Forgotten Treasure

Treasure Island is like the wallflower at the Bay Area prom. Nobody wants to dance with plain old TI. But if you give it a chance, this island will show you things you've never seen before. Stake out one of the barbecue pits located just past the U.S. Naval Station gates. With an expanse of grass and an open waterfront, you'll get an iconic double-bridge view and a panorama of downtown San Francisco. After your cookout, stroll part of the paved multi-use Perimeter Road (starting at the corner of Ninth St. and Ave. Palms) and watch ships pass Alcatraz, bound for distant lands. Linger a little longer to catch the sun setting directly over the Golden Gate Bridge. This could be the beginning of a beautiful relationship.

Take the Treasure Island exit off of the Bay Bridge and follow the road through the U.S. Naval Station gate. Continue on Ave. Palms through the California Ave. intersection. The barbecue area is on the right, just past building 271 and before the pier. There is no alcohol allowed without a permit. To get a permit call 415-274-0660. The area closes to the public at 5 p.m. Weddings are common on Saturday afternoons at a nearby building. Dog-friendly!