Oakland Bay Bridge: A Guide To This Scenic And Architectural Wonder Of San Francisco

24 Jun 2023

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One of the most popular attractions of the world, Oakland Bay Bridge is a global landmark in California. Besides this famous bridge, the western U.S. state of California is popular among domestic and international tourists for multiple reasons. This area is home to the cliff-lined beaches, many old-age architectures, redwood forests, the Sierra Nevada Mountains, historical buildings, Central Valley farmlands, and the Mojave Desert to name a few. The Oakland Bay Bridge in San Francisco connects San Francisco to Oakland.

Oakland Bay Bridge Facts

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Known locally as the Bay Bridge, the San Francisco Oakland Bay Bridge is a complex of bridges, carrying about 260,000 vehicles in a day and it is known for spanning into San Francisco Bay in California. One of the longest bridges in the United States, the Oakland Bay Bridge length is 7,180 m.
In order to invite more visitors, a 2.2-mile path had been opened in 2016 for the pedestrians and cyclists to access the Treasure Island. This Treasure Island is a perfect location for a day trip for the tourists wanting to indulge in flea market shopping, wine sampling over a game of bocce, and also seeking to learn some boating lessons at the Treasure Island Sailing Centre.

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Oakland Bay Bridge Tourist Attractions

The Oakland Bay Bridge is quite an attraction in itself. But there are more things to explore around it. Read on, to know more about these attractions.

1. Treasure Island Flea Market

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To buy locally made products, the Treasure Island Flea Market is a great place. Try bargaining here to get a huge discount. On the last weekend of each month, this place comes to life due to the gathering of various known and unknown artists, collectors, designers, and crafters. Apart from enjoying delicious food items, you will get an opportunity to watch the panoramic view of the bay.

Must Read: 10 Brilliant Day Trips From San Francisco That You Can Take With Your Globetrotter Buddies

2. Rocket Boat Tour

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In order to turn around the San Francisco Bay, a 30-minutes Rocket Boat tour is a perfect thing to do around the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge. This trip gives you an opportunity to explore the hidden beauty of the Bay Bridge, Alcatraz, and San Francisco. You can also take your family, friends, and colleagues so that you enjoy the tour to the fullest. Several companies operate there to offer the rocket boats’ service. You should thus choose one carefully that best suites to your requirement.

3. Embarcadero

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One best way to see San Francisco is on foot and you can do this by walking along the famous Embarcadero. Apart from the panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay, tourists get an opportunity to take photographs and enjoy the scenic beauty. During the walk, you can stop at the Exploratorium, a popular museum in this area. This museum is home to more than 600 hands-on exhibits which motivate the visitors.

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4. The Bay Lights

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Designed by the artist Leo Villareal, the Bay Lights make the Oakland Bay Bridge at night look awesome and sparkle too. There are 25,000 LED lights which makes the Bay Bridge shine to the best extent alongside the San Francisco skyline. The lights were installed to make the tourist attraction a must-visit place for the locals and tourists. However, you can visit this place to watch the lights. The night is a perfect time to see the incredible beauty of this bridge as lights literally transform its appearance in the nighttime.

5. Hire A Bike

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Hire a bike and a helmet, and start exploring the bridge. In the bridge, there is a 2.2-mile path that had been opened in 2016 for the pedestrians and for the cyclists to access the Treasure Island. This trail is designed for both biking purpose and for the pedestrians too. It allows tourists to travel from West Oakland to Yerba Buena Island.

6. Paramount Theatre

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If you are an art lover, then your San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge visit would definitely be an irrefutable one as you explore the Paramount Theatre there that has an innumerable collection of arts. Located in Downtown Oakland, this theatre has 3,040 seats It is an Art Deco concert hall. Built in 1931, the Paramount Theatre has become a popular tourist spot today. It has been getting the attention of local and international tourists almost every day. The hall hosts many concerts, plays, stand-up comedies, lecture series, special events, and other programmes around the year.

7. Kaiser Center Roof Garden

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Popular things to do around the Bay Bridge also include a visit to Kaiser Center Roof Garden. Inspired by the rooftop garden, this garden is located atop the parking garage area. The firm Osmundson & Staley has designed and developed this garden on the rooftop. This area is perfect for families to spend some quality time in a peaceful landscape. In addition, it also works as an inspiration for the environment-conscious masses.

8. Children’s Fairyland

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If you are planning the Oakland Bay Bridge visit with kids, then you must consider Children’s Fairyland. It is considered a heaven for kids. Located in Oakland, this amusement park is one of the earliest “themed” amusement parks in California, US. It has 10 acres of play sets, small rides, and animals. Kids in the guidance and supervision of adults can spend hours here. Several eateries are also available here where you can relish delicious food. You can also visit the amusement park to celebrate any birthday or another fun-filled programme with family or friends.

9. Lake Merritt

This is a big tidal lagoon, located in the center of Oakland. Lake Merritt is surrounded by a parkland and city neighborhoods. Listed as the National Historic Landmark since 1963, the Lake Merritt is a historically significant location here. Tourists can indulge in a number of things here, including boating activities. It is also considered a heaven for the bird watchers. Plan your trip now to preserve memories for a lifetime.

10. Ferry Building

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San Francisco’s local dishes are popular not only in the USA but also all over the world. If you are looking for eateries and restaurants to eat like a local, then the historic Ferry Building could be a perfect place to go there. The Slanted Door, a Vietnamese restaurant, is popular for its fresh and delicious dishes while Hog Island Oyster Company is popular among the seafood lovers. For people searching for some gluten-free baked foods, Mariposa Baking Company is a great place to consider and enjoy the mouthwatering yummy food varieties.

Further Read: San Francisco In December: An Ultimate Guide To Witness The Snowy Magic & Charm In The City

If you are planning a trip to San Francisco, you should get your itinerary customized by keeping into consideration the Oakland Bay Bridge and also the popular things to do around the Bay Bridge. Apart from this man-made scenic beauty, you will be amazed by the variety of natural spots that scintillate every visitor. As Oakland Bay Bridge is popular all over the world due to its panoramic views, visitors ensure coming here at least once during a trip to the US.