In the middle of San Francisco Bay sits Angel Island State Park, offering spectacular views of the San Francisco skyline, the Marin Headlands and Mount Tamalpais.

The island is alive with history. Three thousand years ago the island was a fishing and hunting site for Coastal Miwok Indians. It was later a haven for Spanish explorer Juan Manuel de Ayala, a cattle ranch, and a U.S. Army post.

From 1910 to 1940, the island processed hundreds of thousands of immigrants, the majority from China. During World War II, Japanese, and German POWs were held on the island, which was also used as a jumping-off point for American soldiers returning from the Pacific. In the '50s and '60s, the island was home to a Nike missile base.

Hiking Trails: Foot trails and fire roads circle the entire island, and climb to the 788-foot-high summit of Mount Caroline Livermore.

Bicycles can be used on the island-circling system of main roads, and can be brought to the island on the ferryboats.

Beaches at the Island: The beaches at Quarry Point and Ayala Cove are both sandy and protected from the afternoon breezes that so often blow in from the ocean through the Golden Gate. Quarry Beach is especially pleasant for sunbathing.

Private boats can use the boat slips or mooring buoys at Ayala Cove; day and overnight fees are collected. Mooring buoys can be used overnight.

Groups can reserve the picnic areas and other camping facilities on the island by calling 1-800-444-7275.

All-year: 8:00am to Sunset

Access to the Island is by private boat or public ferry from San Francisco, Tiburon and seasonal service from Oakland and Alameda.

Fees: For more information contact the park at 415-435-5390 or visit www.parks.ca.gov/angelisland