The Embarcadero isn’t just San Francisco’s waterfront—it’s the city’s heartbeat, where morning fog kisses Victorian architecture and the scent of sourdough mingles with salt air. After countless visits to this neighborhood, I’ve discovered that the Embarcadero is on the top of my favorite spots to visit in SF. Read more to find out the best things to do while visiting Embarcadero.
Is the Embarcadero Worth Visiting
Yes, the Embarcadero is absolutely worth visiting as it offers stunning waterfront views, iconic attractions like the Ferry Building Marketplace, and easy access to Pier 39, Alcatraz tours, and the Bay Bridge. It’s one of San Francisco’s most scenic walkways with many food options and many views to admire.
Where is the Embarcadero
The Embarcadero is the boulevard that runs all along the waterfront of San Francisco, from the Bay Bridge, past the Ferry Building, and down to Pier 39 and Fisherman’s Wharf.
How Long is the Embarcadero in SF
The Embarcadero in San Francisco is 3 miles long.
Best Things to Do in Embarcadero
Ferry Building Marketplace
Start off at The Ferry Building Marketplace. Not only is it a market, it is also a transportation hub. The marketplace is special because it carries so many different San Francisco food artisans. So I’m a big foodie, and will spend a Saturday exploring things around Ferry Building/ its Farmers Market.
It’s a foodie paradise. From empanadas that have the most flavorful filling with a flaky crust to creamiest cheese, you will love it here.
Here are some of my favorite food and drinks at the marketplace (2025)
- Skip the chain coffee shops – try SIGNAL Coffee
- Visit El Porteno for authentic empanadas outside of Buenos Aires. Specifically their carne empanada. The owner makes the dough fresh every morning at 4 AM
- Acme Bakeries for their bread and shortbread cookies
- Primavera for mexican food
- If you like to cook, check out Far West Fungi for some good mushrooms!
Pro Tip: Look for stalls and shops with long lines
Indoor backup plans for when it’s raining: Ferry Building, Exploratorium, and covered piers are great alternatives
Boat Ride to Alcatraz Island
Alcatraz Island holds America’s most notorious prison. If you like being out on water, and would like views of the bay you may enjoy a boat tour to Alcatraz Island. While on the tour, check out the audio tour. The audio tour narrated by former inmates and guards is haunting and brilliant. You can even check out Al Capone’s cell: Cell 181.
Check out these boat tours!
Pro-Tip: Position yourself on the right side heading towards the island for unobstructed city skyline views and the Left side (port) gives you Golden Gate Bridge views and different city angles. Oh and Bring layers—it’s always 10 degrees cooler on the water
Pier 7 Walkway Bridge
I love Pier 7 for its 900 foot walkway bridge that extends into the bay and offers incredible views of the bay bridge. I have also definitely seen harbor seals and sea lions poking out of the water. Walk to the end for panoramic views and fresh air
Stop at Fog Harbor Fish House For Their Clam Chowder
Perched on Pier 39 with panoramic bay views, Fog Harbor Fish House represents everything great about San Francisco dining: sustainable seafood, local ingredients, and views that make every meal memorable. Order their clam chowder served in sourdough bread bowls, with their perfect thick consistency, with some dungeness crab mixed in. The clams come from Tomales Bay, about 90 minutes north of the city.
Pro-Tip: Call ahead and specifically request a Golden Gate Bridge view table. Lunch offers clearest bridge visibility; dinner provides magical sunsets
Pier 39 Sea Lions
Pier 39’s sea lions are one of nature’s most entertaining shows. I have spent an hour there just watching these complex sea creatures and their fascinating behaviors. At the pier expect to see:
- mothers teaching pups to swim (heartwarming and hilarious)
- territorial disputes that sound like underwater opera
- synchronized swimming displays that put Olympic teams to shame
- individual personalities—I swear one regular seems to pose for photos
It’s super fun to watch, and it’s all free!
See the Golden Gate Bridge in Many Different Viewpoints
Everyone thinks they need to go to the Marin Headlands or Crissy Field for Golden Gate Bridge views, but the Embarcadero offers some of the most unique and crowd-free perspectives of our iconic bridge. Here are the some pretty spectacular viewpoints along the Embarcadero that I have discovered:
- Pier 14- The bridge appears to float on the horizon, framed by nothing but water and sky
- Pier 7- Wooden pier with panoramic views of both bridges and downtown skyline
- Pier 1– Often empty, offers unique angles of the bridge through the port’s industrial elements
Visit the Embarcadero Center
The Embarcadero Center has more than 125 stores on three levels, plus seasonal concerts. It has shopping and dining to satisfy everyone. It is a perfect hangout on rainy days or if it’s too hot outside.
Walk Up Filbert Steps
One of my most memorable experiences on my visit to SF was going up the Filbert Steps
If you want a postcard picture of the city and you want a stair master workout surrounded by gardens and wild parrots then walk up Filbert Street Steps. The gardens are beautiful, the views are incredible and the steps will keep your heart rate up.
It’s the wild parrots along the way that make the trip.
And then if you are up for more stairs, take the Filbert steps to Coit Tower. At the top you get amazing views of the city and the bay. When you’re done, walk straight down to Victoria Pastry for the best cannolis.
Visit Salesforce Park
Salesforce Park is a 5.4-acre public park, with a rooftop oasis, a walking trail, lots of green spaces and water features, playgrounds and even a venue. It’s super nice to take a stroll in the park or have lunch in the park.
It’s also home to 600 trees and 16,000 plants arranged in different botanical feature areas.
Weather in SF
The weather in San Francisco is nothing short of unpredictable. I was in SF in the middle of July and it was in the high 50s to low 60s, with temperatures even lower at night. So
- Layer strategically: T-shirt, sweater, waterproof jacket—you’ll shed and add layers throughout the day
