Celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary at Angel Island State Park this Fourth of July
Contact:
Bart Grant
Bay Area District
(209) 770-2166
Daylong celebration features living history, military tours, family activities and a special evening fireworks experience overlooking San Francisco Bay
The historic Quartermaster Building at Angel Island State Park overlooks
San Francisco Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge. Photo from California State Parks.
TIBURON — This Fourth of July, California State Parks invites visitors to Angel Island State Park to celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary through a day of history, recreation and family-friendly activities on one of the most historically significant islands in San Francisco Bay.
Throughout the day, visitors can explore Angel Island’s rich history, enjoy its scenic landscapes and sweeping bay views, and participate in hands-on activities, historic demonstrations and guided tours. The celebration highlights the island’s role in the nation’s story as a military post, quarantine station and immigration station for immigrants arriving on the West Coast.
“Angel Island offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience many stories that have shaped our nation,” said Bay Area District Superintendent Maria Mowrey. “As we commemorate America’s 250th anniversary, we’re excited to welcome visitors to explore the island’s rich history while celebrating Independence Day at a place where more than two centuries of California and American history come to life.”
Daytime Celebration –11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Event Highlights
- Passport Activity Program: Pick up an event passport and collect stamps at activity stations throughout the island. The first 250 guests to complete their passport will receive a commemorative Angel Island State Park 250th Anniversary pin. Additional participants will receive a special event sticker.
- Historic Music & Performances: Enjoy live music and living-history presentations highlighting Angel Island’s military roles during the Civil War, Spanish-American War, both World Wars.
- Behind-the-Scenes Military Site Tours: Take guided tours of Battery Ledyard and Battery Wallace and learn about the island’s role in protecting San Francisco Bay.
- Kayaking at Quarry Beach: Enjoy free kayaking opportunities (with lifeguards on duty) and Junior Lifeguard demonstrations.
- Food & Refreshments: Food and beverages will be available for purchase at the Angel Island Café and at the East Garrison.
- Details: https://www.parks.ca.gov/EventDetails/18661
Evening Celebration
Event Highlights
- Fireworks Experience: Visitors can also attend a separate ticketed evening celebration at one of the island’s viewpoints overlooking the beautiful San Francisco skyline and the Golden Gate Bridge. The event will feature a Color Guard presentation, ceremonial cannon firing, live music, patriotic crafts, food and beverages available for purchase, photo opportunities and viewing of the San Francisco Fourth of July fireworks display.
- Ferry boarding at 6:40 p.m. from 21 Main Street, Tiburon
- Fireworks show begins around 9:30 p.m.
- Tiburon ferry departs Angel Island at 10:45 p.m.
- Reservations: https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/angelisland/items/6556/calendar/2026/07/?flow=211153&full-items=yes
- Note: There is only one ferry to the island and one ferry returning from the island for the evening celebration.
- Reservations: https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/angelisland/items/6556/calendar/2026/07/?flow=211153&full-items=yes
Why Angel Island?
Few places in California reflect the nation’s 250-year story like Angel Island.Since its documented European discovery in 1775, the island has played an important role in the history of California and the United States. Over the centuries, it served as a military installation, quarantine station and immigration station.
Notable milestones include:
- 1850: The U.S. Army designates Angel Island as a military reserve because of its strategic location in San Francisco Bay.
- Civil War through Cold War: Angel Island serves as a coastal defense site, transit station, discharge center, and air defense facility.
- 1891–1940: The U.S. Marine Hospital Service operates a quarantine station to help prevent the spread of infectious diseases arriving by ship.
- 1910–1940: The Angel Island Immigration Station becomes the largest immigration facility on the West Coast, processing immigrants from more than 80 countries.
- 1955–1962: California State Parks acquires the island and establishes Angel Island State Park, preserving its many layers of history for future generations.
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California State Parks provides for the health, inspiration and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state’s extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high quality outdoor recreation.