Scenic and Historic Islands of San Francisco Bay

Beautiful San Francisco Bay is among the world’s finest natural harbors and a tourist mecca, but more attention is paid to the cities on its perimeter than to the scenic and historic islands that it contains. Traveling to these islands—most reachable only by boat—recalls the diverse history, maritime roots, and rapid changes of a region often associated with high tech and snarled freeways. This book explores the Bay’s six most significant true islands, each with a fascinating history and spectacular views, in vivid color photographs. Join photographer Virginia Hines to visit notorious Alcatraz Island, the former maximum—security penitentiary turned National Park; Angel Island, once the “Ellis Island of the West” for Asian immigrants; man—made Treasure Island, created to host a World’s Fair; tiny East Brother Island, with its quaint, still—functioning Victorian lighthouse; Yerba Buena Island, one—time home of the U.S. Navy’s last active fleet admiral, Chester Nimitz; and Brooks Island, a hunting camp repurposed to protect wildlife. Hidden in plain sight, these often under—appreciated gems blend into the landscape yet stand apart from the mainland, isolated and unique.