Treasure Island: A Bay Area Gem

Discover stunning views and a unique history on Treasure Island, San Francisco's man-made treasure with a vibrant future.

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Treasure Island

Treasure Island, a man-made island in the San Francisco Bay, offers stunning panoramic views of the city skyline, the Bay Bridge, and beyond. Originally built for the 1939 Golden Gate International Exposition, it later served as a naval base and is now undergoing redevelopment with new housing, parks, and commercial spaces.

A brief summary to Treasure Island

San Francisco, Treasure Island, California, US

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Treasure Island.

Visit the Treasure Island Flea (TreasureFest), a monthly open-air marketplace for unique finds, art, and local crafts.
Take advantage of the stunning views of the San Francisco skyline, especially at night.
Explore the island's public art installations and attend one of the many music festivals held throughout the year.
Dine at Mersea Restaurant, crafted from repurposed shipping containers, for fresh, local cuisine and panoramic views.

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Getting There

Public Transport

From downtown San Francisco, the Muni 25 bus provides direct service to Treasure Island from the Salesforce Transit Center. The journey takes approximately 12 minutes. A single ride costs $3. Alternatively, take the Treasure Island Ferry from the Ferry Building (Gate B). The ferry ride offers stunning views and costs $5 each way. Purchase tickets online or onboard.
Driving

From San Francisco, take I-80 East across the Bay Bridge and exit at Treasure Island (Exit 4A). Follow Treasure Island Road to your destination. From Oakland, take I-80 West across the Bay Bridge and take the Treasure Island exit. Note that a toll is required when traveling onto the Bay Bridge from the East Bay. Weekday parking is free for up to two hours in designated visitor areas near Building One. Monthly parking permits are available for long-term residents, ranging from $150-$250 per month.
Walking

While walking to Treasure Island from San Francisco is possible, it's a lengthy 17-mile journey. It's more practical to take public transportation or drive. However, pedestrians and bicyclists can access Treasure Island from Yerba Buena Island via a multi-use path.

Discover more about Treasure Island

Treasure Island, a 400-acre artificial island in San Francisco Bay, boasts a rich history and breathtaking views. Constructed in 1936-37 from dredged bay mud, it was initially created to host the 1939-40 Golden Gate International Exposition, a dazzling World's Fair that celebrated California's rise as a Pacific power. The fair showcased impressive Art Deco architecture, gardens, and innovative lighting, drawing visitors from around the globe.Following the exposition, the U.S. Navy took control of the island, establishing Naval Station Treasure Island, which played a crucial role during World War II. The base served as a major processing center for personnel heading to and returning from the Pacific. After its closure in 1997, the island was leased to the City of San Francisco and is currently undergoing extensive redevelopment.Today, Treasure Island is open to the public and offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Visitors can explore public art installations, attend music festivals, and enjoy the island's burgeoning urban winery scene. The island's elevated position provides unparalleled views of the San Francisco skyline, the Bay Bridge, and the surrounding bay, making it a popular spot for photographers and sightseers. With its ongoing transformation, Treasure Island is becoming a vibrant community with new homes, parks, restaurants, and shops, promising an exciting future for this unique Bay Area destination.