Treasure Island in San Francisco

Treasure Island is an artificial island in San Francisco Bay that offers rocky beaches, dining, secret gardens, historic surroundings, and attractions that date as far back as the 1930s. Here you can find creepy abandoned places marked with radiation warnings. You can grab lunch in a hidden garden café. You can head to a local cocktail bar for specialty drinks, or visit a local history museum.

The island was built in the 1930s to celebrate the completion of the Golden Gate Bridge. Today it plays host to a variety of exciting and thrilling festivals and celebrations year-round.

Treasure Island in San Francisco - one of the highlights of 10 Best Islands near San Francisco (Read all about San Francisco here)

Highlights of Treasure Island

The main thing that brings people to Treasure Island is the spectacular view of the entire northern waterfront of San Francisco from bridge to bridge. After you catch the perfect Instagram photo of the skyline, you'll want to check out the many public art installations, flea markets, restaurants, and museums.

Check out the Treasure Island Flea market for local artists, vendors, crafts, and food the last weekend of every month. Visit for the annual San Francisco International Dragon Boat Festival. Check out the Treasure Island Museum to discover the intriguing and storied history of this neighborhood.

Good to know about Treasure Island

Treasure Island is accessible by car over the Bay Bridge, or by bus. You can also catch a ride-share. The island was created using tons of silt and landfill. Some parts of the island are off-limits due to potential radioactive contamination that dates back to the 1930s and '40s; these places are clearly marked, and most of the island is perfectly safe.

It's an emerging residential neighborhood with sidewalks and many businesses that are Americans with Disabilities Act accessible. While dogs are allowed on leash on the street, many businesses may not be pet friendly.

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