Bay Bridge

The basics

Since the bridge is a valuable thoroughfare—and because of its proximity to Downtown San Francisco—many city sightseeing tours, hop-on hop-off bus tours, and plane and helicopter tours provide perfect views of the Bay Bridge. You'll also get bridge views if you book a regional tour to nearby attractions, like Napa Valley, Yosemite National Park, or Santa Barbara. Since most tours leave from San Francisco, some even cross the Bay Bridge.

Things to know before you go

• Bridge tolls are collected from westbound traffic; rates vary by time of day, and day of the week.
• Walk, or ride a bike, over the east span of the bridge—between Oakland and Yerba Buena Island.
• Urban hikes and city Segway tours that head to the Embarcadero typically offer bridge views.
• For top value, just hop on a ferry to nearby Angel Island or Tiburon—you'll only spend a few bucks, and view the bridge from the water.

How to get there

The Bay Bridge spans the San Francisco Bay, connecting Oakland to San Francisco. If you want to drive over the bridge, connect via I-80 (from points east) or the US-101 (from points north or south). Your best bet to avoid the drive and enjoy views of the bridge is by booking a Bay cruise or sailing tour. Many offer great inclusions, like onboard brunch or an evening wine tasting.

When to get there

The best time to see the bridge is at night—a dramatic light array transforms the structure into an art installation, visible from the San Francisco waterfront. You can also visit during the day to enjoy views of the bridge and shoreline beyond. Plan to arrive between April and November for the best weather and fewer tourists. Regardless of when you arrive, bring a jacket—the waterfront tends to be windy.

Visiting the Ferry Building

Just a short drive from the Bay Bridge is the Ferry Building, a San Francisco marketplace packed with vendors selling local products. Enjoy a coffee, taste regionally produced food products, and grab a snack—the market has several dining options. The Ferry Building hosts a farmers market three times a week, and Ferry Plaza—behind the building—offers unparalleled views of the Bay Bridge and shoreline in the distance.

What is the Bay Bridge known for?

The Bay Bridge is an 8-mile (13-kilometer) suspension bridge that connects downtown San Francisco to Berkeley and Oakland, passing Treasure Island. Constructed in 1936 (just six months before the Golden Gate Bridge), it’s known as a marvel of modern engineering, is popular with commuters, and is a much-loved San Francisco landmark.

Is the Bay Bridge or Golden Gate Bridge better?

The Golden Gate Bridge is the more iconic of the two bridges, with a certain wow factor. It also has better pedestrian and cyclist access. However, many people say that the Bay Bridge—over four times as long—is a more impressive engineering achievement—plus, it’s less likely to be crowded with tourists.

Can I walk or bike across the Bay Bridge?

Yes, it’s possible to walk or bike across the eastern span of the Bay Bridge. The Bay Bridge Trail is open between the Oakland shoreline and Yerba Buena Island. Alas, you can’t bike all the way to San Francisco, but bikes are welcome on the bus or Treasure Island ferry.

Where can I find the best views of the Bay Bridge?

Much of the Embarcadero waterfront boasts topnotch views overlooking the Bay Bridge, particularly from the Ferry Building and Pier 13, as well as from the water. Many cruise operators offer bridge-to-bridge boat rides, while the Bay Bridge can also be admired from the sky during chartered plane or helicopter rides.

What is a good time of day for visiting the Bay Bridge?

If you’re planning on crossing the Bay Bridge in a vehicle, then it’s best to avoid the morning and evening rush hour. Toll lines can jam at peak hours, and reaching the other side of the bay can take anywhere from thirty minutes to an hour.

Does it cost money to cross the Bay Bridge?

Yes, tolls are collected only in the westbound direction when crossing the Bay Bridge toward San Francisco, corresponding to the eastern side. Be warned that cash payments are no longer allowed; cars are charged automatically based on their license plate numbers. Be sure to research payment options before crossing.