What are the nearest attractions to Embarcadero?

Attractions near Embarcadero: James R. Herman Cruise Terminal at Pier 27 Coit Tower SS Jeremiah O'Brien

Embarcadero - What To Know BEFORE You Go

Q: What else should I know about attractions in San Francisco?

As well as visiting the Embarcadero, check out these trip ideas to make the most of your visit: 6 Books About San Francisco to Read Before Your Next Trip Guide to Marin County: Sausalito, Muir Woods, and More Art Lover's Guide to San Francisco

The Basics

You’ll likely find yourself on the Embarcadero at some point during your stay in San Francisco, whether you’re watching the sea lions at Pier 39, hopping on an Alcatraz ferry at Pier 33, visiting the Exploratorium at Pier 15, catching a ferry to Sausalito at the Ferry Building, or taking in a Giants baseball game at AT&T Park. See it from above on a helicopter flight, or explore on two wheels with a bike or Segway tour.

The Central Embarcadero Piers Historic District, which consists of piers 1, 1 1/2, 3, and 5, is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.

Things to Know Before You Go

The Embarcadero is 3 miles (4.6 kilometers) long, so wear comfortable shoes if you’re planning to walk it.
It’s a busy road, with both vehicle traffic and streetcars, so only cross at designated crosswalks.
Starting at the Ferry Building, odd-numbered piers run north to Fisherman’s Wharf and even-numbered piers run south to South Beach.

Trip ideas

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10 Fun Things to Do When Alcatraz Tickets are Sold Out

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An Exploratorium Employee's Guide to San Francisco

When exploring a new city, there's nothing quite like getting tips and advice from someone who calls it home. That's why, in this series, we turn to the locals who know just as much about what can't be missed as they do about the unexpected delights that make a place so special.

Where to Find the Best Views of the Golden Gate Bridge

Admire from the water, sure, but don’t overlook these other options either.

A Tour Guide's Guide to San Francisco's Chinatown

Tour guide Dorothy Quock knows San Francisco’s Chinatown by heart. Here’s her guide for getting to know the place in which she was born and has lived most of her life.

An Insider’s Guide to LGBTQ San Francisco

Tour company owner Kathy Amendola on San Francisco Pride, the Castro, and where you can honor LGBTQ history in SF.

Know Before You Go: Tips for Visiting Alcatraz

Perched on a rocky island in the San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz once housed such legendary criminals as Al Capone. Today, the former prison is an extremely popular National Historic Landmark. Here are the top things to know when planning your visit.

Guide to Marin County: Sausalito, Muir Woods, and More

From hiking and biking trails to cheese and wine tastings, quaint towns to inviting beaches, here’s what not to miss in Marin.

Visiting San Francisco for the First Time? Here's What to See and Do

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Must-Visit Museums in San Francisco

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How to Get Off the Beaten Path in San Francisco

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Art Lover's Guide to San Francisco

From San Francisco Museum of Modern Art to the Asian Art Museum, here's where to go.

When to Get There

Enthusiastic photographers will want to go at sunrise for shots of the sun rising over the bay, while those who want to eat and shop should wait until late morning. Waterfront bars and restaurants near downtown get lively during happy hour—a fun time to mingle with locals. Fourth of July fireworks take place near Fisherman’s Wharf, and an ice skating rink operates at the Embarcadero Center during the holidays.

Ferry Building

In the center of the Embarcadero, across from where Market Street ends at the Embarcadero Plaza, the Ferry Building Marketplace is a haven of gourmet goodies and views of San Francisco Bay. Taste your way through the historical building, from cheese and bread to oysters, wine, coffee, and ice cream, or try your luck at getting a table at the Slanted Door, a popular Vietnamese restaurant.

Embarcadero