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 ₹13,603 per night from 23 Aug to 24 Aug
₹13,603
₹16,010 total
23 Aug - 24 Aug
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! (6,070 reviews)
"Very uncomfortable"

Reviewed on 28 Jul 2026

Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG
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 ₹16,735 per night from 13 Aug to 14 Aug
₹16,735
₹23,646 total
13 Aug - 14 Aug
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! (7,573 reviews)
"The room was clean, large and very comfortable. Breakfast buffet was wonderful. Staff was very informed and helpful."

Reviewed on 28 Jul 2026

Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
Parc 55 San Francisco - A Hilton Hotel

Parc 55 San Francisco - A Hilton Hotel

4 out of 5
55 Cyril Magnin St San Francisco CA
The price is ₹17,164 per night from 2 Aug to 3 Aug
₹17,164
₹20,202 total
2 Aug - 3 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy 2 restaurants, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,538 reviews)
"The hotel located in downtown and close to every thing that's so nice cause it's near to every thing"

Reviewed on 28 Jul 2026

Parc 55 San Francisco - A Hilton Hotel
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 ₹14,747 per night from 16 Aug to 17 Aug
₹14,747
₹17,356 total
16 Aug - 17 Aug
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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (3,383 reviews)
"Liked having available refillable water bottles on the floor. Very glad they let you bring your dogs. Heard from my wife that the affiliated restaurant’s food was too salty. And the coffee machine in the lobby kept breaking down. But overall, had an enjoyable stay."

Reviewed on 28 Jul 2026

Club Quarters Hotel in San Francisco
Hotel Zoe Fisherman's Wharf

Hotel Zoe Fisherman's Wharf

4 out of 5
425 North Point San Francisco CA
The price is ₹19,847 per night from 2 Aug to 3 Aug
₹19,847
₹27,535 total
2 Aug - 3 Aug
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 restaurant and the helpful ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (2,093 reviews)
"Good location for Fisherman’s Wharf"

Reviewed on 28 Jul 2026

Hotel Zoe Fisherman's Wharf
Handlery Union Square Hotel

Handlery Union Square Hotel

3.5 out of 5
351 Geary St San Francisco CA
The price is ₹17,567 per night from 2 Aug to 3 Aug
₹17,567
₹20,676 total
2 Aug - 3 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-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! (3,383 reviews)
"I wish the valet parking brought the car around to the front entrance. The hotel has a lot of walking to get to garage. But that's all. It was a very nice hotel."

Reviewed on 28 Jul 2026

Handlery Union Square Hotel
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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