What is The Embarcadero known for?

The Embarcadero is a popular strolling route and boulevard running along San Francisco's waterfront piers, from the Ferry Building to Pier 39. It is part of the Embarcadero Historic District and features over 20 piers and facilities connecting the city to the Bay Area.

Where exactly is The Embarcadero located?

The right-of-way begins near Oracle Park at Second and King Streets, travels north under the San Francisco–Oakland Bay Bridge, and continues past the Ferry Building, Pier 39, and Fisherman's Wharf before ending at Pier 45.

What is the history of The Embarcadero?

It was a busy port during the Gold Rush era and was constructed on reclaimed land along a three-mile engineered seawall built between 1878 and 1916. The area was dominated by the Embarcadero Freeway for three decades until it was torn down in 1991.

Are there any special events held here?

The Port hosts a free New Year's Eve Fireworks Celebration on The Embarcadero, featuring a fireworks show that begins at midnight and lasts approximately 15 minutes over the Bay.

How do I get around The Embarcadero?

Visitors can use waterfront transportation such as pedicabs. Additionally, the area is accessible by walking, BART, bike, car, or ferry.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

The Embarcadero in San Francisco

The Embarcadero

A scenic waterfront boulevard stretching from the Ferry Building to Pier 39, featuring historic piers, the Vaillancourt Fountain, and breathtaking views of the San Francisco Bay.

Open prototype

Official site

Get directions

What to know

The Embarcadero is a premier waterfront boulevard that runs along San Francisco's piers, extending from the Ferry Building to Pier 39. This iconic stretch was constructed on reclaimed land supported by a three-mile engineered seawall. This seawall is over a century old, with original construction occurring between 1878 and 1916, and it remains a critical piece of city infrastructure today. Historically, the area served as a busy port during the Gold Rush era. For three decades, the landscape was dominated by the Embarcadero Freeway, which was eventually torn down in 1991 to open the waterfront back up to the public. The Central Embarcadero Piers Historic District, which includes more than 20 piers and facilities, was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places on November 20, 2002. Visitors to the area often stop at Embarcadero Plaza, located in the Financial District at the end of Market Street. This plaza features the Vaillancourt Fountain and can accommodate up to 7,000 people. The boulevard continues north, passing under the San Francisco–Oakland Bay Bridge and moving past Fisherman's Wharf before ending at Pier 45. Despite its beauty, the area faces environmental challenges. In 2016, the National Trust for Historic Preservation named the Embarcadero one of the 11 Most Endangered Historic Places in the U.S. This designation was due to the seismic vulnerability of the aging seawall and the ongoing threat of sea-level rise.

Visitor tips

Hail a pedicab for a low-effort way to traverse the waterfront piers.
Visit the Aquarium of the Bay at Pier 39, open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
If visiting on New Year's Eve, arrive early for the free fireworks celebration that begins at midnight.
Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the route from the BART station to Pier 27 takes about 20 minutes.

Nearby context

The Embarcadero serves as the gateway to several downtown neighborhoods. It is situated adjacent to the Financial District and is within walking distance of Chinatown, North Beach, and Union Square.