Exploring Angel Island And The Bay

If you have the privilege of spending a day in the San Francisco Bay, it should be a day spent on the water. While there is a lifetime of sights to see and things to do in any of the thriving metropolises nestled along the coasts, there are equally rich, perpetually rewarding sites to see while sailing the salty brine of the Bay. Whether you're chartering boats for grand tours or renting dingies for a day of sailing, the Bay is an absolute tangle of docks, islands, towns, cities, sights, and sounds -- from Baker Beach to Angel Island. What's crucial, especially if you're a DIY sailor, is knowing where you can anchor, where you can camps, and where you can let loose!

The most coveted and beloved anchorage in the Bay is Clipper Cove. Known to locals as Treasure Island Cove -- or even Yerba Buena Cove -- the anchorage is relatively cheap, offers tremendous views, and is home to a decently-stocked market. In the dead of summer, it's also the coolest anchorage in the Bay. It's also a pretty roomy cove -- you can circle your vessel and drop anchor alongside the Treasure Island Marina. Just be mindful of the shoal running from the island to the cove's entrance.

Aside from Clipper Cove, you'll have to keep your eyes peeled for public marinas and designated anchorages. Remember, this is the San Francisco Bay and nothing comes cheap. In a region where a two-bedroom home will set you back a few million dollars, finding a cheap anchorage or public marina can be problematic. Yes, you will see a great many harbors -- but, most of the lovely ones have been co-opted by private yacht clubs. You're best bet is to obtain a listing of public harbors, marinas, and anchorages -- or fork over the cash for the latest copy of The California Boater's Guide.

While you may be tempted to set course for more trendy spots, like Sausalito, stay the course. Yes, Sausalito is lovely and it's cute and it's full of tourists -- but, it's also impossible to anchor or dock without paying an arm and a leg. Your best bet is to steer towards Mill Valley or San Rafael and rent a car. Trust me, for the cost of renting a car for the day, you'll be spending less than anchoring in the Bay. The savvy tourist will have spent the money for a hotel in San Francisco and driven over the Golden Gate to visit Sausalito.

If you're more inclined to spend the day in the great outdoors make a beeline to Angel Island. The state park has a slew of picnic areas, great trails, and even a few historical markers dating back before the Civil War. Better yet, the slips are bountiful, especially if you arrive early. I repeat: if you arrive early. They have to be vacated at sunset, but if you're keen on staying overnight, there are plenty of mooring buoys to be had. By plenty, I mean, if you get there ahead of the crowd.

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While there aren't any hotels at all on Angel Island itself -- you can find a select few that are close enough to make it seem like it's in your backyard.

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