San Francisco–Oakland Bay Bridge: A Dual Span Icon
Experience the grandeur of the San Francisco Bay Bridge, connecting two vibrant cities with stunning views and innovative design.
The San Francisco–Oakland Bay Bridge, often called the Bay Bridge, is a complex of bridges connecting San Francisco and Oakland. Opened in 1936, it carries around 260,000 vehicles daily and is known for its dual-span design and the Bay Lights art installation.
A brief summary to San Francisco – Oakland Bay Bridge
- San Francisco – Oakland Bay Brg, San Francisco, California, US
- Visit website
Local tips
- Visit Yerba Buena Island for hiking trails and scenic overlooks with stunning views of the bridge and the San Francisco skyline.
- Explore Treasure Island for panoramic views of the Bay Bridge and various events and festivals.
- Consider visiting during the early morning or late afternoon for stunning sunrise or sunset views over the bay.
- Visit at night to see The Bay Lights, a beautiful art installation of 25,000 LED lights that light up the bridge.
Getting There
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Driving
From downtown San Francisco, take I-80 East towards Oakland. The Bay Bridge is a direct continuation of I-80. Be prepared for heavy traffic during peak hours. Note that tolls are collected in the westbound direction (towards San Francisco). As of July 2025, the toll for solo drivers is $8. Carpools (3+ people) using designated carpool lanes and paying with FasTrak may qualify for a discounted toll of $4 during weekday peak hours. Parking near the bridge in San Francisco can be limited and expensive. Consider using public transportation.
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Public Transport
From San Francisco, BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) offers service to Oakland. Get off at a West Oakland BART station. From there, you can connect to local AC Transit buses or use the Bay Bridge Trail (2.2 miles) to access Yerba Buena Island. AC Transit Transbay services, except for the M, U, and MA lines, cross the Bay Bridge. A one-way BART fare from Embarcadero Station in San Francisco to West Oakland is approximately $4.00-$6.00. Bus fares vary depending on the route, but a local single ride is around $2.50.
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Bicycle
Cyclists can access the Bay Bridge Trail from Oakland to Yerba Buena Island. The path is 2.2 miles long and provides separate lanes for bikes and pedestrians. To get to the trail from San Francisco, cyclists can take public transportation (BART or AC Transit) or use the Caltrans Bike Shuttle. The Caltrans Bike Shuttle provides limited trips during peak commute periods for $1 each way. Note that there is currently no bicycle and pedestrian access across the entire Bay Bridge.
Discover more about San Francisco – Oakland Bay Bridge
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Hills Bros. Coffee Trademark
1.4 km
Explore the Hills Bros. Coffee Trademark, a stunning sculpture celebrating San Francisco's coffee culture and history, perfect for art and coffee lovers alike.
Yerba Buena Lighthouse
1.7 km
Explore the historic Yerba Buena Lighthouse, a captivating landmark offering stunning views of the San Francisco Bay and a glimpse into maritime history.
California Historical Landmark 84: Rincon Hill
1.7 km
Explore Rincon Hill, a historic landmark in San Francisco, where rich history meets modern urban charm amidst stunning views and vibrant parks.
Matson Building and Annex
1.7 km
Explore San Francisco's maritime past at the historic Matson Building and Annex, a Renaissance Revival masterpiece that once served as the headquarters for the Matson Navigation Company.
Klamath (Historic Ship)
1.7 km
Discover the Klamath, a historic ship in San Francisco, where maritime history meets stunning bay views and engaging exhibits for all ages.
Salesforce Tower
2.0 km
Discover Salesforce Tower: Experience breathtaking views and modern architecture in San Francisco's iconic skyline.
Naval Quarters 1 Nimitz House
2.0 km
Explore the historic Nimitz House on Yerba Buena Island, a Classical Revival landmark with stunning bay views, once home to Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz.
California Historical Landmark 83: Two Shoreline Markers
2.0 km
Discover the historical significance of the Two Shoreline Markers in San Francisco's Financial District, a must-see for maritime history enthusiasts.
Mechanics Monument
2.0 km
Discover the Mechanics Monument in San Francisco's Financial District – a stunning sculpture celebrating the city's engineering heritage and vibrant history.
Northeast Waterfront Historic District
2.1 km
Discover the rich maritime history and scenic beauty of the Northeast Waterfront Historic District in San Francisco, a must-visit for every traveler.
Flatiron Building
2.1 km
Explore the iconic Flatiron Building in San Francisco, a stunning architectural marvel that beautifully captures the city's historical essence and vibrant atmosphere.
Shortest Street in California
2.2 km
Experience the whimsy of Balance Street in San Francisco, California's shortest street, where history and charm intertwine in a unique urban adventure.
Transamerica Pyramid
2.2 km
Discover the iconic Transamerica Pyramid, a symbol of San Francisco's skyline and a testament to its rich architectural heritage.
Jackson Square
2.2 km
Discover the historic charm of Jackson Square in San Francisco, a vibrant neighborhood of art galleries, boutique shops, and delightful dining experiences.
California Historical Landmark 81: Landing Place of Captain J. B. Montgomery
2.2 km
Discover the historic landing site of Captain J. B. Montgomery in San Francisco, a key location in the Gold Rush narrative at California Historical Landmark 81.
Unmissable attractions to see
Rincon Park
1.3 km
Discover the beauty of Rincon Park, a scenic urban oasis in San Francisco, offering stunning Bay views and a peaceful escape amidst the city's bustle.
Cupid's Span
1.3 km
Discover Cupid's Span, a monumental sculpture symbolizing love, set against the stunning backdrop of San Francisco's waterfront. A must-visit for every traveler.
Golden Gate Ferry Terminal Upper Level Public Viewing Area
1.3 km
Experience the stunning views of San Francisco from the Golden Gate Ferry Terminal Upper Level, your perfect vantage point for iconic sights.
Bay Bridge
1.4 km
Experience the breathtaking Bay Bridge, a symbol of San Francisco's engineering prowess and stunning views of the Bay Area.
Ferry Building
1.4 km
Explore the culinary delights and historical charm of San Francisco's iconic Ferry Building, a must-visit destination on the Embarcadero.
Ferry Plaza Farmers Market
1.4 km
Experience the vibrant flavors of San Francisco at the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market, where local produce and gourmet delights await.
San Francisco Railway Museum
1.5 km
Discover the captivating history of San Francisco's railways at the Railway Museum, showcasing the evolution of public transit and streetcars.
City Cruises San Francisco
1.6 km
Discover the breathtaking beauty of San Francisco Bay with City Cruises, offering unforgettable sightseeing, dining, and private event experiences on the water.
Embarcadero Plaza
1.6 km
Experience the tranquility of Embarcadero Plaza, a scenic urban oasis in San Francisco's Financial District, perfect for relaxation and cultural exploration.
Pier 7
1.6 km
Discover the stunning views and serene atmosphere of Pier 7 in San Francisco, perfect for leisurely strolls and unforgettable sunsets over the Bay.
Essential places to dine
Waterbar Restaurant
1.3 km
Discover exquisite seafood dining at Waterbar Restaurant along San Francisco's iconic Embarcadero with stunning bay views.
Boulevard
1.4 km
Experience unparalleled Californian-American cuisine at Boulevard, where every dish is a masterpiece crafted from local ingredients.
Prospect
1.5 km
Discover Prospect: A premier American restaurant in San Francisco offering organic cuisine and stunning skyline views for an unforgettable dining experience.
Delancey Street Restaurant
1.8 km
Experience authentic American cuisine at Delancey Street Restaurant, where every meal supports community transformation along San Francisco's beautiful waterfront.
Bix
2.2 km
Experience exquisite American cuisine paired with live jazz in San Francisco's elegant Bix restaurant - where fine dining meets vibrant nightlife.
Quince
2.2 km
Experience the pinnacle of Italian fine dining at Quince in San Francisco's historic Jackson Square with exquisite dishes and exceptional service.
Mourad
2.3 km
Experience exquisite Californian cuisine with Moroccan flair at Mourad, San Francisco's premier fine dining destination.
Trestle Restaurant
2.4 km
Experience the best of American and Italian cuisine at Trestle Restaurant in the heart of San Francisco's iconic Chinatown.
House of Nanking
2.4 km
Discover authentic Chinese flavors at House of Nanking in San Francisco's vibrant Chinatown—a family-friendly dining experience not to be missed!
Begoni Bistro
2.4 km
Experience authentic Chinese cuisine at Begoni Bistro in San Francisco's historic Chinatown - a delightful culinary journey awaits!
Tosca Cafe
2.5 km
Experience the rich flavors of Italy at Tosca Cafe in San Francisco's historic North Beach district—where tradition meets modern dining.
Bund Shanghai Restaurant
2.5 km
Experience authentic Shanghainese cuisine in San Francisco's vibrant Chinatown at Bund Shanghai Restaurant.
Great Eastern Restaurant
2.5 km
Experience authentic Chinese cuisine at Great Eastern Restaurant in San Francisco's vibrant Chinatown—home to exquisite dim sum and fresh seafood delights.
FUSION DUMPLING
2.5 km
Discover authentic flavors at Fusion Dumpling in San Francisco's Chinatown—your destination for exquisite dim sum, hot pot, and noodle dishes.
Z & Y Restaurant
2.5 km
Experience authentic Chinese flavors at Z & Y Restaurant in San Francisco's vibrant Chinatown—delicious dishes await every food lover.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Exploratorium Store
1.8 km
Explore the Exploratorium Store - a vibrant gift shop at Pier 15 offering science-inspired toys, books, and gadgets for curious minds.
Bowerbird
1.8 km
Explore Bowerbird, a unique gift shop in San Francisco's Financial District, featuring local artisan crafts and distinctive home goods.
SFMOMa Museum Store
2.5 km
Explore art-inspired gifts, books, and jewelry at SFMOMA Museum Store in San Francisco's vibrant SoMa district, perfect for unique souvenirs.
Shangri La Gifts
2.5 km
Explore Shangri La Gifts in San Francisco's Chinatown for unique treasures and a taste of local craftsmanship that captures the city's vibrant culture.
Canton Bazaar
2.5 km
Discover unique treasures at Canton Bazaar, a vibrant gift shop in San Francisco's Chinatown, perfect for authentic souvenirs and cultural finds.
Peking Bazaar
2.5 km
Explore the charm of Chinatown with unique gifts and authentic souvenirs at Peking Bazaar, a must-visit destination in San Francisco.
Up & Up Gift Shop
2.5 km
Explore Up & Up Gift Shop in San Francisco's Chinatown for unique gifts and souvenirs that embody the city's rich culture and charm.
Souvenir Shop
2.5 km
Discover unique treasures in Chinatown's Souvenir Shop, offering a blend of traditional and modern keepsakes for every traveler.
Angelic Pretty San Francisco
2.5 km
Discover whimsical women's fashion at Angelic Pretty San Francisco, where chic elegance meets unique Japanese-inspired designs in the heart of the city.
Oriental Treasures San Francisco
2.6 km
Explore a treasure trove of Asian artifacts and unique gifts at Oriental Treasures in San Francisco's enchanting Chinatown.
Jing Ying Gift Shop inc
2.6 km
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Fashion House & Gifts
2.6 km
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Old Shanghai
2.6 km
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China Station
2.6 km
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SFOG North Beach
2.6 km
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
83 Proof
2.0 km
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The House Of Shields
2.3 km
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Comstock Saloon
2.4 km
Comstock Saloon: Where Historic Charm Meets Craft Cocktails in San Francisco's Chinatown.
Rickhouse
2.4 km
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Mr Bing's
2.5 km
Experience the vibrant cocktail culture at Mr Bing's, a must-visit bar in the heart of San Francisco's Chinatown.
The Devil's Acre
2.5 km
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Alchemist Bar & Lounge
2.5 km
Discover Alchemist Bar & Lounge: A Chic Cocktail Haven in San Francisco's China Basin with Exquisite Drinks and Vibrant Vibes.
Lion's Den Lounge and Bar
2.5 km
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15 Romolo
2.5 km
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Local Edition
2.5 km
Discover Local Edition, San Francisco's stylish cocktail bar blending innovative drinks and vibrant ambiance for an unforgettable night out.
Red's Place
2.5 km
Discover Red's Place in San Francisco's Chinatown - a cocktail bar with a welcoming vibe and innovative drinks to elevate your nightlife experience.
Li Po Cocktail Lounge
2.5 km
Discover the historic Li Po Cocktail Lounge in San Francisco's Chinatown, where exquisite cocktails and timeless charm await every visitor.
Harlan Records
2.6 km
Discover Harlan Records, the ultimate cocktail bar in San Francisco's Union Square, where exquisite drinks meet an unforgettable vinyl experience.
Buddha Lounge
2.6 km
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Iron Horse Cocktails
2.6 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere and innovative cocktails at Iron Horse Cocktails in San Francisco's lively Union Square.
