|
SAN FRANCISCO’s BEST ●Attractions●Historical Sites
Treasure Island
Getting there:
Exits onto the island are on the right side of the Oakland-San Francisco Bay Bridge going both directions.
Bus service on #25 from San Francisco, which departs from the Transbay Transit Center, takes 25 minutes. This route has been described as “the next best ride in San Francisco after cable cars.”
Treasure Island has a varied history. It keeps reinventing itself. The island has a 150-year military history, beginning in the 1860s as an army base. It was the site of the Golden Gate International Exposition in 1939-1940. Pan Am Clipper flying boats had their terminal here for the first transpacific passenger service, and at one time it was once going to be the San Francisco airport.
Treasure Island is currently undergoing massive redevelopment, but it is still a stellar spot to take a selfie with San Francisco in the background.
ATTRACTIONS
Treasure Island Administration Building 1 Avenue of the Palms. This crescent-shaped Art Deco building was originally the administrative building for the Golden Gate International Exhibition in 1939. The fair took place in two hangars behind it. In 1989, it starred as the Berlin Tempelhof Airport in the movie “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.” And in 1973, its vast lobby was painted with a series of “Portal to the Pacific in War and Peace” artwork mural panels covering the island’s history. Currently it serves as the island visitor center.
●Treasure Island Museum This museum operated here from 1975 until 1997, when the Naval Station closed. Currently, there is one small room with exhibits, one of which displays photos of Harvey Milk in the navy. Special exhibitions are scheduled regularly.
●TI Market/Deli At southern end of building.
Treasure Island Sailing Center 698 California Ave./Ave. M, Building 112. Check opening times. Provides facilities and instruction for sailing and paddle boarding.
Treasure Island Wines 995 9th St./Ave. I, Bldg. Tasting $10/refundable with purchase. In 2007, this winery dedicated to making "affordable luxury" artisan wine became the first winery on the island. There are now several more, but they are all small and hours need to be checked.
RESTAURANTS
Aracely Cafe 401 13th St./E Ave. This welcoming spot offers a relaxed space inside as well as a large patio garden outside complete with fireplace, lounge seating, strings of lights, and heat lamps. The focus is on local, seasonal, and delicious cuisine.
|
