Take a trip down the bayside boulevard that stretches along San Francisco’s eastern shoreline and hit up restaurants, museums, and markets.
The Embarcadero takes the title of San Francisco’s signature stretch of waterfront. With its promenade, ferry terminals, and palm-tree arcades, the Embarcadero is one of the city’s best spots for bay-gazing. It’s around about here that people fall in love with San Francisco. And not just visitors, either – locals can regularly be seen renewing their vows with the city on the Embarcadero’s waterfront. You could almost say it’s the best parts of San Francisco rolled up into one neat package: great food, plenty of space, and scenery so spectacular you’ll feel like you stepped into a postcard.
The waterfront sits within San Francisco’s Financial District and is bordered roughly by AT&T Park and Pier 45. The Embarcadero has a staggering number of landmarks squeezed into it, so lace up your walking shoes and get strolling. But don’t go too fast – there’s enough going on here to keep you coming back, so take it easy. Visit on a Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday to hit up the Ferry Plaza Farmers’ Market, where you can pick up fresh produce or taste-bud-tingling treats. Feel like taking home a couple of tips and tricks? Learn from the masters at a cooking class or take a back seat and watch trailblazing chefs in action.
The Ferry Building stands like a beacon on the Embarcadero shoreline. Styled like a 12th-century clocktower, this grand old building is stacked with cafés and restaurants to tempt even the most discerning connoisseur. Here’s a secret: walk to the rear of the Ferry Building for jaw-dropping views across San Francisco Bay and the Bay Bridge. From here, you can jump onboard ferries bound for Vallejo, Sausalito, Oakland, and Larkspur. Keep wandering north and you’ll hit Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 33, which has laid-back dining and tour boats that putt around Alcatraz Island and other bay treasures.