A scenic picture taken of the entire San Francisco - Oakland Bay Bridge located in San Francisco, California. This picture was taken on a sunny day in the spring season. 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.