a mission in the interior city dedicated to St. Francis of Assisi (the city's namesake), now commonly known as Mission Dolores. In 1906, a massive earthquake leveled three-quarters of the city and after major rebuilding it once again boomed as a strategic naval base and manufacturing hub. North Beach and Haight-Ashbury, once the hotbed of Beat culture in post-war era now pay homage to that time at vibrant spots like the City Lights bookstore. In the eye of the dot-com and social media storm, the city is still one of the most densely populated in the country. The birthplace of counterculture movements and hi-tech innovation, San Francisco blends cutting edge modern life with West Coast charm.
A thriving neighborhood, Commerce meets culture at Downtown Berkeley. Although having a reputation of a prime business district, it is also a cultural hub and has a plethora of options for entertainment and fun. Largely dominated by university students, this part of Berkeley has numerous dining establishments where you can have a sumptuous meal at a reasonable price and the happening nightlife scene attracts locals and tourists alike. Art lovers and culture buffs can attend numerous eclectic plays and concerts that are held across the theaters and music venues across the neighborhood.
Overlooking the San Francisco Bay, the Presidio is one of San Francisco's best kept and oldest parks. The Presidio Trust, along with the National Park Service, seeks to preserve the heritage and architecture of the area while providing both locals and tourists with a splendid recreational spot. Visitors to the park can admire several restored military buildings and embark on explorations of the expansive area. Attractions such as the "Spire," attributed to artist Andy Goldsworthy, and other unique additions have even helped the park be featured in numerous TV shows and movies. The Presidio is an excellent destination to visit with the entire family, and the park also offers tours to help acquaint you with all it has to offer. It is open year-round, and entry is free.
Muir Woods National Monument is a breathtaking natural sanctuary that is renowned for its stunning old-growth coast redwood trees, and some of the tallest and oldest living organisms on Earth. The towering trees, some reaching heights of over 250 feet (76 meters), create a serene and awe-inspiring environment. It is interesting to note that some of these towering redwoods have survived for over 1000 years. The monument is named after John Muir, a renowned naturalist, and conservationist who played a pivotal role in the preservation of wilderness areas in the United States. Trails are set out for the casual stroller and the avid hiker looking for a challenge in the cool stillness of this 554-acre (224-hectare) National Park. While visiting Muir Woods, visitors can also learn about the ecology, history, and significance of the redwood forest through interpretive displays and guided walks.
Marine Science Institute offers programs and outings to educate children about their natural environment. On board their ship, the Robert G. Brownlee, students can experience the South Bay and see fishes and plankton, and collect mud samples. Their Discovery Voyage program is executed on board this ship. The Inland Voyages program makes use of aquariums to bring marine life directly into the classroom, while the Marine Camp summer program offers new experiences every year. All of their programs are fun ways to teach your child about the importance of conservation.
What Ellis Island was to the East Coast, Angel Island was to the West Coast. Graffiti left by immigrants who were awaiting admission or deportation can be seen on the walls of the holding areas. The wooded 740-acre (300 hectare) island sits peacefully in the middle of San Francisco Bay. In addition to the immigration facility, the island is also home to two now-abandoned military installations, Fort McDowell and Camp Reynolds. Hiking and biking trails circle the island and offer spectacular views of the poppy-colored peaks of the Golden Gate Bridge and the iconic San Francisco skyline. Volunteer guides lead informative tours of the island's historical sites and one can even catch a glimpse of the indigenous deer population. Camping is allowed with proper permits. Ferry service varies according to the season.
A charismatic metropolis hugging the Pacific coast and built on a series of hills, San Francisco is a major player in the world's growing technology markets. First inhabited by the Ohlone tribe, the land was soon explored by Don Gaspar de Portola. The Spanish constructed a fort at the Presidio and later a mission in the interior city dedicated to St. Francis of Assisi (the city's namesake), now commonly known as Mission Dolores. In 1906, a massive earthquake leveled three-quarters of the city and after major rebuilding it once again boomed as a strategic naval base and manufacturing hub. North Beach and Haight-Ashbury, once the hotbed of Beat culture in post-war era now pay homage to that time at vibrant spots like the City Lights bookstore. In the eye of the dot-com and social media storm, the city is still one of the most densely populated in the country. The birthplace of counterculture movements and hi-tech innovation, San Francisco blends cutting edge modern life with West Coast charm.