By Jennifer Hallstrom, Community Outreach Manager

For Memorial Day weekend my dad came to visit from Florida. Having guests in town is always an opportunity to show off the East Bay sights, especially if it is to a place you've never been. My dad has always enjoyed taking the Ferry, so we decided this time to take the Alameda/Oakland Ferry to Angel Island for a hike. On the weekends you can catch a ride directly from Oakland at 9:00am, or Alameda just 10 minutes later, that goes to Angel Island (with a transfer at Pier 41). We decided to leave a little later and caught the 10:25am ferry from the Alameda Port, which stops at Oakland and the Ferry Building before reaching Pier 41, where we transferred to the Angel Island Ferry.

The extended ride was worth it to experience more of the cool bay breeze and watch my nephews’ amazement of the boats and bridges. We enjoyed a picnic breakfast on the boat and arrived at Angel Island within an hour. We walked along the Angel Island Loop Trail, enjoyed the views and made it back to catch the 3:10pm ferry, which took us directly to Alameda  - docking at 3:45pm. It was a perfect day on the water.

Here's how to go yourself or view the EcoMetro Guide ferry coupon.:

Alameda/Oakland Ferry

Roundtrip for adults - $14, child - $8.50, under 5 - free (EcoMetro coupon not valid for this special trip)

Alameda Terminal: 2990 Main Street (free parking adjacent the dock)

Oakland Terminal: 530 Water Street (Clay Street at Jack London Square)

For recorded schedule, call the FerryFone at 510-522-3300 or visit eastbayferry.com.

View the EcoMetro Guide ferry coupon.