Embarcadero Travel Guide

San Francisco

Embarcadero featuring city views and a city
Embarcadero featuring city views and a city
Embarcadero Plaza featuring a bridge, a sunset and a river or creek
San Francisco which includes outdoor art, a garden and a city
Embarcadero which includes a city, cbd and outdoor art
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

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 ₹12,126 per night from 12 Apr to 13 Apr
₹12,126
per night
12 Apr - 13 Apr
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! (5,390 reviews)
Excellent stay

Reviewed on 12 Mar 2026

Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG
Handlery Union Square Hotel

Handlery Union Square Hotel

3.5 out of 5
351 Geary St San Francisco CA
The price is ₹13,737 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
₹13,737
per night
1 Apr - 2 Apr
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! (2,936 reviews)
Shops nearby were helpful. Super close to a big Macy’s that had food options and in walking distance of a Trader Joe’s. The pool was under maintenance while we stayed which we were not informed about before hand. That was disappointing.

Reviewed on 11 Mar 2026

Handlery Union Square Hotel
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 ₹12,145 per night from 12 Apr to 13 Apr
₹12,145
per night
12 Apr - 13 Apr
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! (7,329 reviews)
Shops were near by

Reviewed on 12 Mar 2026

Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
YOTEL San Francisco

YOTEL San Francisco

3 out of 5
1095 Market St San Francisco CA
The price is ₹6,654 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
₹6,654
per night
31 Mar - 1 Apr
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! (1,000 reviews)
Inside, the staff is very helpful and accommodating without being invasive. The rooms are peculiarly engineered, so make sure that you know what you are about to spend the night in. I think the room that I rented for two nights is made for single travelers or a close couple because I was in a sky ...

Reviewed on 10 Mar 2026

YOTEL San Francisco
Hotel Julian

Hotel Julian

3 out of 5
940 Sutter Street San Francisco CA
The price is ₹7,354 per night from 2 Apr to 3 Apr
₹7,354
per night
2 Apr - 3 Apr
Stay at this hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a fitness centre and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Lombard Street and Pier 39 are located ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (658 reviews)
Great location with a bit of history for the movie buffs. Easy walk down to Union Square and transport options all around. The staff couldn’t have been more helpful.

Reviewed on 11 Mar 2026

Hotel Julian
Embassy Hotel

Embassy Hotel

2.5 out of 5
610 Polk St San Francisco CA
The price is ₹6,709 per night from 30 Mar to 31 Mar
₹6,709
per night
30 Mar - 31 Mar
Stay at this hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy valet parking (surcharge), a 24-hour front desk and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Lombard Street and Oracle ...
6.6/10 (639 reviews)
I’m hoping someone reads this review because I wish I had read reviews before booking. First, this hotel is not affiliated with Embassy Suites. That’s what I assumed when I booked, but it’s actually a completely separate hotel called The Embassy. It’s located in the Tenderloin District, one of the ...

Reviewed on 10 Mar 2026

Embassy 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.

Other neighbourhoods around Embarcadero

Financial District - Ferry Building

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 showing street scenes

Chinatown

3.5/5(8 area reviews)

Enjoy the popular shops in Chinatown. St. Mary Square 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 which includes skyline and a city

North Beach

4.5/5(129 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 Pier 39 and Washington Square.

North Beach
Union Square featuring a skyscraper and a city

Union Square

4/5(287 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 featuring railway items

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 Warfield Theatre 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

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