Embarcadero Waterfront Walkway
Embarcadero is a wide walkway that runs along the water for three miles from China Basin Park in the south to Pier 39 and Fisherman's Wharf in the north. It is lined with blue lampposts, canary palms, lawns, and modern sculptures. There is a fun, festive atmosphere at Embarcadero, as it is the main tourist spot in San Francisco. Here you can take historic trolleys into downtown, ride ferries to islands, visit museums, shop for souvenirs, and eat at waterfront cafes. It's also wonderful just to get exercise and fresh air, walking the entire stretch, and then catching a taxi or tram back.
Starting in the south, explore China Basin Park with its huge lawn over the water, baseball sculpture, cement steps to sit on, and sandy area with adirondack chairs. Cross the dark gray 3rd Street Bridge, over the jade green water, and now you are at Oracle Park Stadium. The walkway along the water has plaques about baseball players in the ground. You pass the pretty boats at South Beach Harbor and then come to a stretch of lawn with views of the Bay Bridge. Waterbar Restaurant is in a gorgeous spot here. Rincon Park, a mound up above the water, has an incredible sculpture called Cupid's Span, a giant bow and arrow sticking into the grass. It is one of the most wonderful sculptures I've seen! Stay a while here!
Next you reach the Ferry Building with its clocktower built in 1898. Check out the little shops, bookstore, and coffee places. There are flower baskets and little nooks to rest. Watch the ferries arrive. This is so fun! You can catch a ferry to an island, or just admire the view of the Bay Bridge and Yerba Buena Island on the other side. From here you can also catch a historic trolley- some are from Italy- into downtown.
Next is the water taxi stop (reserve it online) and Peruvian, Spanish, Mediterannean, and seafood cafes.
Pier 7 is not to be missed! It is a gorgeous wooden pier with romantic lampposts. As you walk to the end of Pier 7, you can see a steamboat called San Francisco Belle, also romantic as can be! The pier aligns perfectly with the Transamerica Pyramid, making for pleasing views when you look back toward land.
Next you reach Exploratorium, a hands-on Science museum. Outside, there are two sound chambers outside that you can sit in with a friend on the other end and talk to each other. Next you will pass many historic pier buildings. You will come to Plaza de California, with flowers, a large silver modern-art sculpture, flags, and sailboats. Next, you reach Aquarium of the Bay. You are now at Pier 39 and Fisherman's Wharf, a very touristy area, where you can get ice cream, buy souvenirs, ride a ferris wheel, visit a mirror maze attraction or 3D illusions museum, and best of all, see the sea lions lazing on the pier.
Continue further and you can board the USS Pampanito, a historic Navy ship, or visit Musee Mecanique, with vintage arcade and coin-operated games. See the beautiful old three-masted square-rigged sailing ship called Balclutha, built in 1886 in Scotland, at Hyde Street Pier. Read about its interesting history, sailing all over the world. You can continue walking, past restaurants, to a wonderful hilly lawn over the water called Maritime Garden. You are now at Aquatic Park Cove, a scenic area with a curved pier. You can walk even further to Fort Mason! It's amazing how far you can walk, seeing so many interesting things!
The city skyline, as seen from Embarcadero.
Embarcadero, with Ferry Building up ahead.
Port of San Francisco Post Office building, made of brick with terracotta trim, a phoenix and flagpole above the door, and two terracotta shields in brick panels.
The Post Office building at Port of San Francisco, along Embarcadero. I love its terracotta trim!
SF Bay Ferry, docked at Embarcadero.
The skyline of San Francisco, from Embarcadero.
A yellow and orange historic trolley, at Embarcadero, with canary palms behind.
San Francisco Spirit, at the Ferry Building.
Bay Bridge, and Fire Station under the bridge.
Waterbar Restaurant at Rincon Park, along Embarcadero.
Cupid's Span, a gigantic whimsical sculpture along Embarcadero, at Rincon Park. A romantic spot for a picnic!
Walking along Embarcadero, with the Ferry Building nearby.
Pretty water near the Ferry Building.
Port of San Francisco Post Office, and Ferry Building in the distance, with its clocktower.
Sitting at Pier 7.
A family walks along Pier 7.
North of the Ferry Building, some concert slabs that skateboarders enjoy.
Exploratorium sculpture, and sailing ship in the distance.
San Francisco Belle, and Yerba Buena Island in the distance.
Pier 7 is a beauty.
Looking toward Yerba Buena Island, from Pier 7.
A bench where you can admire San Francisco Belle, a steamboat.
San Francisco Belle, with the Bay Bridge behind. From Pier 7 you can see the boat very well.
Sailing ship, as seen from Pier 7.
Coit Tower on its hill, seen from Pier 7.
Embarcadero waterfront walkway runs for three miles from China Basin Park to Pier 39/ Fisherman's Wharf. You can continue walking on paths both north and south of this three mile stretch. The walking feels endless!
Last Updated: Thu, 10 Jul 2025 16:05:35 GMT
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