Each year, the San Francisco Chronicle publishes its highly anticipated “Things to Do in San Francisco” guide. The list is known for spotlighting places that feel timely, accessible, and distinctly San Francisco, from cultural institutions to outdoor spaces that shape daily life in the city.

In its 2026 edition, the Chronicle included Treasure Island’s Cityside Park, calling attention to one of San Francisco’s newest waterfront parks and its rare combination of scale, views, and everyday usability.

In naming Cityside Park to the list, the Chronicle noted that “hopefully one of San Francisco’s greatest secrets will become common knowledge. The views from the man-made island are some of the best in the Bay Area.” We couldn’t agree more.

A San Francisco waterfront park with the best views of the city

Located along the western edge of Treasure Island, Cityside Park spans ~6 acres and features wide promenades, expansive lawns, shaded seating, and unobstructed views of downtown San Francisco, the Bay Bridge, and the open Bay. The design prioritizes openness and flexibility — space for casual gatherings, long walks, kite flying, lawn games, and simply spending time outdoors with the city as a backdrop.

The park has also become a natural venue for community programming. Since opening, Cityside Park has hosted Off the Grid food truck events, large-scale gatherings such as the Cake Picnic, and seasonal celebrations, including the Harvest Festival & Pumpkin Patch. These events have brought together residents, visitors, families, and neighbors from across the Bay Area, reinforcing the park’s role as an active public space rather than a scenic overlook alone.

Grilling and informal picnicking areas, seating oriented toward the skyline, and long, accessible paths make Cityside Park easy to use, whether you’re staying for ten minutes or an entire afternoon.

A growing list of Chronicle-recognized experiences on Treasure Island

Cityside Park’s inclusion continues a pattern of Chronicle recognition for Treasure Island. In previous years, the Treasure Island Ferry itself was named a “thing to do,” highlighting the experience of arriving by water and seeing San Francisco from a different vantage point. Together, these acknowledgments reflect how Treasure Island is increasingly experienced as a must-visit destination and part of the city’s cultural and recreational fabric.

More to explore while you’re here

For many visitors, Cityside Park is the starting point rather than the finish line. A short walk or ride brings you to other Island highlights, including The Rocks Dog Park, a popular off-leash space with Bay views, and Point of Infinity on nearby Yerba Buena Island — Hiroshi Sugimoto’s stainless-steel sculpture set within Panorama Park, offering a quieter, elevated perspective of the city and the water.

Those curious about life on the Island can also explore new residential communities like Isle House and Hawkins, where apartment homes are welcoming residents and leasing activity is well underway. Touring one of these communities offers a closer look at what it means to live on the waterfront — with parks, trails, art, and transit all within easy reach.

A must-visit stop in San Francisco today

Cityside Park is open daily and accessible by ferry, transit, bike, or car. Whether you’re planning a weekend outing, bringing friends from out of town, or exploring neighborhoods where people are already putting down roots, the Chronicle’s nod affirms what’s clear once you arrive: Cityside Park is now firmly part of San Francisco’s present-day landscape.

Cityside Park, San Francisco’s newest waterfront park, has welcomed its first permanent art installation: Canopy of Sky by renowned environmental artist Ned Kahn. Suspended above the park’s lawns and greenways, the kinetic sculpture transforms shifting Bay winds into a living artwork, giving shape to the atmosphere itself. 

Installed in fall 2025, Canopy of Sky adds a striking new dimension to Treasure Island’s growing public art program, joining Point of Infinity on Yerba Buena Island to form a dialogue between earth, water, and sky.

Art Meets Environment at San Francisco’s Newest Waterfront Park 

At Cityside Park, art and landscape meet the rhythms of nature. Canopy of Sky hovers roughly 15 feet above ground—a circular, shimmering form that responds in real time to the wind. Thousands of translucent discs glint, ripple, and sway, catching light from every direction. The effect is quiet but magnetic: the sky seems to move within reach.

The piece reflects Kahn’s signature approach of turning natural forces like air, fog, and light into visible, ever-changing sculpture. Standing beneath it, visitors see constant motion overhead—a reminder that even on still days, the Bay’s microclimate is always alive. 

About the Artist: Ned Kahn’s Vision of Living Systems 

Ned Kahn, a Northern California artist known worldwide for his environmental installations, often uses kinetic surfaces and fluid dynamics to make natural phenomena visible. His works appear in museums, airports, and civic spaces around the globe, from Toronto to Singapore. 

With Canopy of Sky, Kahn brings that vision home to the San Francisco Bay, using stainless steel, aluminum, and polycarbonate—materials engineered to withstand salt air and fog—while maintaining the delicacy of motion that defines his art. 

From Point of Infinity to Canopy of Sky: Expanding Public Art on Treasure Island 

The unveiling of Canopy of Sky marks the continued evolution of the Treasure Island & Yerba Buena Island Arts Program, which commissions large-scale public artworks that connect people to place. 

In 2023, Point of Infinity—a 69-foot mirrored steel tower by Hiroshi Sugimoto—rose atop Yerba Buena Island, capturing sunlight and skyline reflections in its gleaming surface. Kahn’s new piece extends that vision across the water, introducing a lighter, more fluid complement along the Island’s southern shoreline. 

Together, the two sculptures anchor a new cultural landscape where art, nature, and urban life intersect—an open invitation for visitors to explore both islands not just as destinations, but as living galleries. 

Experiencing Canopy of Sky at Cityside Park 

The best way to encounter Canopy of Sky is to walk beneath it. As the wind moves through the discs, patterns shift across the ground—sometimes bright, sometimes muted—mirroring the motion of waves just beyond the park’s edge.

Cityside Park itself offers six acres of open lawn, waterfront paths, and panoramic views of the Bay Bridge and San Francisco skyline. As the newest addition to Treasure Island’s growing collection of public spaces, the park hosts community gatherings and seasonal events that make art and connection part of everyday life. With Canopy of Sky, Treasure Island continues its transformation into a destination for public art and waterfront experiences—just an 8-minute ferry ride from downtown San Francisco.

Ethan Kaplan Photography/Courtesy San Francisco Arts Commission

San Francisco’s waterfront just welcomed a new landmark. This September, Cityside Park opened on Treasure Island with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie, Supervisor Matt Dorsey, and Treasure Island Development Authority (TIDA) Director Bob Beck. Together with community members from across San Francisco and the Bay Area, leaders gathered to celebrate the debut of this remarkable new public space.

Set along the Island’s western shoreline, the six-acre park offers panoramic views of the Bay Bridge, downtown skyline, and surrounding waterfront. The opening marks the first phase of what will grow into more than 24 acres of parkland, trails, and open space on Treasure Island—designed to bring neighbors and visitors together in a setting that blends nature, recreation, and big-city views.

The celebration also kicked off Off the Grid’s new weekly series on Treasure Island, bringing food trucks, music, and community gatherings to the park’s green lawns. Adding to the excitement, members of the San Francisco Symphony gave a special live performance, filling the Bayfront with music as families, residents, and visitors spread out picnics, climbed the new play structures, and took in skyline views from a perspective few have experienced before.

The park’s thoughtful design includes grassy lawn, trails, and biking that will continue to expand as additional phases are completed. As the largest park on Treasure Island, Cityside Park underscores the vision of a waterfront neighborhood where parks, plazas, and gathering spaces are part of daily life. 

We thank Mayor Lurie, Supervisor Dorsey, TIDA Director Bob Beck, and the many city officials, community leaders, and neighbors whose support helped bring this project to life. Their dedication has made Cityside Park possible—and a lasting gift for San Francisco. 

Cityside Park is now open daily, where the city comes into focus from a striking new vantage point on the Bay. Take the Treasure Island Ferry (tickets available at TISF.com) and plan your visit.

From protected, calm-water coves to hilltop parks with 360-degree Bay views, Treasure Island and Yerba Buena Island are home to some of the city’s most scenic new parks. Each is positioned to maximize views and designed to be environmentally conscious, such as replanting native vegetation and providing wildlife habitats. Once complete, Treasure Island will feature 300 acres of open spaces and parks, and Yerba Buena Island will boast 72 acres of the same. Below are five new parks open and ready for you to enjoy this season, just an ~8-minute ferry ride from Downtown San Francisco. 

The sprawling parks and miles of trails on both islands could be just outside your front door. On Treasure Island, Isle House is now pre-leasing with the first move-ins coming in August 2024. Yerba Buena Island features an exceptional collection of residences, including condominiums for sale at The Bristol and the expansive two- to four-bedroom, single-family Row Homes with panoramic vistas.  

Treasure Island offers a delightful culinary journey from sunrise to sunset and beyond. From farm-fresh breakfasts to innovative dinner creations, locally-inspired cocktails to carefully curated wine lists, the island’s diverse dining scene caters to every palate. 

Read on as we uncover the best ways to savor Treasure Island’s mouthwatering offerings and make the most of your epicurean adventure on the island. 

Start Your Day Right

Begin your morning at Aracely Cafe, a spot well-known for its delicious breakfast offerings. This inviting restaurant offers a peaceful setting with a spacious patio and garden, complete with an outdoor fireplace and string lights for ambiance. Inside, you’ll find a welcoming interior with various seating options. 

Aracely’s menu focuses on local, seasonal, and healthy options, serving brunch daily. All pastries and bread are made in-house, ensuring freshness and quality. Stop by and enjoy freshly brewed Sightglass coffee or choose from their selection of morning cocktails while savoring standout dishes like chilaquiles, olive oil waffles, a chicken milanesa sandwich, and more.

Midday Picnic

For a more than satisfying midday meal on Treasure Island, make your way to Island Cove Market. This local hot spot offers a variety of gourmet sandwiches, hearty salads, shawarma, and snacks perfect for a picnic lunch. 

Choose from their selection of made-to-order sandwiches featuring local ingredients, including a pastrami sub, chicken wrap, gyro sandwich, and more. Once you’ve got your picnic provisions, head to one of Treasure Island’s scenic spots. The Great Lawn is a popular choice, offering sprawling green space and unobstructed views of the San Francisco skyline. Alternatively, try Clipper Cove Beach on Yerba Buena Island for a more secluded setting with sandy shores and gentle waves. As you enjoy your lunch, take in the panoramic vistas of the Bay Bridge, downtown San Francisco, and the East Bay hills. 

Afternoon Wine Tasting

As the day progresses, make your way to Treasure Island Wines. This local winery offers tastings of their handcrafted wines, allowing you to experience the unique terroir of the viticulture regions in California. Sip on their crisp whites or bold reds while learning about the island’s budding wine scene.

Dinner with a View

As golden hour approaches, there’s no better place to be than at Mersea Restaurant and Bar. Perched halfway across the Bay Bridge, it offers what Eater calls “the best views of the city” from its unique vantage point. This innovative restaurant, crafted from repurposed shipping containers, features mouth-watering menu selections and entertainment. Weekends come alive with live music, while guests can also enjoy various games, including a mini golf putting area. The dining experience impresses, as Yerba Buena Island resident Michael Lee attests: “They have incredible city views, fantastic fish ‘n’ chips, and, honestly, one of the best burgers in the city.” Savor fish tacos, tuna ceviche, tri-tip sandwiches, cocktails, and more as you take in the twinkling city lights across the horizon.

Nightcap at Gold Bar Whiskey

Cap off your day at Gold Bar Whiskey. This stylish lounge offers a sleek ambiance perfect for savoring expertly crafted cocktails featuring wine-cask-finished whiskies. Browse their selection of signature drinks, each with a golden touch – from the ‘Heart of Gold’ to the classic ‘Gold Rush’ and the ‘Gold Bar Whiskey Sour’. For connoisseurs and curious beginners alike, the option to book a whiskey or cocktail tasting provides an immersive experience in the art of fine spirits. 

From breakfast to late-night drinks, Treasure Island offers a diverse and exciting food and drink scene. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, this island in the heart of the Bay promises a memorable experience against the backdrop of San Francisco’s stunning beauty.

Treasure Island’s park system continues to come alive, with the expansive waterfront Cityside Park under construction and set to make its debut in 2025. The park is one of several set to open over the next year and among the 300 acres of parks and open spaces planned in the reimagining of Treasure Island. Across both Treasure Island and Yerba Buena Island, many of the city’s most scenic new parks are open, welcoming guests from all over the Bay Area daily, including Panorama Park, Signal Park, Clipper Cove Beach, Buckeye Grove and The Rocks Dog Park.

Among the crown jewels of the island’s open spaces, Cityside Park stretches over three-quarters of a mile along San Francisco Bay and the Treasure Island promenade, capturing sweeping city skyline views. Accessible from the moment of arrival to the island, the park is located beside the Treasure Island Ferry Landing and steps from the residential offerings, including the new waterfront high-rise now leasing, Isle House. 

The 300-foot-wide linear park was envisioned by CMG Landscape Architecture, the Master Landscape Architect for Treasure Island. Throughout the island’s master plan, CMG is weaving the core values and goals of the project into the design of the open spaces, including environmental sustainability, envisioning parks as regional destinations and creating authentic community connections. 

CMG shared that their vision for Treasure Island is to create a contemporary landscape that is socially active, environmentally progressive, and rooted in its place as an island in the middle of the Bay. Working with the Treasure Island Community Development team, CMG approached the redevelopment as an opportunity to pioneer innovation in sustainable infrastructure and socially oriented landscapes, with Cityside Park embracing and embodying these goals in an incredible waterfront location.

Now under construction with planting beginning in the fall, Cityside Park is set to open in the Summer of  2025, featuring a wealth of spaces and landscape typologies ranging from intimate and immersive to wide open and flexible. The plans include an event lawn, plazas, native habitats, picnic areas and a beachfront on the Bay, with views stretching from the Bay Bridge to the Golden Gate Bridge and beyond.

Miles of trails and 300 acres of parks and open spaces could be located just beyond your front door. On Treasure Island, Isle House is now pre-leasing with the first move-ins coming in August 2024. Yerba Buena Island features an exceptional collection of residences, including condominiums for sale at The Bristol and the expansive two- to four-bedroom, single-family Row Homes with panoramic vistas. 

SFGate recently showcased the new Panorama Park on neighboring Yerba Buena Island, where you’ll find breathtaking 360-degree views of the San Francisco Bay Area.

The journey to Panorama Park is an adventure in itself. Visitors embark on a 338-foot climb up a well-paved path, winding their way through natural beauty before reaching the park’s summit. Along the way, you’ll encounter the Yerba Buena Island off-leash dog park, The Rocks Dog Park, perfect for those bringing their four-legged friends along for the view.

At the top, you’ll be greeted by the park’s centerpiece: the “Point of Infinity” sculpture by renowned Japanese architect Hiroshi Sugimoto. This gleaming 69-foot spire reaches towards the sky, embodying the artist’s vision of infinity and human consciousness. The sculpture stands within the remains of a historic 2-million-gallon water tank, marrying the island’s past with its artistic future.

SFGate’s Cate Peters described the park as possibly “the best lookout for holiday fireworks,” showcasing its appeal for both everyday visits and special occasions.

Panoramic Park is part of the exciting transformation well underway on Treasure Island and Yerba Buena Island. As part of the broader revitalization plan, the islands are set to establish ~8,000 new homes, 300 acres of parks and open spaces, new dining and shopping options, and even more public art installations.

Experience for yourself how Treasure Island and Yerba Buena Island are creating a space that truly “marries art with nature,” as described by Fei Tsen, President of the Treasure Island Development Authority Board of Directors. Come see the views that caught SFGate’s attention and see why Panorama Park is becoming the Bay Area’s favorite new lookout. 

The spring season continues to bloom in San Francisco, with the latest park opening drawing city leaders from across the Bay Area. A special ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrated the opening of Panorama Park, situated at the highest point of Yerba Buena Island and featuring the soaring 69-foot steel masterpiece “Point of Infinity” by Hiroshi Sugimoto. Amidst 360-degree views of the Bay waters, city skyline and Golden Gate Bridge, Fei Tsen, Mayor London Breed, Supervisor Matt Dorsey, City Administrator Carmen Chu, and Treasure Island Community Development Co-CEO Chris Meany spoke at the event. 

“San Francisco is home to the best parks and open spaces in the world and Panorama Park, with its spectacular views and world-class art installation, is a clear indication that the transformation of Treasure Island and Yerba Buena Island is well underway,” Breed said. 

Panorama Park was designed by Bay Area architect Walter J. Hood of Hood Design Studio and includes a winding elevated staircase, grassy areas with blooming flowers, and an overlook adorned with Monterey Cypress trees, as reported by CBS News, which was on hand for the event. The park is one of many on Yerba Buena Island, including the nearby recently opened Rocks Dog Park, the off-leash play area in the center of the island.

The parks are located moments from the residences of Yerba Buena Island, including The Bristol condominiums and the Townhomes, both of which are now selling and move-in ready. Residents enjoy Yerba Buena Island’s 72 acres of parks and open green space and miles of trails, plus those now open and coming soon on the neighboring Treasure Island. 

Treasure Island is set to welcome the first residents in late summer, with pre-leasing beginning in June at Isle House, the first new residential offering set for completion this year. Nearly 1,000 for-lease and for-sale residences will be available and move-in ready in 2024. Treasure Island is in the midst of a visionary transformation, set to bring 8,000 new homes, 22 miles of trails, and 300 acres of parks and open space to the city of San Francisco, located just an ~8-minute ferry ride from downtown. 

Experience the scenic ferry ride from downtown to Treasure Island by purchasing tickets here. Explore upcoming events and places to visit to inspire your next excursion. 

A new tradition is born on Treasure Island. Gold Bar Distillery held their first Cinco de Mayo celebration drawing people from both sides of San Francisco Bay. An outdoor stage was set up against a backdrop of the stunning city skyline, Bay and sunset views, while live music filled the air from Mariachi Mi Mexico, Banda 300 and Farsante Rock & Alternative. A traditional dance performance entertained guests, some of whom took to the dance floor themselves. 

“A lot of our guests asked us to do it. A bunch of them said, ‘Hey, throw a Cinco de Mayo party this year.’ And we said great idea, let’s do it,” Elliott Gillespie, President of Gold Bar Distillery, told CBS News, which was on hand for the celebration. Gold Bar crafted a menu of limited-edition cocktails and food inspired by popular Mexican cuisine.

Treasure Island’s restaurants and bars, including Gold Bar and Mersea, host recurring weekly events and special holiday celebrations. Keep track of all the happenings here, and check out the ferry schedule to enjoy the ~8-minute scenic ride from Downtown San Francisco to Treasure Island. 

The island is in the midst of a visionary transformation, set to welcome thousands of new residents this year alone. Over 1,000 new homes will be available for lease and sale in 2024, offering homeowners the opportunity to enjoy a vibrant mix of restaurants and cultural spaces, surrounded by scenic parks and miles of trails, all within close reach of the city. 

Sign up to receive regular updates from Treasure Island here. 

Saturday night’s successful Swing Dance Benefit promises an exciting year for the museum.

The Treasure Island Museum celebrated the 85th Anniversary of the Golden Gate International Exposition on Saturday, February 17, 2024, with its third annual Swing Dance Benefit, held in the lobby of historical Building One. Live music by the Nick Rossi Swing Six delighted guests as they danced the night away, decked out in vintage attire and having the time of their lives. Best of all, the colorful festivities helped raise money for the museum.

“I’m so grateful to be surrounded by such a stylish and cheerful group that supports the Treasure Island Museum at its annual benefit,” said Philippa Frey, Board Member and Vice President at the Treasure Island Museum. “We did achieve some financial success, but the real reward is in the priceless smiles from our exuberant guests.”

With support from individual and corporate sponsors, such as Treasure Island Community Development, PCL Construction, and Helioroast Coffee, the evening highlighted the museum’s vital role as a cultural, intellectual, and artistic center for San Francisco. Funds raised from events like this enable the museum to maintain free admission, expand its services within the community, develop new exhibitions and education programs, and preserve valuable art, artifacts, and oral histories for future generations.

There are currently more than ~1,000 artifacts in the museum basement’s collection room and only two paid members on the team. With Saturday’s benefit and much-appreciated funds from the Treasure Island Community Development team, the museum will be able to keep the staff it needs to ensure the museum remains a vital, far-reaching public resource.

The larger goal is to expand the museum’s current gallery, accommodating less than 10% of its extensive collection. With increased financial support, the museum would love to take down the front wall of the adjacent room, effectively doubling the gallery’s size. This expansion will allow for displaying a wider array of items, enriching the experience for all visitors.

While the annual swing dance fundraiser is one of the year’s biggest for the Treasure Island Museum (in the works since October 2023), its staff finds ways to raise funds throughout the year, including recently starting a membership program and selling merchandise.

With Treasure Island’s visionary redevelopment knocking at the door, the museum’s team wants to step up to the incoming demand and be able to serve a rapidly increasing community that’s notably more engaged with on-island happenings. Saturday night’s success is a source of great pride for the museum team, reaffirming their commitment to preserving Treasure Island’s storied past, and we are told they look forward to documenting the island’s next thrilling chapter with equal passion and dedication.

Photos by Philippa Frey, Cross Media International, Inc.