Yerba Buena Island Island

Address: Yerba Buena Island, San Francisco Bay, California, USA

Yerba Buena Island is a small island in central San Francisco Bay that sits beneath the western span of the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge. It contains transport infrastructure, a small residential community and public viewpoints over the bay.

The island’s most visible feature is the Bay Bridge interchange and associated roadwork that crosses the island; this makes the island a key transport node in the bay area. There are also shoreline paths, parks and a compact residential area with views across to San Francisco, Alcatraz and the East Bay.

Historically the island received its Spanish name and later played roles in military and maritime use; development in the 20th century included construction related to the Bay Bridge and the 1939-40 Golden Gate International Exposition on nearby Treasure Island. Parts of the island have seen recent redevelopment planning.

Yerba Buena Island lies within San Francisco Bay between the city of San Francisco and Treasure Island, directly under the western anchorage of the Bay Bridge and a short distance from downtown San Francisco.

• Bridge and connection to Treasure Island: The island is located at the western end of the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge and is connected to Treasure Island by an isthmus created when Treasure Island was built for the 1939 exposition.

What to See#

• Bay Bridge interchange: The Bay Bridge road and ramp complex that passes directly over the island and contains key bridge junctions linking San Francisco to the East Bay.
• Residential neighbourhood and viewpoints: A small residential neighbourhood and shoreline areas with walking paths and viewpoints offering panoramic views of the San Francisco skyline and bay.

Yerba Buena Island is connected to Treasure Island and San Francisco via the Bay Bridge. Public bus routes serve Treasure Island with short walks or shuttles to parts of Yerba Buena; driving access is via Interstate 80/280 and the Bay Bridge approaches. Cycling and pedestrian access are available on scheduled paths.

• Walk the short trail to the island's summit park for the best skyline views of San Francisco and the Bay Bridge.
• Note that the island is partially public and partially restricted - some areas are fenced or used for utilities; respect posted signage.
• If arriving by car, park on the bridge approaches; otherwise use the bus system or bicycle from San Francisco proper.