For thirty years, a double-deck freeway ran along San Francisco's waterfront, cutting the city off from the bay. The 1989 earthquake damaged it so badly that it was torn down, and in its place came a wide promenade of palm trees, cycle lanes and historic streetcars. The Embarcadero is now one of the best walks in the city.
A walk from south to north
- Oracle Park, the ballpark of the San Francisco Giants, at the southern end.
- Under the Bay Bridge, with views up into the span and, after dark, the light artwork on its cables.
- Cupid's Span in Rincon Park: a giant bow and arrow sculpture sunk into the lawn.
- The Ferry Building, with its clock tower, food hall and farmers market.
- The Exploratorium on Pier 15.
- Levi's Plaza and the foot of Telegraph Hill, where stairways climb to Coit Tower.
- Pier 33, for the Alcatraz ferries, and on to Pier 39 and Fisherman's Wharf.
Practical notes
The full walk is about three miles and flat. Do it in one direction and ride back on the F-line, which runs restored streetcars from cities around the world along the waterfront. The piers on the bay side have plaques telling their history. Sunny afternoons can still be breezy; bring a layer.
A short history
The Embarcadero was built in stages from the 1870s along a seawall, with finger piers reaching out into the bay for the ships that made San Francisco the busiest port on the West Coast. Longshoremen worked the piers, and the 1934 waterfront strike that began here spread into a general strike across the city. Container shipping moved to Oakland from the 1960s, and the old piers emptied. The double-deck Embarcadero Freeway, built in 1959, cut the waterfront off from the city until the 1989 earthquake damaged it beyond repair. It was demolished in 1991, and the promenade, the palm trees and the restored piers followed.
Stops along the way
- Oracle Park and McCovey Cove.
- South Beach Harbor, a marina with views of the Bay Bridge.
- Rincon Park and Cupid's Span.
- The Ferry Building and its farmers market.
- Pier 7, a long public pier for fishing and views.
- The Exploratorium at Pier 15.
- Levi's Plaza and the Filbert Steps to Coit Tower.
- Pier 33, the Alcatraz ferry terminal.
- Pier 39 and the sea lions.
Eating and drinking
The Ferry Building is the obvious stop for food. Several restaurants along the waterfront have terraces facing the bay, and there are cafés near the Exploratorium and around Levi's Plaza. On game days, bars around the ballpark fill with fans.
Practical tips
- Walk north in the morning to have the sun behind you.
- Rent a bike and ride the flat waterfront to Fisherman's Wharf and beyond to the Golden Gate Bridge.
- Ride the F-line back for the experience of the historic streetcars.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Embarcadero?
About three miles from Oracle Park to Fisherman's Wharf.
Is it safe to walk?
Yes, it is busy and well-lit, though quieter late at night.
What is the best time to walk it?
Morning on a Saturday, to include the farmers market, or late afternoon into the evening to see the Bay Bridge light up.