Embarcadero Travel Guide

San Francisco

A tall building with classical architecture and a palm tree in the foreground.
A waterfront promenade with a city skyline in the background.
A cityscape with modern buildings, a large red sculpture, and a bridge.
A cityscape with modern skyscrapers, a large stone sculpture, and a flag-raising ceremony.
A city park with palm trees, a fountain, and tall buildings in the background.
San Francisco's waterfront is a great destination for eating out, enjoying a wealth of entertainment and whiling away the hours.

A long stretch in the city's Financial District that runs from AT&T Park (home of the San Francisco Giants baseball team) all the way to Pier 45, the Embarcadero is home to shops, restaurants and all kinds of other great attractions. Here you can explore the popular Fisherman's Wharf area, as well as all the fine-dining and shopping options around Pier 39.

Take a walk here and savour everything that is on offer in this dazzling spot. If you want to go for a run, the cool sea breeze makes this the perfect promenade.

Every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, the Embarcadero plays host to the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market, with scores of vendors lining up outside the Ferry Building offering flowers, fruit, cheese, vegetables, ice cream, and more besides. You can also pick up some ready-made food to enjoy on the go, and chat to the friendly stall holders here. Cooking classes are held here on market days, run by the Centre for Urban Education about Sustainable Agriculture (CUESA), and offer a great chance to learn about local cuisine while sampling the amazing produce.

Make sure you visit the Ferry Building, situated at the bottom of Market Street. You can't miss its captivating 12th century Spanish-style clock tower, which rises up some 73 metres. Spend some time here wandering around, sipping a coffee and people-watching or eating at one of the many gourmet bistros you’ll find here. Behind the Ferry Building you can also take in the scintillating views across San Francisco Bay. Close by you'll find the Embarcadero Centre, where you can find more places to shop and enjoy local entertainment.

Another buzzing spot is Pier 33 at the foot of Bay Street, just a kilometre or so further north, where you can grab lunch, relax and people-watch, or take a boat over to Alcatraz. Head further north still to visit the Aquarium of the Bay and Fisherman's Wharf. A Wharf Pass will get you access to all these great attractions.

The Embarcadero is an accessible spot that is perfect for a leisurely stroll. For a different perspective (or to rest your weary feet) hop onto the cable car which runs up and down the entire wharf road.


Stay near popular Embarcadero attractions


Top hotels in Embarcadero

Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG

Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG

3.5 out of 5
1500 Van Ness Ave San Francisco CA
The price is ₹15,334 per night from 20 Sept to 21 Sept
₹15,334
₹18,047 total
20 Sept - 21 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the pool and the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (6,285 reviews)
"La atención es maravillosa"

Reviewed on 12 Sept 2026

Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG
Hilton San Francisco Union Square

Hilton San Francisco Union Square

4 out of 5
333 O'Farrell St. San Francisco CA
The price is ₹16,280 per night from 3 Oct to 4 Oct
₹16,280
₹19,160 total
3 Oct - 4 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy 2 bars/lounges, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour health club. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
Hilton San Francisco Union Square
Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf

Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf

4 out of 5
2500 Mason St San Francisco CA
The price is ₹15,856 per night from 18 Sept to 19 Sept
₹15,856
₹22,594 total
18 Sept - 19 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (7,674 reviews)
"Convenient to most attractions."

Reviewed on 12 Sept 2026

Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
Hilton San Francisco Financial District

Hilton San Francisco Financial District

4 out of 5
750 Kearny St San Francisco CA
The price is ₹11,662 per night from 20 Sept to 21 Sept
₹11,662
₹13,725 total
20 Sept - 21 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), a fitness centre and Wi-Fi (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (3,206 reviews)
"Great location for exploring San Francisco. Staff were very friendly and helpful. Room was very clean."

Reviewed on 12 Sept 2026

Hilton San Francisco Financial District
The Pickwick Hotel

The Pickwick Hotel

3.5 out of 5
85 5th St San Francisco CA
The price is ₹9,927 per night from 20 Sept to 21 Sept
₹9,927
₹11,664 total
20 Sept - 21 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
The Pickwick Hotel
Chancellor Hotel on Union Square

Chancellor Hotel on Union Square

3.5 out of 5
433 Powell St San Francisco CA
The price is ₹14,432 per night from 21 Sept to 22 Sept
₹14,432
₹17,005 total
21 Sept - 22 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour front desk and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (3,446 reviews)
"We’ve been coming here since our honeymoon 52 years ago. We love the location, the staff, cookies, popcorn, coffee machines in the lobby. Only negative…no air conditioning."

Reviewed on 11 Sept 2026

Chancellor Hotel on Union Square
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Where to stay in Embarcadero

Find the best Embarcadero areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Embarcadero
Learn more about Embarcadero

Fisherman's Wharf

Travellers love Fisherman's Wharf for its popular shops, and you can see more of San Francisco by jumping on the metro at Jones St and Beach St Stop or Jefferson St & Taylor St Stop. You might spend time checking out top sights like Pier 39 and San Francisco Bay.

Union Square

Known for its charming cafes and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Union Square. Check out top attractions like Westin St Francis Hotel Glass Elevators and Union Square, and jump on the metro at Powell St & Geary Blvd Stop or Powell St & Post St Stop to see more of the city.

Downtown San Francisco

Known for its fascinating museums, popular shops and acclaimed art galleries, there's plenty to explore in Downtown San Francisco. Top attractions like Oracle Park and San Francisco Bay are major draws. Catch the metro at Market St & 5th St Stop or Market St & Taylor St Stop to see more of the city.

South of Market

Gourmet restaurants great entertainment and top sights from Oracle Park to San Francisco Bay – discover South of Market, a destination also famous for its shopping.

Nob Hill

Gourmet restaurants Chinatown and top sights from SF Masonic Auditorium to Cable Car Museum – discover Nob Hill, a destination also famous for its shopping.



Embarcadero Travel Guide

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