Middle Harbor Shoreline Park
Middle Harbor Shoreline Park: A Waterfront Oasis
Observation Pier at Judge John Sutter Regional Shoreline
Experience breathtaking views of the Bay Bridge and San Francisco skyline from this historic pier in Oakland's Judge John Sutter Regional Shoreline.
The Observation Pier, located within Oakland's Judge John Sutter Regional Shoreline, offers stunning views of the Bay Bridge, San Francisco skyline, and maritime activities. Built on the remnants of the original Bay Bridge, this 600-foot pier provides a tangible link to the past and a unique vantage point for enjoying the beauty of the San Francisco Bay.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to Observation Pier
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
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Getting There
Public Transport
From downtown Oakland, take AC Transit Line 29 to the intersection of Maritime Street and Burma Road. From there, walk along Burma Road to the Judge John Sutter Regional Shoreline day-use parking lot and follow the San Francisco Bay Trail to the Observation Pier. AC Transit Transbay NL or O bus from the Salesforce Transit Center in San Francisco will drop you off at the Toll Plaza stop on the Bay Bridge. From there you can access the park. AC Transit fares are around $2.50.
Driving
From Oakland, take I-80 West towards the Bay Bridge. Take the Grand Avenue off-ramp just before the toll plaza. Turn left onto Maritime Avenue, then right onto Burma Road. Follow Burma Road to the Judge John Sutter Regional Shoreline day-use parking lot. Parking is free. Be aware that getting to the park can be tricky due to its location on a frontage road alongside the Oakland bridge approach.
Biking/Walking
If biking or walking from Emeryville or other parts of Oakland, access the Alexander Zuckermann Bay Bridge Trail. Follow the trail towards the Bay Bridge. The trail connects directly to the Judge John Sutter Regional Shoreline and the Observation Pier. There is a flat, paved half-mile-long path (1-mile round trip) that leads to the observation pier from the parking lot.
Local tips
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Bring a jacket, as the pier can be windy and exposed to the elements.
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Check the park's website for information on events and programs at the Bridge Yard building.
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Take some time to read the interpretive signs along the pier to learn about the history of the area.
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The pier is a great spot for fishing, so bring your gear and try your luck.
Discover more about Observation Pier
The Observation Pier is a highlight of the Judge John Sutter Regional Shoreline, a 22.47-acre park opened in October 2020. The park is named after Judge John Sutter, who envisioned a waterfront park at this location as early as 1967.
Before becoming a park, the area was a hub of transportation and military activity. From 1903 to 1958, it served as the east end of the Key System mole, where electric trains transported passengers to ferry terminals. Later, the Oakland Army Base occupied the site from 1941 to 1999, serving as a crucial port during World War II and subsequent conflicts.
The pier itself is built upon two pylons that supported the original San Francisco Bay Bridge. Ornamental steel from the original bridge adorns the entrance. Interpretive panels along the pier detail the history of the area, the bridges, and Judge John Sutter's contributions. The pier provides public waterfront access and is a popular spot for fishing. The park also connects to the Alexander Zuckermann Bay Bridge Trail, a 4-mile path for pedestrians and cyclists.
A brief summary to Observation Pier
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