Abandoned Spaces And Buildings To Explore In The San Francisco Bay Area

Abandoned buildings to the naked eye are just that, abandoned and forgotten. But to an adventurer, abandoned buildings are full of history and stories waiting to be told. Take the day to explore our selections for abandoned buildings and spaces in the Bay Area. Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.

Cosson Hall

Areal view of abandoned building at Treasure Island

Serving as a naval base in the late 1960s for many sailors, Cosson Hall on Treasure Island is just one of many abandoned establishments visitors frequent. Now it is home to adventurers snapping pictures of the graffiti covered building.

Cosson Hall, 601 Avenue A, San Francisco, CA, USA

Built in 1910, the Bayshore Roundhouse was a place of residency for freight engines. As business grew, the roundhouse turned into quite the complex, housing upwards of 60 inbound and outbound tracks, store buildings, a freight yard shop and a hospital to service the thousands of employees working there. The roundhouse was abandoned in 1982 ruined by a fire in 2001, but that hasn’t stopped thrill-seekers from sneaking onto the premises to do some exploring.

The Bayshore Roundhouse, 2800 Bayshore Blvd, Brisbane, CA, USA

J’s Amusement Park

First opened in the 1960s, J’s Amusement Park provided Guerneville residents with wholesome America fun. Housing classic rides from roller coasters to scrambler rides, the park was the place to be up until its closing in 2003. Since then it has hosted Dr. Evil’s House of Horrors and has been a premier camping spot.

The Ghost Fleet

Travel to Benicia to bask in the historical glory that is the Ghost Fleet. Check out old, abandoned WWII and Vietnam War ships in the Suisun Bay.

The Ghost Fleet, Suisun Bay Reserve Fleet, Benicia, CA, USA

16th Street Station

Opened in 1912, 16th Street Station at the time was something Oakland was very proud to claim as its own. The station put Oakland on the map as being a major transportation hub.

16th Street Station, Oakland, CA, USA

Fleishhacker Pool

In 1925, San Francisco opened one of the largest outdoor heated swimming pools just off of Sloat Boulevard. This pool served residents for more 40 years until it closed in 1971 due to underfunding and poor maintenance. The final straw came when the cost of repairs was more than the city could afford, and the city finally decided to shut it down completely and convert it into a parking lot, which now serves San Francisco Zoo visitors.

Fleishhacker Pool, San Francisco, CA, USA

Byron Hot Springs Hotel

If creepy, abandoned hotels are your thing, take a drive to Byron, Calif., and visit the once vibrant Byron Hot Springs Hotel. The hotel served as an army interrogation center during WWII, a monastery in the mid to late 50s and a resort.

Byron Hot Springs Hotel, Old Byron Hot Springs Hotel, Byron, CA, USA

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.