A scenic picture taken of the Bay Bridge in San Francisco, California with sail boats sailing underneath. This bridge connects the cities of San Francisco and Oakland. The Bay Bridge opened to traffic on November 12, 1936. Its total cost, including an electric railroad which has since been abandoned, was $79.5 million. The best ways to enjoy the Bay Bridge are: From the San Francisco waterfont along Embarcadero Street, where you can see and photograph the span, and walk under it.