Treasure Island (California) - Attractions and Characteristics

Attractions and Characteristics

The island has a raised walkway, circumscribing almost its entire bulk, which is popular for recreation. Sea lions can be observed in the water from the shoreline, and construction of the new eastern span of the San Francisco – Oakland Bay Bridge can be observed from the eastern part of the island.

The island used to have a gas station, but it is currently unused. It is served by a single Muni bus route, the 108 Treasure Island. It has a job training center, and is also home to San Franciscans and many college students who attend school downtown.

The island now serves as one of the popular tourist destinations and is a favorite scenic view of locals. A popular location for photographers, Treasure Island also serves as a popular spot to watch the sunset.

Building One is a Streamline Moderne-styled remnant of the World's Fair and is one of the few buildings remaining from the exposition. Originally intended as the terminal for the airport, it housed the Treasure Island Museum from 1976 to 1997. Today it serves largely as offices for The Villages, a private apartment rental agency. The former housing for officers and their families is rented out to the general public, pending redevelopment and reconstruction of buildings on the island, slated for 2012-2014.

A substantial part of the island is undergoing environmental cleanup by the federal government and the City of San Francisco has begun to attract commercial development on the island, most notably The Winery SF, a 20,000-square-foot (1,900 m2) winery, tasting room and event venue along the waterfront when you first enter the island. With the development of commercial enterprises like The Winery and special events, the island is beginning to develop hundreds of thousands of visitors to it each year and has become a popular place for visitors stop and take photos because of its spectacular views of the City of San Francisco.