Yerba Buena Island

When you drive on the Bay Bridge toward Oakland and pass through a tunnel, you are driving through Yerba Buena Island. It seems Treasure Island gets all the recognition but for those who live in Yerba Buena, and I feel like I once did - I was there so much - Yerba Buena needs to be noticed.

Yerba Buena is only a five minute drive from downtown and there is a bus that runs 24 hours a day from the Mission and 1st terminal. Your residence may not have a back yard but you will have a million dollar balcony view of the city if you desire.

The smell of eucalyptus trees after the rain, hikes down to the beach, places to explore, and two-day weekend concerts bring the perfect summer experience - or everyday if you are lucky enough to live there.

Not a lot of eateries, shopping, or the like, but you are just a few minutes from all of your needed urban amenities.

Yerba Buena Island is a beautiful spot in San Francisco, though it's a bit off the beaten path when you're thinking about the city because you have to take the bridge toward Oakland to get there. The island itself has lots of trees and hills and boasts some great views. I have a friend who lives there and have enjoyed a bit of the splendid trees of nature it offers.

Be careful when you're driving there though. As you are heading east and exit from the highway, the turn is very sharp, so be sure to slow down, especially in the rain. When you're coming back and merging onto the highway, there's a stop sign and very short merge, so be careful in that direction as well. Finally, watch out for the police traps right near the bridge entrance as well - I never quite figured out if they are for speeding or drunk driving, but I've seen with regularity on that trip.