Yerba Buena Island
Yerba Buena Island
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Top ways to experience Yerba Buena Island and nearby attractions

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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.


4.0
4.0 of 5 bubbles12 reviews
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etweeden
London, UK
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2015
Yerba Buena Island lies between the City of San Francisco and the East Bay, with the Bay Bridga rolling over - and literally through - it. Few take the trouble to drive from San Francisco to the island, and I don't know why, because the Island has much to offer. There are the views of the Bay Bridge, both East and West halves. There are the views of the downtown San Francisco, the Golden Gate and the East Bay. And there is the view of San Francisco Bay itself, extending southwards. What photo ops! Now some warnings in advance, there are hairpin turns involved in driving on this island, so go slow and look in all directions before making those turns. If you park alongside a curb to take a photo, keep it short and sweet. Pay attention to and obey all signs on the island, particularly signs like 'one Way', 'Keep Out!' And 'No Trespassing'. Finally, keep in mind that there are no 'amenities and facilities' available on Yerba Buena, and very few available on Treasure Island. So, how to get there. Start in the City (San Francisco). Drive East on the Bay Bridge and as you approach the island, get in the left lane. You will exit from the left at exit 4A. This will place you on Treasure Island Road westbound. Just before Treasure Island Drive turns into a divided road, there is a road / turn to the right onto Macalla Road, take it. You will pass both Macalla Court and Reservoir Road on your right. You will then encounter a severe hairpin turn to your right, onto Yerba Buena Road. This road goes up to a three way intersection of Signal Road (first to the right), Forest Road (second to the right) and Nimitz Road, straight on. Explore all three, as well as Yerba Buena Road, which circles round to the left. There are plenty of vistas of both portions of the Bay Bridge - East and west. If you can find it, there is a short spur road off of Forest Road that gives you super full-on views of the west Bay Bridge and traffic. The only major impediment here is the trees, which grow and increasingly obscure this magnificent vista. There are also great views from Treasure Island, but these are not nearly as close-up as those from Yerba Buena. They are along the Avenue of Palms (Golden Gare Bridge, Downtown and Alcatraz), and along Avenue N on the opposite side of Treasure Island for views of the East portion of the Bay Bridge. Enjoy!
Written August 31, 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.

travelmeisteren
Honolulu, HI
4.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2013 • Solo
After having driven across the Bay Bridge over a thousand times while living in the Bay Area, now 11 years later I stopped at YB and got some pics of the bridge. All I can say is, those lucky Coasties that live there with spectacular views of San Fran, Oakland, and the bay. Wow, the views from YB are just phenomenal!
Written June 17, 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.

SoCalOregonian
Murrieta, CA
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2016 • Couples
Yerba Buena Island was at one time a large Navy Base; it is now home to a USCG station and a place that is little known. The NIMITZ HOUSE at 1 Whiting Way on the island. Admiral Nimitz occupied this house from 1946 to his death in 1966. Well worth stopping for a photo. The house is not open for tours.
Written October 15, 2016
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.

KansaTraveller
Warsaw, Poland
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2018
Yerba Buena is the waypoint on the Bay Bridge between Oakland and SF. You can get off there and have several viewpoints as well as Treasure Island. Treasure is undergoing a transition from a naval support base and training center to residential, business, leisure. From the SF side there are great views of Alcatraz, the skyline and the Golden Gate. Upclose to the shipping. A few good places to eat - recommend Mersea restaurant. Worth a visit if you aren't pressed for time.
Written August 10, 2018
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.

Queenb
Bolton, UK
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2017
Not much to see, lots of construction work & only outer island road open, all other roads are now closed. Good view over bay bridge but difficult to park.
Written October 10, 2017
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.

Scott
San Francisco, CA
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2015 • Solo
Yerba Buena Island is one of the treasures of the San Francisco Bay, but right now it's a bit of a mess due to road construction for the new Oakland Bay Bridge East Span.

At the tip-top of the island you'll find the old Tower Club. This structure was built back in the early 1900s as a signal tower for ships. Later it was used by the US Navy as an air control tower, then later (until October 17, 1989) as a US Navy Officer's club. On October 17 the Loma Prieta Earthquake rendered the Tower Club condemned.

Drive the island and you'll stumble onto some amazing views of the Bay Bridge East and West Span. The island isn't good for hiking or walking. Roads are narrow and off-road areas aren't well maintained, yet.

It won't be long before the Bay Bridge East Span pedestrian and bicycle path is completed. What that happens YBI will be a prime spot for locals and tourists.
Written August 15, 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.

mini
Fremont, CA
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2015 • Couples
We have driven on Yerba Buena island; but more often we just pass by as we drive the Bay Bridge from the East Bay to San Francisco and vice versa. Yerba Buena Island used to have a naval station on it however it was closed. There is a coast guard station on it.

There are nice views if on the west side of Yerba Buena Island of San Francisco and the Bay Bridge.
Written March 19, 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.
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