The San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge, also known as the “working horse of Northern California,” is well known for carrying the heaviest traffic in the region. The beautiful bridge is an engineering marvel and is made up of two bridge segments.
There is a unique self-anchored suspension tower on the eastern span, which runs from Yerba Buena Island to San Francisco and a skyway structure/single anchored suspension bridge between Oakland and Yerba Buena Island. This bridge has a protected bicycle and pedestrian pathway stretching for 2.2 miles. Connecting the two is the largest diameter bore tunnel in the world.
Whether you drive across it, take a bike ride or just walk on the pedestrian path, you will be enchanted by the breathtaking views of the Bay Area. If you visit at night, you will be additionally rewarded by the vista of 25000 LED lights creating an art installation on the bridge.
Highlights
• Drive across the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge, an engineering marvel which is known for its architecture and awe-inspiring views.
• Admire the engineering excellence of the iconic structure which is made of two bridges - the self-anchored suspension tower, and one with a classic cantilever design.
• Take a bike ride on the 2.2-mile Bay Bridge Trail and stop in between to admire the spectacular surrounding view.
• Watch the panoramic vista of San Francisco along with Oakland, Treasure Island and the surrounding waters.
• Visit at night to see the bridge transform into an art installation with 25,000 LED lights lighting it up.
How To Reach
- By Car: Bay Bridge is 7.6 mi from the city centre, it will take 10 min via the I-80 W route.
- By Bus: Take a bus to The Embarcadero & Folsom St which is 1.2 miles away from Bay Bridge. You can reach the location from the bus station within a 17-minute walk.
- By Ferry: Take a ferry to the San Francisco Ferry Building which is 0.9 miles away from the bridge and walk for 10 minutes to reach the bridge.
- By Light Rail: Take a light rail to The Embarcadero & Folsom St station which is 1.2 miles away from the destination. You can reach the activity location from the station with an 18-minute walk.
Best Time To Visit
The Bay Bridge is accessible all year round, so can be visited at any time.
- Best Season: The best season to visit The Bay Bridge is during fall, from September to November due to mild weather and clearer skies.
- Best Day of the Week: The best day of the week to visit is during the weekends. The bridge is an essential part of the city and is busy during the peak hours even during weekends.
- Best Time of the Day: The best time to visit the bridge is at night when the bridge glitters with light, looking like an art installation.
Other Essential Information
Visitor tips
- Remember to keep your speed limited to 15 mph.
- To go on a drive across the Bay Bridge, opt to do so during the non-peak hours which is either before 7 am or after 9 pm on weekdays.
- You will not be permitted to cross the bridge on skates, skateboards or scooters.
- You will not be allowed to indulge in fishing from the bridge.
Admire the Engineering Marvel
Marvel at the spectacular San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge which is a true feat of engineering. Observe its impressive construction and design, which exemplify advanced bridge engineering. Cross this magnificent structure and take in its two major spans: the eastern span, featuring a unique self-anchored suspension tower, and the older western span with its classic cantilever design.
Enjoy Breathtaking Views
If you are taking a walk on the bridge or have gone for a bike ride, you can take a break in between to enjoy the stunning view of the San Francisco Bay Area from various vantage points. Enjoy a panoramic vista of San Francisco along with Oakland, Treasure Island and the surrounding waters. Visit during the sunset to watch the captivating view of the sun setting in the San Francisco Skyline.
Marvel at the Bay Lights Installation
You must visit the bridge at night if you wish to experience the mesmerising light installations of the Bay Bridge. This incredible art installation, known as The Bay Lights, consists of 25,000 LED lights and adorns the western span of the bridge. Watching the bridge light up the night sky is an unforgettable experience, as it creates a stunning visual display that enhances the beauty of the city and the surrounding bay.
Take a bike ride on the bridge
The Bay Bridge has a 2.2-mile path Bay Bridge Trail which extends from Oakland to Yerba Buena Island. The trail has separate lanes designated for bike riders and pedestrians and is open from 6 am to 9 pm. Enjoy a bike bridge on the bridge and take a break in between to admire the spectacular view of the San Francisco Bay area along with Oakland and Treasure Island.
Visit Yerba Buena Island
Yerba Buena Island has some captivating viewpoints of both San Francisco and Oakland. It is an excellent place to visit if you are planning to take some excellent photographs or simply want to enjoy the enthralling view. To reach the island, take the four-mile Bay Bridge Trail from the entryway off Shellmound Street in Emeryville.
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