Treasure Island San Francisco, California

Treasure Island San Francisco is an interesting destination. This small, manmade island is connected to the natural Yerba Buena Island and is predominantly residential. Much like Hallidie Square, which can be found in the heart of the city, Treasure Island has a good or bad reputation depending on who you ask. According to some locals, it's akin to a ghetto in some ways and offers little more than excellent views on a clear day. Other area residents have a special place in their heart for this unique island in San Francisco Bay. The Treasure Island Music Festival is largely responsible for attracting visitors to the island, and it is something that music fans will want to consider when planning their San Francisco vacations.

Treasure Island San Francisco is an artificial island that is built out of imported fill. It is connected to Yerba Buena Island by an isthmus and can be reached by car, bus, or ferry. Cars and buses take the exit off the Bay Bridge, which is the bridge that connects San Francisco to Oakland. The Bay Bridge passes over Yerba Buena Island before continuing its span across the San Francisco Bay. The federal government was responsible for building Treasure Island, which served as an airport for flying boats after being used during the city's 1939 EXPO. During WWII, this artificial island in San Francisco Bay became part of the naval base that was already established on Yerba Buena Island. Treasure Island San Francisco is still owned by the Navy, though the base has since been decommissioned. Both Treasure Island and Yerba Buena Island are open to the public and are home to approximately 1,500 people collectively.

When the Treasure Island Music Festival isn't going on, the highlight of a visit is savoring the spectacular views. San Francisco tends to be foggy, so clear days are best for sightseeing. Looking back towards the city from the raised walkway on the island's western side, you can pick out a series of major attractions, such as the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz. It is often possible to observe sea lions from the island's shoreline as well. When Treasure Island visitors aren't taking in the views of the Bay and the city skyline, they might venture inland to check out the Treasure Island Administrative Building, which was featured in the movie Indian Jones and the Last Crusade. Interestingly enough, this small, manmade island in San Francisco Bay has been used for many a movie shoot, and it continues to be used for the filming of movies and televisions shows to this day.

Treasure Island is always being improved by the city as well. The island is arguably at its most appealing when the Treasure Island Music Festival is in full swing. The event features both big name acts and up-and-coming stars. Generally, this two-day festival has taken place in September and October, and features Hip Hop and Electronica acts on the first day. The second day is dedicated more to Indie and Rock performances. While the Treasure Island Music Festival is a relatively young festival, it has swiftly managed to make quite a name for itself.