LOST!? - Yerba Buena Island Guide
Exploring Yerba Buena Island: A Hidden Walking Adventure Near San Francisco
Nestled between San Francisco and Oakland, Yerba Buena Island is an underrated gem offering stunning Bay views, peaceful walking paths, and a rich history. While most people speed past it on their way to Treasure Island, Yerba Buena Island is a perfect spot for a scenic walk away from the city crowds.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about walking around Yerba Buena Island, including the best routes, what to expect, and tips to make the most of your visit.
Why Visit Yerba Buena Island?
Unlike its neighboring Treasure Island, which is known for events and future developments, Yerba Buena Island is more secluded and nature-filled. It’s a great place to enjoy:
🌉 Incredible Views – Get panoramic sights of the San Francisco skyline, Golden Gate Bridge, and East Bay.
🌿 Quiet, Nature-Filled Walks – Enjoy a peaceful walk with fewer crowds than other SF parks.
🏛️ Rich History – The island has a military past and is home to historic buildings.
🚲 Bike & Pedestrian-Friendly Paths – New trails make it easier to explore the island on foot.
🌊 Close to Treasure Island – Extend your walk and visit Treasure Island’s waterfront for food and drinks.
How to Get to Yerba Buena Island
📍 Location: Yerba Buena Island, San Francisco, CA
🚗 By Car:
• Drive via the Bay Bridge and take the Treasure Island exit. Parking is available on Treasure Island, and you can walk over to Yerba Buena Island.
• Limited street parking is available on Yerba Buena Island itself.
🚌 By Public Transit:
• Take Muni Bus 25 from the Salesforce Transit Center in downtown SF, which stops on both Treasure Island and Yerba Buena Island.
🚲 By Bike or On Foot:
• The Bay Bridge Trail allows for walking and cycling access from Oakland.
Best Walking Routes on Yerba Buena Island
1. Yerba Buena Island Lookout Walk
📍 Distance: ~0.5 miles | ⏳ Time: 15–20 minutes
This quick and easy walk offers some of the best views in the Bay Area.
➡️ Start at the Yerba Buena Island Vista Point (near Macalla Road).
➡️ Walk along the Bay Bridge Trail, which provides breathtaking views of downtown SF and the Golden Gate Bridge.
➡️ Stop at the lookout points for incredible photo opportunities.
➡️ Walk back or continue exploring the island’s pathways.
💡 Pro Tip: Visit during sunset or sunrise for magical lighting over the city skyline.
2. The Historic Hilltop Walk
📍 Distance: ~1 mile round-trip | ⏳ Time: 30–40 minutes
For history lovers, this walk takes you past military structures and historic sites.
➡️ Start at Macalla Road and walk toward the island’s summit.
➡️ Pass by historic military barracks, some dating back to the late 1800s.
➡️ Walk to the hilltop area, where you’ll get 360-degree views of the Bay.
➡️ Return the same way or continue toward Treasure Island.
💡 Fun Fact: Yerba Buena Island was once a naval base and has several abandoned military structures!
3. Yerba Buena to Treasure Island Walk
📍 Distance: ~2.5 miles round-trip | ⏳ Time: 60–90 minutes
This walk connects Yerba Buena Island with Treasure Island, giving you a mix of nature and waterfront views.
➡️ Start at Yerba Buena Island Vista Point.
➡️ Walk down Macalla Road, enjoying the quiet, tree-lined streets.
➡️ Cross the Treasure Island Causeway, which offers great views of the SF skyline.
➡️ Explore Treasure Island’s waterfront, stopping for a coffee or bite to eat.
➡️ Walk back the same way or take Muni Bus 25 back to SF.
💡 Pro Tip: Visit Mersea, a waterfront restaurant on Treasure Island, for amazing food and drinks with Bay views.
What to Expect on Your Walk
👀 Breathtaking Views – See SF’s skyline, Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the East Bay from multiple lookout points.
🌳 Nature & Wildlife – Spot native plants, birds, and even butterflies along the trails.
🏛️ Historic Landmarks – Pass by military structures, old tunnels, and historic homes.
🚶 Well-Paved Paths – Walking routes are moderate in difficulty, with some inclines.
Best Time to Visit
☀️ Morning or Late Afternoon – The best lighting for photos and a comfortable temperature for walking.
🌅 Sunset Views – One of the best sunset spots in SF, with golden light reflecting over the water.
📆 Weekdays – Less crowded compared to weekends.
Tips for Visiting Yerba Buena Island
✔️ Wear Comfortable Shoes – Some paths have slight inclines.
✔️ Bring a Light Jacket – The island can be windy, especially in the evening.
✔️ Stay on Marked Paths – Some areas have restricted access due to military history.
✔️ Respect the Environment – Help preserve this hidden gem by leaving no trace.
Nearby Attractions
🌊 Treasure Island – Walk over to Treasure Island’s waterfront for food, drinks, and weekend markets.
🍷 Treasure Island Wines – Visit local wineries for tastings with Bay views.
🎨 TreasureFest (Monthly Market) – If you visit on the right weekend, check out TreasureFest, a pop-up flea market with food trucks and live music.
🚴 Bike the Bay Bridge Trail – Extend your adventure with a bike ride on the Bay Bridge Pedestrian Path.
Final Thoughts
Yerba Buena Island is one of San Francisco’s best-kept secrets, offering stunning views, peaceful walking trails, and a touch of history. Whether you’re looking for a short scenic walk, a historic hilltop stroll, or an extended route to Treasure Island, this island is a must-visit for Bay Area explorers.
🌁 Have you walked around Yerba Buena Island? Share your experience in the comments! 👣✨
