San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge Goodness

SFWanderlust Team November 1, 2018

There’s another bridge ?

Last week’s post was full of boring safety tips, we know. Though we’re glad you’ve learned additional ways to keep yourselves safe. This week, let’s explore the Bay Bridge, shall we? Typically you don’t think of the Bay Bridge as the first spot to visit when in San Francisco. I certainly didn’t when I first came to the city.

The only places I knew of before I came was the Golden Gate Bridge, Twin Peaks, and Fisherman’s Wharf. I’ll let you in on a little secret. There’s a lot more to the Bay Bridge than its name might suggest.

About Bae-Bridge

The Bay Bridge connects San Francisco and the East Bay Area. For many of us living in the East Bay, crossing this bridge is the only way to get to San Francisco and it is always a pain to cross it. Good news is if you’re traveling inbound into San Francisco, the view of San Francisco’s Financial District, the Piers, and the Golden Gate Bridge is incredible. It’s upper deck is for inbound traffic and lower deck is for outbound traffic. Every time I cross the bridge it reminds me of the movie Godzilla. Yes, it was around here.

In comparison, cars appear tiny. Honestly words don’t do justice, you have to see and experience it in person. You would only have to pay toll of $6 during rush hours if you’re coming from the East Bay. If you’re in San Francisco, all you have to do is drive outbound to Treasure Island, which still belongs to San Francisco. It’s the last San Francisco exit to the left so do not miss it. This is important because if you miss it, you’ll have to drive many miles East before you find other exits that will get you back to San Francisco. In addition, traffic back could take as much as 1-2 hours during peak time.

The Bay Bridge and SF Financial District at night

So is it worth ?

When you arrive at Treasure Island, you’ll be greeted with another incredible scene. Now you’re directly facing the skyscrapers and Coit Tower behind them. To your left is the first half span of the Bay Bridge, and to your right is the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz in the distance. Come here to witness the sunset and you will remember for life, I promise.

As far as viewpoints on the bridge, unfortunately there isn’t any. Due to its heavy daily traffic of 260 thousand of vehicle crossing, local government want to keep the bridge vehicular. Recent efforts have allowed people to bike on the bridge, but that’s only on the East Bay side and there is no way you can commute from the East Bay to San Francisco on bike.

One favorite spot of mine is Cupid’s Span nearby the Ferry Building and Pier 14. This bow structure lies right next to the Bay Bridge and that’s probably the closest to the bridge that you’ll get. Great spot for photography and for a morning run. You’ll see the entire span of the bridge and its lighting that happens after sunset. So you saw sunset from Treasure Island.

Cupid’s Span is great for sunrise as the sun rises right behind the bridge pillars and ropes adding some great tones. This bridge is so long that you’ll probably be able to see it from any angle of the city. In fact, at about 4.5 miles/7 km long, the Bay Bridge is three times the length of the Golden Gate Bridge. I love the Golden Gate Bridge’s aesthetics but prefer the views into other areas of the city from the Bay Bridge. I just don’t enjoy having to pay toll and waiting in traffic every day to get into the city.

View from Cupid’s Span

That’s pretty much it

So that’s been the Bay Bridge. If you’re not driving, you can take bus number 25 nearby San Francisco’s Embarcadero and it will take you there in 20 minutes. For other San Francisco destination coverage, tips and tricks, please read our other posts. Looking forward to catching up with you guys in our next post in which we’ll cover the Mission District.

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