Treasure Island, a small manmade island in the middle of San Francisco Bay, makes an excellent daytrip destination. Explore the island to discover unusual military structures and admire uninterrupted views of the San Francisco and Oakland cityscapes.
Treasure Island takes its name from the famous novel by Robert Louis Stevenson, who lived in the city during 1879 and 1880. The island was originally built in anticipation of the 1939 Golden Gate International Exposition. In 1942, it was taken over by the U.S. Navy and used as a base until 1997. Explore the island today to discover a new, up-and-coming San Francisco neighborhood.
Get acquainted with the island’s fascinating history at the Treasure Island Museum. While a new museum is currently in the works, you can browse interim exhibits on the 1939 World’s Fair, see Navy-related memorabilia and take a guided tour of the island with an expert.
Bring your camera and head to the waterside Avenue of the Palms to capture the front-row views of the San Francisco skyline. Afterward, make your way to the south end of the island and across to the adjoining Yerba Buena Island to Clipper Cove. Here, rest on the sands, paddle in the shallows or rent a paddleboard and head out on the water.
The island is fast gaining a reputation as a hotspot for wine lovers, with several urban wineries located here. Sample the local wine at tasting rooms at establishments such as The Winery SF, Treasure Island Wines and Fat Grape Winery.
Time your trip to Treasure Island to coincide with the Treasure Island Flea. This popular market takes place on the last weekend of every month. Vendors sell everything from antiques and art to gourmet food. When you’re hungry, try one of several restaurants and foodtrucks on the island.
Treasure Island is connected via Yerba Buena Island to the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge. Drive here or take a bus from the Transbay Terminal near San Francisco’s Embarcadero area.
