Treasure Island
Treasure Island
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.0
264 reviews
Excellent
125
Very good
96
Average
28
Poor
6
Terrible
9
S-R-AME
USA29 contributions
Jan 2024 • Family
Truly beautiful and photogenic spot of SF bay view to take pictures.
BUT not safe at all. My teenager son was almost attacked by a young (20s maybe) individual when he was taking pictures. Out of nowhere he walked up and almost kicked my son into the water.
The streets are so quiet and empty so if you’re alone, you are defenseless and no one would know you were there.
So if you go there at sunset or later, go with someone, pay attention to who’s there and who’s coming, or be ready for anything.
The island is full of construction places and your GPS map doesn’t help very much :(
The island’s museum seems interesting and its bar seemed very nice but I don’t think I’d go back there.
BUT not safe at all. My teenager son was almost attacked by a young (20s maybe) individual when he was taking pictures. Out of nowhere he walked up and almost kicked my son into the water.
The streets are so quiet and empty so if you’re alone, you are defenseless and no one would know you were there.
So if you go there at sunset or later, go with someone, pay attention to who’s there and who’s coming, or be ready for anything.
The island is full of construction places and your GPS map doesn’t help very much :(
The island’s museum seems interesting and its bar seemed very nice but I don’t think I’d go back there.
Written 6 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Clive S
2 contributions
Jul 2023
This was a nice place. However the San Francisco building department seems to have gone wild. They take paradise and put up tall buildings, blocking the Golden Gate view of people in the East Bay, but we don't have a vote. Creating further gridlock on the Bay Bridge. I used to like to go to downtown San Francisco for shopping, Giants ballpark, whatever, now it is difficult. I guess there are people with lots of money who will buy these places and pay for the view. However for all of us who already live here and like our Golden Gate View this is a nightmare.
Written 17 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AMohsen
Port Said, Egypt567 contributions
Jul 2023 • Friends
Unlike the name denotes, it doesn’t look like a treasure island. Nothing was impressive there. It can be visited through Oakland Bay Bridge. A quick tour via a car revealed that it was not worthwhile.
Written 13 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thomas V
Oakland, CA17,550 contributions
Dec 2023 • Couples
Come here for great views of downtown San Francisco across the Bay, and also some of the hills. This island is land fill that was created for the 1939 Exposition. Some of the Exposition buildings are still here. But these days you will find a lot of construction of new apartments. So someday this will be a city itself.
Written 26 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Holdtheair
Waikiki, HI2,251 contributions
May 2014 • Family
Did you know that “Treasure Island” was built originally for the “World’s Fair” or that this was once occupied by the United States Army and Navy?
This was also originally planned for the “San Francisco Airport” before the military swapped it for “Mills Field” along the San Francisco Peninsula near the city of Millbrae?
A lot of “tourists” who have visited the Bay Area over the years pass by this island without ever knowing the history of this island. This island should a part of every tourist’s itinerary, if not for the historical values, for the breath taking views of the city itself!
During my military career, I have traveled to this island for joint operations with the navy. Growing up in the bay area, I have also taken advantage of the fishing off of this island. I don’t know of any other place where you can fish and take in a view of the golden gate bridge, the city as well as the eastern span of the new Oakland-san Francisco bay bridge!
Although the navy has since left, a lot of the former buildings are still standing. It’s worth the drive onto this island for fantastic pictures of the city skyline!
“During the last decade, the world’s two largest bridges have been flung across San Francisco Bay... and to celebrate their completion, the world’s largest artificial island rose from the waters of the bay.”
In 1775, the Spanish came into San Francisco and anchored near a small island in the bay. They gave the island the name, “Yerba Buena.” In Spanish, it means "Good Herb" and given to the island for the wild mint that grew there in abundance and was used to flavor their tea.
From 1895 to 1931, the island was known as Goat Island, from the herds of goats raised there for food.
In 1866, the United States Government turned the island into an Army post.
In 1898 the Unites States Navy took over the island and established a training center.
In 1931, the name Goat Island was officially changed back to Yerba Buena Island.
In 1935, the City of San Francisco drew architectural plans for a “World’s Fair” on the island to celebrate the engineering feats of the areas bridges.
• The island is named after the novel, “Treasure Island,” by Robert Louis Stevenson, who lived in San Francisco from 1879 to 1880.
In 1936, the construction of Treasure Island began.
In 1939, the island was completed and approximately 259 thousand tons of rock was used to create the Island. The World’s fair was also constructed during this time period.
In 1939, the “Golden Gate International Exposition” was opened even before the Bay fill dried. Many San Franciscans at the time simply referred to the exposition as the "Fair".
The Golden Gate International Exposition was held on the island to showcase the city’s two new bridges, “Golden Gate Bridge and the San Francisco - Oakland Bay Bridge.”
• Observed at night from the shores of San Francisco Bay, the Exposition was a floating, fairytale island of light. The enormous buildings were fantastically lit with indirect lighting. Multicolored spotlights projected their beams more than a mile up into the night sky. The Exposition was observable for more than 100 miles in every direction. It came to life for only two seasons and was nicknamed “The Magic City.”
On September 29, 1940, over 200 thousand people attended the last day of the fair.
• Originally, the island was scheduled to be used as an airport when the Navy offered to exchange Mills Field on the San Francisco Peninsula near the city of Millbrae for the island. The City and County of San Francisco accepted the swap, and “SFO” was built at Mills Field.
On April 1st, 1941, the island became a military base known as Naval Station Treasure Island, which also included portions of Yerba Buena Island.
By 1945, more than 800 women officers and enlisted women were stationed at Treasure Island.
In September 1993, the Department of Defense decided to close the Naval Station and return it to civilian use.
In 1996, Treasure Island and the Presidio Army Base were decommissioned and opened to public control, under stipulations. Treasure Island is now part of District 6 of the City and County of San Francisco. Oddly enough, it is still owned by the Navy.
1990s to 2000s, Treasure Island's old aircraft hangars served as sound stages used in film and television productions.
In 1988, Treasure Island stood in for the Berlin airport in Steven Spielberg's Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.
Robin Williams was filmed on the island, including Flubber, What Dreams May Come, Patch Adams and Bicentennial Man.
Sigourney Weaver's character in the thriller Copycat lived in an impressive private compound on the island.
The island plays host to numerous events throughout the year, including the Treasure Island Music Festival, the California International Dragon Boat Festival, and private events such as weddings and family picnics.
This was also originally planned for the “San Francisco Airport” before the military swapped it for “Mills Field” along the San Francisco Peninsula near the city of Millbrae?
A lot of “tourists” who have visited the Bay Area over the years pass by this island without ever knowing the history of this island. This island should a part of every tourist’s itinerary, if not for the historical values, for the breath taking views of the city itself!
During my military career, I have traveled to this island for joint operations with the navy. Growing up in the bay area, I have also taken advantage of the fishing off of this island. I don’t know of any other place where you can fish and take in a view of the golden gate bridge, the city as well as the eastern span of the new Oakland-san Francisco bay bridge!
Although the navy has since left, a lot of the former buildings are still standing. It’s worth the drive onto this island for fantastic pictures of the city skyline!
“During the last decade, the world’s two largest bridges have been flung across San Francisco Bay... and to celebrate their completion, the world’s largest artificial island rose from the waters of the bay.”
In 1775, the Spanish came into San Francisco and anchored near a small island in the bay. They gave the island the name, “Yerba Buena.” In Spanish, it means "Good Herb" and given to the island for the wild mint that grew there in abundance and was used to flavor their tea.
From 1895 to 1931, the island was known as Goat Island, from the herds of goats raised there for food.
In 1866, the United States Government turned the island into an Army post.
In 1898 the Unites States Navy took over the island and established a training center.
In 1931, the name Goat Island was officially changed back to Yerba Buena Island.
In 1935, the City of San Francisco drew architectural plans for a “World’s Fair” on the island to celebrate the engineering feats of the areas bridges.
• The island is named after the novel, “Treasure Island,” by Robert Louis Stevenson, who lived in San Francisco from 1879 to 1880.
In 1936, the construction of Treasure Island began.
In 1939, the island was completed and approximately 259 thousand tons of rock was used to create the Island. The World’s fair was also constructed during this time period.
In 1939, the “Golden Gate International Exposition” was opened even before the Bay fill dried. Many San Franciscans at the time simply referred to the exposition as the "Fair".
The Golden Gate International Exposition was held on the island to showcase the city’s two new bridges, “Golden Gate Bridge and the San Francisco - Oakland Bay Bridge.”
• Observed at night from the shores of San Francisco Bay, the Exposition was a floating, fairytale island of light. The enormous buildings were fantastically lit with indirect lighting. Multicolored spotlights projected their beams more than a mile up into the night sky. The Exposition was observable for more than 100 miles in every direction. It came to life for only two seasons and was nicknamed “The Magic City.”
On September 29, 1940, over 200 thousand people attended the last day of the fair.
• Originally, the island was scheduled to be used as an airport when the Navy offered to exchange Mills Field on the San Francisco Peninsula near the city of Millbrae for the island. The City and County of San Francisco accepted the swap, and “SFO” was built at Mills Field.
On April 1st, 1941, the island became a military base known as Naval Station Treasure Island, which also included portions of Yerba Buena Island.
By 1945, more than 800 women officers and enlisted women were stationed at Treasure Island.
In September 1993, the Department of Defense decided to close the Naval Station and return it to civilian use.
In 1996, Treasure Island and the Presidio Army Base were decommissioned and opened to public control, under stipulations. Treasure Island is now part of District 6 of the City and County of San Francisco. Oddly enough, it is still owned by the Navy.
1990s to 2000s, Treasure Island's old aircraft hangars served as sound stages used in film and television productions.
In 1988, Treasure Island stood in for the Berlin airport in Steven Spielberg's Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.
Robin Williams was filmed on the island, including Flubber, What Dreams May Come, Patch Adams and Bicentennial Man.
Sigourney Weaver's character in the thriller Copycat lived in an impressive private compound on the island.
The island plays host to numerous events throughout the year, including the Treasure Island Music Festival, the California International Dragon Boat Festival, and private events such as weddings and family picnics.
Written 6 July 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Amaple27
35 contributions
Apr 2019 • Family
They should put a sign on the highway before you take the treasure Island exit that says no public restrooms. If you are desperate for a bathroom do not go to treasure Island. Even the market would not let me us a bathroom and the porta potty all had locks on them.
Written 18 April 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Athena732
London, UK138 contributions
Jan 2014 • Couples
First off if you don't have a car, don't bother going here. We were staying in Fisherman's Wharf and the public transit system does not make it easy to get to and from Treasure Island.
The wineries won't open on weekdays and they are spread out, they also looked suspect from the outside.
When we got there via bus it was completely dead. I mean there was no one around which was scary. I felt a little unsafe and after we tried walking around for a bit and not seeing more than 2 people drive by, we decided to get an Uber car and leave since it would have taken an hour to get back to our hotel via bus.
The view of the city was nice but I felt I got the same view from Alcatraz. All in all I would say this is the first time trip advisor has led me astray.
The wineries won't open on weekdays and they are spread out, they also looked suspect from the outside.
When we got there via bus it was completely dead. I mean there was no one around which was scary. I felt a little unsafe and after we tried walking around for a bit and not seeing more than 2 people drive by, we decided to get an Uber car and leave since it would have taken an hour to get back to our hotel via bus.
The view of the city was nice but I felt I got the same view from Alcatraz. All in all I would say this is the first time trip advisor has led me astray.
Written 28 January 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ampersand17
Visalia, CA2 contributions
We stopped here for a picnic lunch to catch the sunset and the skyline view from the Ave of the Palms. We decided to take a drive around the rest of the island to see what else was around, but we weren't very impressed. We didn't go into the residential area (as a courtesy to those living there), but most of the other buildings seemed pretty run down and neglected. If you decided to visit here, I would advise staying on the South-West corner of the island, as you can enjoy the skyline view from there.
Written 2 July 2010
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Winning2
SeaTac, WA1 contribution
Apr 2015 • Business
Bliss dance is being removed, travel farther into the island and you see how the city treats it's residents. Shameful.There are toxic waste sites, many with radiation signs right next to residents homes. The wind is crazy and probably carries all that dirt into your nose. There are homes that look like they've been abandoned , a defunct school, trashy streets and I'm shocked that anyone actually lives on that island. Meanwhile, the city shines in the distance. The view may be priceless but I fear the people living on the side the tourists don't see are paying a very heavy price. Why support this atrocity?
Written 17 May 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ramblinroze_12
Hayward, CA57 contributions
Aug 2013 • Friends
When you first drive on to the island the views to the left of SF are absolutely breathtaking - especially on a clear day. But even on a somewhat foggy day they are lovely. On the right side of the road there is a large parking lot. From there you have a great view of the new part of the Bay Bridge. There is also a wonderful cafe which makes great BLT sandwiches and, of course many other lunch type items - including salad.
We used to take this ride just for a fun outing and would watch the progress being made on the bridge as it was being built.
Great place to take visitors who want good pix of SF.
We used to take this ride just for a fun outing and would watch the progress being made on the bridge as it was being built.
Great place to take visitors who want good pix of SF.
Written 26 September 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
My wife and I met on Treasure Island 30 years ago while in the Navy. I want to take her there for our anniversary this year. Is there any place to stay on TA? I searched and could not find anything. Thanks!
Written 12 March 2018
Sorry, there’s no place to spend the night.
Written 14 March 2018
Coming from Sf do I exit right or left from Yerba Buena to get to Treasure Island?
Written 30 April 2017
Coming from SF, the exit will be on your left. So, stay in the left lane and slow down when you exit.
It is a sharp and short curve !!!
Written 30 April 2017
What is parking like on the island? We saw there were 6 little wineries on the island and wanted to make a Saturday stop (looks like most were open between 11:00 and 5:00 p.m.) but I can't seem to figure out where you park on the island, how much it costs, and what the availability is like. Any help would be greatly appreciated so we can work this into our schedule! Thanks!
Written 1 September 2015
There was parking all over the island.
Written 2 September 2015
Is there still a military base on Treasure Island?
Written 10 July 2015
The Military base was decommissioned in 1997 and the island returned to San Fransisco. Many of the old base structures are still standing and have been re-purposed into other businesses. You can drive all over the island now and locate what is left from the 40's through the 80's. The island is turning into a thriving community with lots of activities.
Written 13 July 2015
Is another shuttle bus type service besides MUNI on the Island. Can residents that live high on the hill have a way to get down to stores,shops,etc (like a shuttle service for current residents?)
Written 16 June 2015
There are no helpful dates associated with Trip Advisor answers. Nor questions, either! "Over a year ago" does not help in this instance!
I live in the city (SF). The shuttle service described was stopped in 2020 and has not resumed. I do not know of any way to currently get from Yerba Buena Island to Treasure Island without a car or on foot - difficult and unsafe as of now - Sep 2022.
Written 17 September 2022
Coming to San Fran in the summer for the CYC at Treasure Island. Where exactly is this located on a map? Trying to plan hotel and day trips around city.
Written 20 March 2015
The 108 bus is now called the 25-treasure island. Treasure island is not known as Yerba Buena Island, they are two distinctly different land masses, although both contaminated by the US Navy from WW2-1996. Yerba Buena is a naturally formed island and Treasure Island is a man made Island, highly contaminated and falling apart, don't just stay in the front where they want tourists to stay. Go all the way to the back and walk around, it's creepy and should be eye opening. The city of San Francisco is supposed to be forward thinking in environmental arenas and yet they have people living in the middle of a contaminated waste site, horrible. I will never go back to San Francisco because it's the worst lie to pretend to be worthy of the reputation it used to have. Sad.
Written 18 May 2015
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