Embarcadero Public Promenade

The Embarcadero is something that should not be missed on your visit to San Francisco. I have been here many times, as there are truly numerous of things to do and see here. You have Fisherman’s Wharf that offers more than enough to do for one day’s trip, you also can catch a boat ride over to Alcatraz Island around here or on a Hornblower Cruise (right at pier 3), shop and dine at the Ferry Building and also check out the street market we happen to see on our most recent visit. Items were uniquely crafted by talented artisans with their jewelry, photographers, clothing and other accessories.
Parking can get pretty expensive around here though. There are some paid lots all around and also hotels that you could park in. But if you are lucky, you may be able to park at some of the metered parking (much CHEAPER) along Washington & David (free after 6 pm) and just walk on over.
Make sure you bring a coat or a sweater when you come by here because it can get rather chilly with that ocean breeze.
Oh and also just thought I would mention that there are public restrooms at Fisherman’s Wharf (not exactly the cleanest) and also at the Ferry Building (cleaner, but long lines).

Again, this part of SF is another fabulous FREE attraction. I have been living 2 blocks from the Embarcadero for 5 months now, so I will share my general observations:
*It gets very packed on weekends
*Running along the Embarcadero is so nice! You can run for miles without stopping for traffic lights
*Wear comfy shoes because you can stroll for miles!
*Feel free to hail a pedicab (they are everywhere and often look bored and aching for business)
*The Ferry Building, Exploratorium, Coquetta, Pier 23, La Mar, and Cupid’s Bow are all cool things worth checking out
*The Ferry Building farmer’s market on Saturdays is VERY BUSY. Go early (it opens at 8am)
*Fisherman’s Wharf… sigh…let’s just say it’s a touristy clusterf&ck and not necessarily something I recommend. I haven’t been near it since I moved to SF
*The financial district is a ghost town on weekends

The Embarcadero is B-​E-​A-​U-​tiful during the day. and the night!
During the day, you can find lots of little stands selling cool trinkets and doodads. One of the interesting parts of the Embarcadero is the beautiful fountain. It’s no typical fountain, it’s a crazy work of art.
The Ferry Building is also around here. You can definitely do some simple shopping and find some good eats around here. The Farmers Market is also here on Saturdays. It’s nice for tourists and for locals. But be warned: things are pricey.
And last, but not least, the ocean. Since the piers are close by, you always get an amazing view of the ocean. And the bridge. Which by the way, gets lit up during the night.
If you ever need to find some peace of mind in this crazy-​filled city, just come here. The F line or the Embarcadero BART station is nearby.

Oh, I had to walk over to the loading dock (embarcadero) and I saw the space behind it that looked very un-​city-​like.
San Fran is cramped and this space gave me a sense of openness. It was a bit too chilly to stay out of the sun, so I went back out toward the street to walk, but it wasn’t nearly as pleasant.

On warm sunny days like this, I like to dream about where I’d like to be in the sunshine
My favourite US city is definitely San Francisco and a big factor is that I love to be near the water. The smile that came over my face as I saw the Bay for the first time as my plane circled overhead on its way to a northerly touchdown at SFO was immense
One of the city’s great pleasures is to stroll down the Embarcadero on a sunny day, with a clear blue sky overhead, a little light cooling breeze coming off the bay, a little shade from the tropical-​looking palm trees and not hurry but to really stroll along the wide sidewalks and enjoy the sight and the sounds of this magnificent city
There are tourist hubs at the Ferry Building and Pier 39 but so much more to take in as well. The F line streetcars trundling past. Coit Tower. The amazing structure of the majestic Bay Bridge. Angel Island and Alcatraz looming into view
Sigh, happy days, happy memories

A lovely place to take an evening stroll. The views of the Bay Bridge are great, especially right now with that new LED light show!
The best part is that this area is, compared to other parts of the city, less likely to reek of bum piss.

Romantic after-​dinner last stroll along the Embarcadero, enjoying the cool artistic BB lights happening and all of the night activity… nipped into the Promenade where that Planet café is, enjoyed strolling along the breezeway, seeing the plaques of the historic Produce waterfront days on display, and walking in between the bar and restaurant of La Mar… lots of benches to enjoy the view… onto the benches flanking the Ferry Building… all the way to Epic and Waterbar.
Very cool little nip-​in from the busy street… quiet world.

A place I walk by quite frequently however, I never take the moment to visit. My boyfriend was thrilled to see this place open. He said it was closed due to construction some time ago. The fountain is beautiful and I like how you can trek up to enjoy the waterfall-​like experience and walk through from underneath as if this is an actual waterfall.
My boyfriend took my Daughter to explore. I took a few pictures of them whilst they looked down at me. my Daughter then walked me through the waterfall and I have to say that the experience was magnificent.
Thanks, babe for taking us here…

From the F Line, I saw that there was a long pier overlooking some of the Hornblower Boats and made a mental note to stop back. Upon my return, I learned that this is part of the Embarcadero Public Promenade. It’s a nice little walk. The pier area on both sides of where the boats dock is open to public activities. Saw a group gathered at the end doing yoga, walked over to the other side and happened upon some fun little quote plaques. The longer pier side spits you out at a scenic view of Yerba Buena Island and the Bay Bridge.
There are tons of benches and trash cans along the way too and one of SF’s infamous public restrooms several yards down from the start of the pier.
Nice little walk and great views!

The new and expanding public promenade along the waterfront winds it’s way around and through the odd-​numbered piers north of the Ferry Building. It’s a really lovely walk especially in the evening as the light changes over they bay. On a clear night, you get views of the East bay, the bridge and all the passing boat traffic– there are benches (and bars) dotted along the route which are perfect for sitting and staring.
The waterfront rehabilitation/​renovation is a project of the Port of San Francisco to connect the downtown/​Market St. corridor with the tourist attractions down by Pier 39 and Fisherman’s wharf. While I’m not sure I approve of the touristy part of the planning, I’m grateful for the access to the water! Besides, the old pier buildings are neat– they’re fun to explore even when it’s socked in with fog.