How to Spend an Awesome and Underrated Day on Treasure Island
Treasure Island is located between San Francisco and Oakland. It is often overlooked by people who pass through without stopping. The island was developed in the 1930s for the Golden Gate International Exposition and later served as a naval base. Today, it’s a mix of redevelopment projects, abandoned military buildings, and small local businesses. A new ferry terminal has made access easier, and there’s now a growing list of reasons to spend a full day here.
Start At the Ferry Terminal and Gold Bar Distillery
Image via Wikimedia Commons/9yz
The Treasure Island Ferry Terminal drops passengers off near the former Administration Building, once used as a Pan Am terminal in the 1930s. It currently houses Gold Bar Whiskey Distillery, a place designed to reflect the glamour of early commercial aviation.
Inside, the bar features gold accents, red velvet curtains, and a drink menu that heavily favors whiskey, though it also includes gin and cocktail flights. Staff manage the location with ease, often greeting returning customers by name. The kitchen serves a focused menu inspired by Treasure Island’s layered history.
The goal is to balance historical references with current tastes, and the atmosphere remains low-key. The distillery also partners with the San Francisco 49ers. The location itself—standing on layers of aviation history—is a fitting start to a day that continues to blend past and present.
Walk The Coastline to Mersea Restaurant
Leaving the terminal, a 15-minute walk south along the water leads to Mersea, a casual restaurant built from shipping containers. The route follows the island’s edge and passes open land, abandoned structures, and views across the bay. Mersea sits on the water, with a wide view of the San Francisco skyline. The space includes outdoor seating in a garden-like setting with low tables and shaded spots.
The restaurant’s chef, Parke Ulrich, describes the food as rooted in comfort. Menu items include a breakfast croissant and a poke bowl, both of which are handled with care. The presentation is simple, and the ingredients are high quality. On weekends, live music sets up in the garden, and a satellite bar called Golden Hour serves cocktails made in collaboration with Gold Bar Distillery.
Stop By Treasure Island Wines
Image via Wikimedia Commons/Jmblanco74
Treasure Island Wines offers another reason to stay. The winery opened in 2007 and occupies a repurposed military building. It operates year-round and hosts wine tastings, pairing events, and holiday-themed gatherings.
The space overlooks the Bay Bridge and has a direct panorama of San Francisco. Visitors can talk to winemakers during events and learn about the production process in a casual, open environment. The atmosphere remains informal, but the quality of the wine and attention to detail raise the experience. It provides a natural break between activities without needing a full reservation or a long wait.