Embarcadero Travel Guide

San Francisco

Embarcadero
Embarcadero
Embarcadero
Embarcadero
Embarcadero
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.


Popular places to visit


Top hotels in Embarcadero

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 ₹11,079 per night from 3 May to 4 May
₹11,079
₹16,921 total
3 May - 4 May
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! (7,428 reviews)
Clean rooms, nice staff, and plenty of breakfast options.

Reviewed on 28 Apr 2026

Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
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 ₹11,930 per night from 25 May to 26 May
₹11,930
₹14,041 total
25 May - 26 May
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! (5,632 reviews)
Love the environment and the staff. Would definitely go back

Reviewed on 28 Apr 2026

Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG
Hilton San Francisco Financial District

Hilton San Francisco Financial District

4 out of 5
750 Kearny St San Francisco CA
The price is ₹12,307 per night from 26 May to 27 May
₹12,307
₹14,485 total
26 May - 27 May
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! (2,699 reviews)
Love Chinatown

Reviewed on 28 Apr 2026

Hilton San Francisco Financial District
Club Quarters Hotel in San Francisco

Club Quarters Hotel in San Francisco

4 out of 5
424 Clay St San Francisco CA
The price is ₹12,046 per night from 25 May to 26 May
₹12,046
₹14,177 total
25 May - 26 May
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (3,089 reviews)
Great staff and location, rooms could use some deep cleaning. Loved the water bottle stations and coffee machine!

Reviewed on 28 Apr 2026

Club Quarters Hotel in San Francisco
Handlery Union Square Hotel

Handlery Union Square Hotel

3.5 out of 5
351 Geary St San Francisco CA
The price is ₹14,996 per night from 2 May to 3 May
₹14,996
₹17,649 total
2 May - 3 May
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this family-friendly hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a fitness centre and valet parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (3,060 reviews)
Great location, loved the suite with our kiddos.

Reviewed on 28 Apr 2026

Handlery Union Square Hotel
YOTEL San Francisco

YOTEL San Francisco

3 out of 5
1095 Market St San Francisco CA
The price is ₹9,702 per night from 25 May to 26 May
₹9,702
₹13,082 total
25 May - 26 May
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,013 reviews)
There was absolutely no on-site parking. Available parking was half a mile away and $40 per day. The area of the hotel was extremely bad. The room did not come with a coffee maker, mini fridge, or microwave. The room also had very little privacy in the bathroom. I would give the hotel staff a 2 star ...

Reviewed on 28 Apr 2026

YOTEL San Francisco
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.

Other neighbourhoods around Embarcadero

Financial District

Financial District

4.5/5(37 area reviews)

Gourmet restaurants Chinatown and top sights from Embarcadero Center to Market Street Railway Museum – discover Financial District, a destination also famous for its shopping.

Financial District
Chinatown

Chinatown

3.5/5(8 area reviews)

Enjoy the popular shops in Chinatown. Dragon's Gate is a worthwhile stop, and you can jump on the metro at Chinatown-Rose Pak Stop or Powell St & Clay St Stop to see more of San Francisco.

Chinatown
North Beach

North Beach

4.5/5(130 area reviews)

Travellers love North Beach for its popular shops, and you can see more of San Francisco by jumping on the metro at Columbus Ave & Lombard St Stop or Columbus Ave & Chestnut St Stop. You might spend time checking out top sights like San Francisco Bay and Pier 39.

North Beach
Union Square

Union Square

4/5(289 area reviews)

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.

Union Square
San Francisco skyline, Oracle Park, and a bustling marina at sunrise. Aerial view of the city's iconic landmarks. South Beach Harbor, San Francisco, California, USA

South Park

Oracle Park and Brannan Street Wharf are a few top attractions in South Park. Hop around the city on the metro at 2nd & King Station or Fourth-Brannan Station and check out the area's fascinating museums, popular shops and acclaimed art galleries.

South Park
Downtown San Francisco

Downtown San Francisco

3/5(52 area reviews)

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.

Downtown San Francisco


Embarcadero Travel Guide

Explore a world of travel with Expedia