Embarcadero

Conveniently located within walking distance of Union Square, the Financial District, and Nob Hill, the Waterfront (Embarcadero) is a tourist haven that locals actually enjoy as well. With Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz ferries leaving from practically every pier, you can pretty much be prepared to be mobbed by tourists, but that's okay, because they are joined by joggers, bikers, and professionals grabbing a bite to eat at one of the many cafes, restaurants, and food stands nearby.

Perhaps it is the restaurants that attract the people, and the great views that keep them there. Or perhaps the views are what got the restaurants here in the first place. Either way, with Alcatraz (I know, twice in one review), the Bay Bridge, and the East Bay in the background over the water, many people are drawn here for a slight reprieve from the rest of downtown San Francisco. However, few of these visitors actually live here, as real estate is astronomically high.

The Embarcadero is one of the most visited places in San Francisco by tourists and by San Franciscans alike. There are an endless number of things to here. For tourists, Coit Tower is one of the must-see places when coming to San Francisco; not only that but the various shops and little diners along the waterfront. The Aquarium of the Bay is not located in the Embarcadero, but it is rather close, it is right next to Pier 39. The aquarium is a great place to take the kids, as I’ve experienced when I was younger. And to this day, the aquarium still does not cease to amaze me. There are also various local diners across the waterfront with great food. The Farmers’ Market is also a must-visit site. Next would be the San Francisco Ferry Building, taking the ferry across the bay is a great way to start a tour of San Francisco, but be warned, some people may easily get sea sick on the ferry as it does tend to rock back and forth more occasionally than you would think.

There is a little “island” in front of the ferry building where a lot of fixed gear bikers like to cultivate, walking by or driving by you will see from crazy tricks that they’ll pull off. The Embarcadero has it all. There is also a good number of MUNI train and bus stops across the area. Traffic gets heavy at some points during the day, especially during the weekends and big holidays, especially American holidays.

Lastly, living in the Embarcadero would be pretty great as the apartments and condos are large and extravagant. There are also a good number of big name 4/5 star hotels in the Embarcadero.

Ah! The Embarcadero! I wish I lived in this neighborhood. You have waterfront views and tons of fresh air. Its also a very convenient location as you are really close to Fisherman’s Wharf. Maybe back in the 80’s this wasn’t a great neighborhood, but not it is very spiffy and there has been a lot of renovation over the years.

The Waterfront Embarcadero area is a fun part of the city to visit. There is Pier 14, which is a large stretch of sidewalk, as well as Pier 7, which has great views of the city. Of course, there is also the Embarcadero Center which seems to have a lot of traditional mall shops like the Gap and Nine West. The Embarcadero Center is really nothing too special, but if you need those stores, you have 'em handy.

This neighborhood also offers a huge farmer’s market on the weekend. It is a very nice high-end market with all kinds of delicious food and cooking demonstrations.

In Rincon Park, there is the cool 60 ft tall Cupid’s Span sculpture made out of fiberglass. I happen to love Claes Oldenburg's work and I was really impressed when I first saw this sculpture. A bit of history- Cupid's Span is supposed to symbolize where Tony Bennett "left his heart in San Francisco."

A lot of people come to the Embaradero for New Years Eve. I have always thought that would be a fun place to check out the fireworks, but I have never wanted to deal with the traffic.

San Francisco’s waterfront district, The Embarcadero, is a picturesque cornerstone of the city. The neighborhood is mostly commercial, however there are several luxury apartments towers and condominium developments that boast epic views of downtown and the San Francisco Bay. The Embarcadero, a boulevard that runs right along the Bay is popular with joggers and sightseers. Starting under the Bay Bridge, The Embarcadero stretches alongside San Francisco’s piers—all the way to Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39. South of Market are several excellent high-end restaurants such as Boulevard, Ozuma, Chaya and Café Americano at the Hotel Vitale—a boutique hotel where you can treat yourself to fabulous spa treatments and a private rooftop mud bath.

One of the Embarcadero’s most popular destinations is The Ferry Building—a newly renovated terminal that houses a huge farmer’s market, gourmet shops, a wine bar and restaurants including the wildly popular Slanted Door. As its name suggests, The Ferry Building is also the point of departure for several ferries that provide service to cities across the Bay.

Further along the Embarcadero are the Golden Gate Tennis Club, Teatro Zinzanni and the Fog City Diner—all worth a visit. The interior area of the Embarcadero is also chocked full of great things to do and see. The Embarcadero Mall is a four-building stretch of shops, restaurants, a large independent movie house (The Embarcadero Cinemas) and The Punch Line Comedy Club.

The Embarcadero is also where San Francisco’s legendary Barbary Coast roared during California’s Gold Rush. There are several fascinating walking tours of the area that are worth checking out. Also, if you are up for a hike, try climbing the hundreds of stairs up Telegraph Hill to Coit Tower. The steps begin near Levi Plaza where Filbert Street ends. Look for Napier Lane, a car-free sidewalk path that passes many adorable hillside dwellings and offers fantastic views of the Bay. You may also see the famous Telegraph Hill parrots—a wild colony of tropical birds that call San Francisco home.

Waterfront is a great neighborhood for jogging, walking, skateboarding, and just being outdoors. The Embarcadero is to the east with Fisherman’s Wharf and other busy commercial areas along the way, making for some fairly heavy traffic in this area.

If you are entertaining guests from out of town, a short jaunt to the Wharf is ideal. Yes, it is a love hate relationship for most local San Franciscans, but you must admit, it’s a little fun. Throngs of tourists blocking views of Alcatraz, cheesy novelty shops, and fresh Dungeness crab. Be sure to take your guests out to a nice dinner at A. Sabella’s. No wharf-dredging jogging suits allowed. This restaurant features the best crab cocktail on the wharf and will satisfy your sweet tooth with Blum’s Coffee Crunch cake (a well known dessert in San Francisco).

Great paths for running and strolling are all around the neighborhood. Parking can be bad and it’s not unusual to spend thirty minutes trying to find a parking spot blocks and blocks away from your destination. Waterfront is a great place to visit, but I wouldn’t want to live there.

If you enjoy a thriving city life with lots of people, this area is for you. On the east side of the area is the Embarcadero, a lovely stretch of road perfect for cars. For bikers, you can either use the bike lane or enjoy the wide sidewalks which have a sometimes bike path. You'll often see skateboarders and runners along the way over here too.

This area leads to Fisherman's Wharf (heavy tourist area) as you continue north and as you head south, you'll find yourself nearing the Financial District and PacBell Park. Along the whole route, expect to find lots of people walking around and traffic while you're driving. Also prepare for heavy delays during rush hour heading south (people trying to get on the Bay Bridge) and during baseball season as the Giants game traffic causes detours just a bit south.