San Francisco's hidden Treasure... Island
Okay, I'll admit that the title is lame, but in all seriousness, this is something very cool that millions of people drive past every year, without a second thought on their way into, or out of San Francisco.
Tessa and I recently took our first road trip to Southern California (more posts from the trip will be coming soon!) to visit her family, and my sister. On our way down we split up the 16 hour drive with a stop in the Bay Area. Although a trip into the city was not in the cards, we still wanted to get a taste of San Francisco, and share a lovely couple of moments together, without dealing with traffic or paying for parking. That is where Treasure Island came in.
For most people, Treasure Island is just the halfway point on the Bay Bridge, a blip on an annoying commute. In reality, the Island is a calm oasis in the middle of California's second largest urban center. It is also home to a great deal of history, 2,300 residents, and arguably one of the best views of the San Francisco skyline. On top of all of that, entry is free and parking is plentiful!
Tessa with the wind in her hair, enjoying the view, and break from the traffic.
The San Francisco skyline from Treasure Island. Click on the image for a closer look!
Surviving Traffic
The island is a great place for a break from San Francisco rush hour, which is what we used it for. Even though it was a Saturday afternoon, there were no shortage of cars trying to squeeze into the city. If you really want to wait out traffic checkout the Treasure Island Bar and Grill and enjoy their food and a few drinks. Stop by their happy hour from 4:00-6:00 PM (perfect for rush hour) for $1 tacos and $3 beers. The island is also home to several other restaurants and wineries that are worth exploring!
Photographic Opportunities
Beyond the obvious view of the city, Treasure Island has no shortage of photographic opportunities. On our last trip, Tessa and I were limited by our iPhone cameras, but in the past I have gone with experienced photographers and nice DSLRs. Some of the best shots can be found on the south side of the island, next to the Bay Bridge. Getting to these locations is physically perilous, and involves a little trespassing on Coast Guard property, but the resulting shots can be totally worth it. I'm not going to tell you how to get there, but a quick Google search might give you the answer...
The Bay Bridge, and San Francisco skyline, from Treasure Island. Photo credit: Paul Garrett.
The Bliss Dance: San Francisco's Fleating Beauty
I'm a little too young to wax nostalgic over how things "used to be better in the good old days," but this is one case where I can't help myself. The first few times I visited Treasure Island, it was home to one of the most beautiful and awe-inspiring pieces of art that I have ever seen. The Bliss Dance statue was originally built for Burning Man. It stood 40 feet tall, and lit up dynamically at night in a full spectrum of colors. Bliss Dance was intended to capture the emotions of a woman free from fear, and its creator, Marco Cochrane, did so masterfully. Seeing this thing in person gave me chills. Unfortunately, the salty winds of the San Francisco Bay make Treasure Island a terrible place for a metal statue. Bliss Dance was removed in May of 2015, with no public plans for its return.
The beautiful Bliss Dance statue on Treasure Island in May 2014, before it was removed. Photo credit: Paul Garrett.
Bay Bridge, SF skyline, and red Mustang hood for days.
Never an easy shot to get, with the city flying by.
Getting There
Access to Treasure Island is via I-80 Exit 4 when coming from Oakland, and Exit 4A when coming from San Francisco, with both exits being on the left side of the road. Pay close attention, blink and you will miss them! Follow Treasure Island Road until you reach a guard station. Turn right to visit one of the islands restaurants, or pass the guard station for an awesome view of the city (if the guard is their, simply tell them that you are there for the view).