The Embarcadero
About The Embarcadero
The 1989 earthquake collapsed the Embarcadero Freeway and gave San Francisco back its waterfront. Now this promenade runs from Fisherman’s Wharf to the ballpark, one of the great urban walks in America.
What to See & Do
The Ferry Building anchors everything. That clock tower spent decades hidden behind concrete, and now it presides over a marketplace that draws food obsessives from across the region. Saturday mornings the farmers market fills the plaza with produce that Bay Area restaurants build their menus around.
The historic streetcars run the full length of the Embarcadero, vintage cars from cities around the world painted in their original liveries. The F line connects the Ferry Building to Fisherman’s Wharf with views of the bay the entire way.
Walk south from the Ferry Building and the piers stretch into the water. The Exploratorium occupies Pier 15, a science museum that adults enjoy as much as kids. Pier 24 houses a photography collection that operates by appointment and rewards the effort to book ahead. Oracle Park rises at the southern end where the Giants play from April through October. Kayakers paddle in McCovey Cove hoping to catch home run balls that clear the right field wall.
Where to Eat & Drink
The Ferry Building marketplace is the main draw. Hog Island shucks oysters at the bar, with a raw bar and a happy hour worth showing up early for. Acme bakes the bread that San Francisco restaurants buy, and you can pick up a loaf before noon. Parachute Bakery, the new viennoiserie from the team behind the Michelin-starred Sorrel, opened in late 2025 with cube-shaped croissants and canele lines that start before they unlock the door. Humphry Slocombe scoops ice cream in flavors named after country songs and bourbon. El Porteno empanadas come hot from the oven at the Argentinian counter. Boccalone sells salumi by the slice. Cowgirl Creamery closed its Ferry Building shop in 2021 after almost two decades.
Outside the marketplace, the new Arquet from chef Alex Hong opened in 2025 as the building’s standout sit-down restaurant. Slanted Door, the building’s longtime anchor, is no longer in this location.
Runners and cyclists share the waterfront path with tourists and office workers on lunch break. The promenade has bay views the entire way, with the Bay Bridge filling the southern half of the horizon.
Getting There
Embarcadero BART/Muni station is one block from the Ferry Building. The F Market historic streetcar runs the length of the waterfront. Several Muni bus lines, including the 2 Sutter and 14 Mission, end at the Ferry Building. Ferries from Marin, the East Bay, and Vallejo dock here. Parking is metered along the Embarcadero and limited; transit is the better option.
When to Visit
Saturday mornings for the farmers market. Weekday mornings for an empty Ferry Building. Late afternoon for the light on the bay. Avoid game days at Oracle Park unless you’re going to the game.
Upcoming Events
Where to Eat
All restaurants →
Hog Island Oyster Co.
Half-dozen Sweetwaters and a clam chowder at the counter. Same-day from Tomales Bay. Walk-in only at the Ferry Building.
Humphry Slocombe
Secret Breakfast first, then branch out. The Ferry Building location is convenient but the Dogpatch shop is less hectic. They ship nationwide if you get hooked.
Things to Do
All activities →
Exploratorium
Thursday After Dark evenings (18+) are the adult version and worth planning around. The Tactile Dome requires a separate reservation. Allow at least 3 hours.
Alcatraz Island
Book tickets 2 to 3 weeks ahead or you won't get on. The night tour costs more but is the better experience. Bring layers, the boat ride and the island both get cold and windy.
Ferry Plaza Farmers Market
Saturday morning is the main event. Get there by 9 AM for the best selection. The Tuesday and Thursday markets are smaller but less crowded. Inside and behind the Ferry Building on the Embarcadero.
Ferry Building
The Saturday farmers market out front is the main draw. Inside, Cowgirl Creamery, Acme Bread, and Hog Island Oysters are the standouts. Weekday mornings are less crowded. On the Embarcadero at the foot of Market Street.
