S.F. Chronicle Names Treasure Island’s Cityside Park One of the Best Things to Do in San Francisco in 2026

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.