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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Neighbourhood: Embarcadero
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1,104 within 10 kms
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
942 reviews
Excellent
436
Very good
383
Average
110
Poor
7
Terrible
6
Thomas V
Oakland, CA19,076 contributions
Sept 2024 • Couples
You must take a long walk along the Embarcadero, especially toward the south, under the Bay Bridge and to the Ball Park. You will find great water views, some good places to eat and drink and some great outdoor art. The sidewalk is broad and you will have a lot of company walking, skating, etc. Great way to see the city.
Written 30 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TravelingSoccerLoon
Saint Paul, MN7,767 contributions
Oct 2022
The Embarcadero is both the street and the area of downtown that runs along the harbor from Fisherman's Wharf to the Ferry Building. It makes for a nice walk with many scenic views of the Bay, Alcatraz Island and the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge. Alternatively, you can ride on the historic street cars that travel along the road. From here you can catch a tour of Alcatraz or catch a ferry over to quaint Sausalito. There are a number of restaurants along here offering tables with views of the water. There is also the science museum, Exploratorium, an Aquarium at Pier 39 or you can hike up to nearby Coit Tower for some amazing views of the city.
Written 8 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jydeoo
Lagos, Nigeria2,301 contributions
Aug 2021 • Solo
Don't just cross it, visit it. As a tourist/visitor in San Francisco, you will most likely pass or cross this street. Whether visiting the Piers, bars, restaurants, Alcatraz or any of the other many attractions around, I recommend you take a pause and appreciate the crowded beautiful bustling of this street during the day/early evening. Tip: Mind your belongings, as tourist crowds can hide pick pockets.
Written 31 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thomas V
Oakland, CA19,076 contributions
Dec 2023 • Couples
This is the traditional waterfront where the port has always been. The industrial port is gone, the ocean going ships are gone, except for a few cruise ships So the piers are being recycled with new uses, mostly recreation and everyone takes advantage. This area is now of the be best places to take a long walk as the views of the Bay, the Bridge and the City are superb. Some places along the way to rest or to eat.
Written 26 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MichaelMc777
Sunnyvale, CA5,177 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 7 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thomas V
Oakland, CA19,076 contributions
Dec 2022
It's hard to beat this stroll, especially if you head south from Market Street. Lots of views of the Bay and the Bay Bridge, some terrific outdoor art, views of modern architecture. The promenade is wide so there is a lot of room for everyone. And eventually you end up at the Ball Park. Fun.
Written 27 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AndreaUbok
Florida4,086 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 13 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CTBCalifornia
Groveland, CA1,954 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 9 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thomas V
Oakland, CA19,076 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 15 June 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thomas V
Oakland, CA19,076 contributions
Jul 2022
This is a terrific place to take a long walk to enjoy the views of the Bay and the bridges, plus lots of the downtown skyline. You can go all the way to the ball park. It is very popular so you will see crowds along the way. There are a few places to eat and drink.
Written 21 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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)
Written 20 April 2017
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!
Written 22 April 2017
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
Written 1 March 2017
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...
Written 1 March 2017
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
Written 4 November 2016
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.
Written 4 November 2016
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.
Written 23 August 2016
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.
Written 23 August 2016
judycuba
Richmond, California
I want to catch a big red bus at Embarcadero Center. Can you tell me where the bus stops?
Written 9 August 2016
Someone got you the info. before I saw your ?
You have the right instructions - ENJOY!
Written 10 August 2016
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?
Written 28 July 2015
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.
Written 30 July 2015
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