San Francisco is one of those cities where the experience starts before you even get where you're going.

For this episode of The American Dream TV, I’m starting at the Embarcadero, hopping on the ferry, and heading across the Bay to Treasure Island to discover one of the city's more unexpected experiences: Gold Bar Whiskey.

Along the way, I’m joined by my friend Antonio Arevalo of Gold Rush Tours as we explore the waterfront, take in the San Francisco skyline from the Bay, and get a behind-the-scenes look at what Gold Bar Whiskey has created on Treasure Island.

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From the Embarcadero to Treasure Island: A San Francisco Experience

Starting at the Embarcadero

Before heading to Treasure Island, we start at one of San Francisco's most iconic gathering places: the Embarcadero and Ferry Building.

The Ferry Building has been part of San Francisco for more than 125 years, but what makes it interesting to me is how relevant it still feels.

Inside and around the Ferry Building, you'll find local vendors, small businesses, food, coffee, the farmers market, and people simply enjoying the waterfront. It's a snapshot of the city in one place.

And then, instead of getting in a car and heading across the Bay, we're taking the ferry.

Because if you have the option to travel across the Bay with the San Francisco skyline behind you, why wouldn't you?

Taking the Ferry to Treasure Island

Antonio Arevalo from Gold Rush Tours joined me for the adventure.

Since he spends so much time exploring and sharing San Francisco with visitors, I wanted to hear his perspective on what keeps him here and what makes San Francisco feel like the right place to call home.

Then we headed across the Bay toward Treasure Island.

There's something about seeing San Francisco from the water that gives you a completely different perspective on the city.

And once you arrive on Treasure Island, the experience changes again.

Discovering Gold Bar Whiskey on Treasure Island

Gold Bar Whiskey was the destination for the second half of our day.

What stood out to me was that this isn't simply about whiskey. Gold Bar has created an experience around the brand, the space, the location, and the people who come through the door. The concept for the episode was specifically built around showcasing Gold Bar as a destination that blends craftsmanship, design, lifestyle, and community.

We got a behind-the-scenes look at the space, learned more about the story behind Gold Bar Whiskey, talked about why Treasure Island made sense for the brand, and, naturally, made some cocktails.

The Cocktail-Making Experience

The cocktail-making portion became one of the highlights of the day.

Instead of sitting down for a formal interview, we got to actually participate in the experience.

We talked through what goes into making a cocktail, what someone visiting for the first time should try, and the kind of experience Gold Bar is creating for visitors.

There's something much more fun about learning about a place while you're actually experiencing it.

And yes, there was a tasting involved.

Why Treasure Island Is Worth Exploring

Treasure Island can sometimes feel like one of those places in the Bay Area that people know about but don't necessarily think to visit.

That's part of what made it such a fun destination for this episode.

You get incredible views of the San Francisco skyline, a completely different perspective on the city, and experiences that you might not expect to find just across the Bay.

Gold Bar Whiskey is one example of how Treasure Island continues to offer something different from the more familiar San Francisco destinations.

Experiencing San Francisco Beyond the Tourist List

One of the reasons I wanted to make this episode is because San Francisco is so much more than its famous landmarks.

Yes, you should see the Golden Gate Bridge.

Yes, you should walk the Embarcadero.

But some of the best experiences happen when you venture a little further, try something new, or let someone local show you a different side of the city.

For me, that's what The American Dream TV is about.

I get to showcase the people, businesses, neighborhoods, and experiences that make the Bay Area such an interesting place to live.

And this day had all of it: the waterfront, the ferry, the skyline, local food and culture, a new destination, good conversation, and a cocktail at the end of it.

What Makes San Francisco Such a Great Place to Live?

As a San Francisco real estate agent, I spend a lot of time talking about what makes different neighborhoods work for different people.

But when I think about why people love living here, it's not just about the house.

It's about your Saturday morning walk.

It's the restaurant you become a regular at.

It's being able to take a ferry somewhere just because you can.

It's discovering a place you didn't know existed.

It's having access to completely different experiences without having to go very far.

That's what I wanted to capture with this episode.

From the Embarcadero to Treasure Island, the journey itself became part of the experience.

Watch the Full Episode

If you're looking for things to do in San Francisco or simply want to see another side of the city, watch the full episode above.

Come along with me and Antonio as we travel from the Embarcadero to Treasure Island, explore Gold Bar Whiskey, make cocktails, and experience a side of San Francisco that you might not find on the typical tourist itinerary.

I'm Bianca Baca, San Francisco Realtor and host of The American Dream TV. Thanks for coming along, and I'll see you in the next episode as we continue exploring the people, places, and experiences that make the Bay Area so special.