The Embarcadero, San Francisco: Address, Phone Number, The Embarcadero Reviews: 4.5/5
The Embarcadero
The Embarcadero
4.5
About
Major street in the port area of San Francisco that has become a bustling area of shops, businesses and sightseeing attractions.
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Top ways to experience The Embarcadero
The area
Address
Neighborhood: North Waterfront/Embarcadero
Best nearby
Restaurants
3,517 within 3 miles

Hillstone
569
0.1 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Bar • Vegetarian Friendly

Fog City
544
0.1 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Vegetarian Friendly • Gluten Free Options

Pier 23 Cafe Restaurant & Bar
850
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Bar • Seafood

Piperade
231
0.3 mi$$$$ • Spanish • Basque • Vegetarian Friendly

Don Pisto's
269
0.4 mi$$ - $$$ • Mexican • Latin • Vegetarian Friendly

Mama's on Washington Square
1,861
0.4 mi$$ - $$$ • Quick Bites • American • Cafe

Golden Boy Pizza
465
0.5 mi$ • Quick Bites • Italian • Pizza

Mo's Grill
476
0.5 mi$ • American • Diner • Vegetarian Friendly

Fog Harbor Fish House
5,657
0.5 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Seafood • Soups

Il Fornaio
207
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Italian • Vegetarian Friendly • Gluten Free Options
Attractions
819 within 6 miles

Pier 27
16
400 ftPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Piers & Boardwalks
One Lombard Street
2
414 ftHistoric Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Lombard gates
1
273 ftPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues

Pier 29
6
254 ftPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Piers & Boardwalks

Telegraph Hill
282
0.2 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Historic Walking Areas

Levi's Plaza Park
70
0.1 miParks

Coit Tower
4,524
0.2 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings

SS Jeremiah O'Brien
450
0.2 miSpeciality Museums • Historic Sites

Italian Swiss Colony Warehouse
1
0.1 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings

Exploratorium
3,513
0.4 miSpeciality Museums • Science Museums
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
931 reviews
Excellent
427
Very good
382
Average
109
Poor
7
Terrible
6
MichaelMc777
Sunnyvale, CA4,599 contributions
Feb 2020 • Solo
The Embarcadero is one of the best walks in the City. It has a beautiful bay view over its miles of sidewalks. There is an abundance of restaurants and shops along the wide walkway. The Ferry Building, Pier 39, Fisherman’s Wharf, and ferry rides to Alcatraz are just a few of the wonderful stops/possibilities along the way.
The avenue will entertain with street performers in the Fisherman’s Wharf area and Pier 39 area.
There are benches and piers to take in the beauty of the bay and San Francisco sky line. It is one of the best places to to see why San Francisco is one of the most interesting and beautiful cities in the world.
Starting at the Bay bridge and continuing all the way to the Golden Gate Bridge is a long and amazing walk. It will offer picturesque places to see and experience.
The parking about three-four hundred meters before the bay bridge on the right - large pier over the water offers all day parking for only $10 on the weekends.
The Ferry building is a yummy place to buy items for a picnic! It also has a very good farmer’s market on Saturdays.
The street is relatively very safe and I stroll down it, in the day time and night time. Good for families and it also offers great attractions for the kids!
A must see and walk!!
The avenue will entertain with street performers in the Fisherman’s Wharf area and Pier 39 area.
There are benches and piers to take in the beauty of the bay and San Francisco sky line. It is one of the best places to to see why San Francisco is one of the most interesting and beautiful cities in the world.
Starting at the Bay bridge and continuing all the way to the Golden Gate Bridge is a long and amazing walk. It will offer picturesque places to see and experience.
The parking about three-four hundred meters before the bay bridge on the right - large pier over the water offers all day parking for only $10 on the weekends.
The Ferry building is a yummy place to buy items for a picnic! It also has a very good farmer’s market on Saturdays.
The street is relatively very safe and I stroll down it, in the day time and night time. Good for families and it also offers great attractions for the kids!
A must see and walk!!
Written February 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
CTBCalifornia
Groveland, CA1,941 contributions
Mar 2020
From views of the Bay Bridge and sailing boats to the statues at Giants Stadium, and from the Food and Shops of Pier 39 and Fisherman's Wharf to the waterfront pedestrian paths for walkers and bicyclers, this is a great way to spend your day out in the City. I rode my bike all the way from the Marina District near the Golden Gate Bridge to the Giants Stadium and China Basin, and back. I took most of the day, parking my bike several times to explore shops and restaurants at Pier 39, Fishermans Wharf and Guiardelli Square.
Written March 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Thomas V
Oakland, CA13,173 contributions
Jun 2020
We enjoyed a long drive along the Embarcadero on a Sunday and noticed the numbers of people enjoying their strolls at a safe distance. On a sunny day this is one of the best places in San Francisco for a walk. Lots to see and enjoy, the waterfront, the piers, the Ferry Building, the Bay Bridge.
Written June 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
AndreaUbok
Florida2,702 contributions
Jun 2021 • Couples
Had to come back to the Embarcadero. We enjoy walking through the market and looking at all of the vendors. Many of the vendors were closed but there was empanadas, coffee, a book shop, tea, flowers, housewares, pizza, wine…The views of the water and the bridge can’t be beat.
Unfortunately they were tent cities in front; As people are spending $25 for their lobster rolls there are many without.
Unfortunately they were tent cities in front; As people are spending $25 for their lobster rolls there are many without.
Written June 13, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
mini
Fremont, CA162,016 contributions
Aug 2020
We returned and took a nice exploring trip along the Embarcadero This is where the Ferry building is, There is the Alcatraz Tour. There is a nice walk showing many pictures of San Francisco
There is the Hornblower Dinner Cruise.
There is the embarcadero center with movies, cafes, restasurants and shops.
There is plaza areas with interesting statues.
its a fun place to go.
There is the Hornblower Dinner Cruise.
There is the embarcadero center with movies, cafes, restasurants and shops.
There is plaza areas with interesting statues.
its a fun place to go.
Written August 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
mini
Fremont, CA162,016 contributions
Jan 2020
I often visit the Embarcadero Area of San Francisco. This is where the Ferry Landing and Building is. The Ferry Building has a good variety of food stores and cafes. One can also walk along the waterfront and have various views of the Bay.
At holiday times there is ice skating. This is close to the Hyatt Regency, which has an interesting interior. Its a good place to stay if one wants a nice view of the Bay and of the Bay Bridge.
There are a variety of stores, cafes, restaurants. Some of the restaurants are waterfront.
This is also where the Bayside History Walk is at.
There is also a BART station next to the Hyatt Regency for transportation around San Franciso. There are also trolleys and busses to use.
At holiday times there is ice skating. This is close to the Hyatt Regency, which has an interesting interior. Its a good place to stay if one wants a nice view of the Bay and of the Bay Bridge.
There are a variety of stores, cafes, restaurants. Some of the restaurants are waterfront.
This is also where the Bayside History Walk is at.
There is also a BART station next to the Hyatt Regency for transportation around San Franciso. There are also trolleys and busses to use.
Written January 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Joan H
San Bernardino, CA1,027 contributions
Oct 2021
It was a long walk along the Embarcadero from where our Princess Cruise ship, the Majestic, was docked to the Ferry Building. Put on your walking shoes and try to imagine what it was like, when the Embarcadero was called the Barbary Coast. Enjoy the great view of the bay on a sunny day.
Written March 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
gsgman777
Columbia, IL460 contributions
May 2021
This was just across the street and a block down from Hotel Griffon where we stayed. It was a cool row of shops, mainly eateries, inside. I stopped in and grabbed a waffle one morning and we got ice cream on another day. Convenient and nice atmosphere.
Written June 9, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Thomas V
Oakland, CA13,173 contributions
Jan 2022
We enjoyed our long walk along the Bay, as do so many other people. Lots of great views along the way, of nature and the built-up city. Easy to get to on transit. Places to eat and drink along the way.
Written January 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
breadbowl
Kolkata (Calcutta), India338 contributions
Nov 2014 • Business
From past trips (2009, 2010) -- amazing views of the sunset, the Bay Bridge and numerous rides to Pier 39. Clam chowder and winters go hand-in-hand!
Can't avoid the famed Bay-Area traffic, it reaches well past 100,000 vehicles each day. You also can't avoid the quintessential morning 'worker' looking into the cabin mirror and applying lip-gloss at the steering wheel.
Can't avoid the famed Bay-Area traffic, it reaches well past 100,000 vehicles each day. You also can't avoid the quintessential morning 'worker' looking into the cabin mirror and applying lip-gloss at the steering wheel.
Written December 16, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
filer
tasman bay16 contributions
We two New Zealanders are arriving at San Fran international airport at 1pm May 4th and have now to depart Friday 1pm May 5th. Before rescheduling of plane I booked into Mystic Hotel, Stockton St.Union Sqiuare.
How can we make the most of our overnighter in SF? - (have not been before)
rachaele30
Santa Rosa, CA96 contributions
The Starlight Room at the Sir Francis Drake is right there for nighttime dancing and 360 views of the city. Sunset drink at the top of the Mark (Mark Hopkins hotel), across from the Fairmont. Lunch at the rotunda at Neiman Marcus (please don't skip this!!). If you like books, please don't miss City Lights Books. Read up on it to understand what it is, then go next door for absinthe at Vesuvio. I live close by (Sonoma County) and these are the best things that I love to do. If you want to do the tourist thing, then by all means, do the hop on hop off bus and the boat trip. Be aware that weather at this time of year is HIGHLY variable, so layer your clothes - T-shirt to jacket. Check weather apps ahead of time and keep in touch as it changes, but it's likely to be chilly. Kuleto's is just around the corner (wonderful food) or make a reservation at House of Prime Rib. Wish you had longer and I could show you around!
Nicoletta Z
Cesenatico65 contributions
Ciao, vorrei andare in California, da San Francisco a San Diego a meta' aprile per 10-15 giorni, consigli su come organizzare le giornate , quali città ' , cosa vedere? consigli su alberghi? Grazie Nicoletta
Cubiz
Turin, Italy148 contributions
Ciao Nicoletta, posso risponderti limitatamente alle mia esperienza. San Francisco la giri comodamente in tre giorni, io ne ho fatti 5 ma ti conviene vedere anche altro. Ho preferito una stanza in una casa piuttosto che un hotel che ad agosto erano troppo cari rispetto alle case. Non conosco San Diego ma a detta degli americani é una delle città più vivibili degli States. Occhio al vento freddo di San Francisco...
tgood6562
Exeter, UK14 contributions
hi i m staying holiday inn 1300 Columbus Avenue
San Francisco, California for work and wanted to lap swim each morning.
the pool in the hotels too small for me anyone know anywhere close
Usia2014
Calgary, Canada1,689 contributions
There is a YMCA in the Embarcadero area that should have lane swimming at certain times each day. Also, you can check the web for the closest and best public indoor lap swimming pools. They have a few listed with a map showing you how close they are to your hotel.
lippy666
Burlington
Going to San Fran in September is it really necessary to have a rental car . If all tourist sites are like this buses seem to be available ? Any help with this would be great Thank you in advance.
SteveandSonya
Adelaide, Australia144 contributions
We didn't find it necessary to have a rental car in the city. Taxis are very inexpensive and lots of public transport options. With cable cars it can be a bit tricky driving if you're not used to it. We hired a car for trips out of the city (Napa, Sonoma). City relatively small so attractions not difficult to get to.
judycuba
Richmond, CA
I want to catch a big red bus at Embarcadero Center. Can you tell me where the bus stops?
Adventurer2day
Antigua and Barbuda335 contributions
Someone got you the info. before I saw your ?
You have the right instructions - ENJOY!
trixieMN
andover, mn28 contributions
We are going to see a Giants game and will be coming from SFO. Are there places to park in this Embarcadero area to leave the car (without spending an arm and possibly a leg) and walk to the stadium?
DoctorBuckles
West Hollywood359 contributions
Take the BART. You will definitely need to give both the arm and the leg to park "IF" you can find a spot. It is the worst ever these days and the surrounding streets are all uprooted for subway and new building construction. Do public transit, cab, or Lyft.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Embarcadero
- We recommend booking The Embarcadero tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 38 The Embarcadero tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience The Embarcadero:
- Big Bus San Francisco Hop-on Hop-off Open Top Tour (From $53.10)
- 2.5 Hour San Francisco Wharf and Waterfront Segway Tour (From $79.00)
- Night Tour: Happy Hour History of SF (From $85.00)
- San Francisco Vista Helicopter Tour (From $235.00)
- City and Sea Adventure: 1 Day Hop-On Hop Off Pass and San Francisco Bay Cruise (From $95.99)
- Hotels near The Embarcadero:
- (0.48 mi) Green Tortoise Hostel - San Francisco
- (0.61 mi) Hotel Zoe Fisherman's Wharf
- (0.50 mi) The Battery
- (0.77 mi) ITH Pacific Tradewinds Hostel
- (0.68 mi) Club Quarters Hotel Embarcadero, San Francisco
- Restaurants near The Embarcadero:
- (0.11 mi) Fog City
- (0.13 mi) Hillstone
- (0.05 mi) Paul's Deli
- (0.16 mi) Pier 23 Cafe Restaurant & Bar
- (0.16 mi) Il Fornaio
- Attractions near The Embarcadero:
- (0.08 mi) Pier 27
- (0.08 mi) One Lombard Street
- (0.05 mi) Lombard gates
- (0.05 mi) Pier 29
- (0.21 mi) Small Car Big Time Tours