Embarcadero Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

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.

The Embarcadero Plaza has entertainment, fabulous food, a great atmosphere and adventure by the bucket-load.

This wonderful bustling waterfront is always a hit with visitors. The area stretches from AT & T Park, the home of baseball team the San Francisco Giants, to Pier 45, one of San Francisco’s many wonderful piers. There are things to do, see and taste, with restaurants, attractions and open spaces galore. The area also includes Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39. Wander along the bay and take it all in.

Food lovers will be in heaven with the numerous and diverse restaurants on offer and will love the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market held every Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. This market sells some of California’s highest quality organic produce. There are over one hundred stalls to browse, piled high with delicious fresh food, baked goods and pre-prepared meals. Pick up a few treats to take away and enjoy down by the waterfront.

The Ferry Building is well worth a visit. This huge structure is dominated by a 240-foot clock tower in 12th century Spanish style. Sit for a while and indulge in a spot of people watching or grab a bit to eat in one of the gourmet bistros located within the building. Behind the building, there are some stunning views to enjoy across the San Francisco Bay area, and the Bay Bridge to the south of the city

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The Embarcadero has bags of entertainment waiting for visitors to discover. Pier 33 in the Embarcadero Plaza area is over a kilometre north of the Ferry Building. This entertainment hub down by the water is the perfect place to enjoy a coffee and to hop on a tour boat to popular destinations like Alcatraz Island.

The Embarcadero is a relatively flat area of the San Francisco, making it ideal for walking, but cable cars do run alongside it.


Stay near popular Embarcadero attractions

Activities


Our pick of the best Embarcadero Hotel Deals

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 AU$310 per night from 20 July to 21 July
AU$310
20 July - 21 July
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! (7,517 reviews)
"The lobby bar and cafe/market were very convenient. The breakfast buffet was amazing and waiting to be seated was well worth the wait! The parking garage was very convenient but rather pricey. The staff was friendly and helpful. The hotel seemed a little dated….but was clean and the rooms were comfy ..."

Reviewed on 17 July 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 AU$248 per night from 16 Aug to 17 Aug
AU$248
16 Aug - 17 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! (6,001 reviews)
"The room was great! Very clean and comfortable. The city view was beautiful as well. The staff was very accommodating and brought a microwave to our room after we asked."

Reviewed on 17 July 2026

Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG
Hyatt Regency San Francisco

Hyatt Regency San Francisco

4 out of 5
5 Embarcadero Center San Francisco CA
The price is AU$535 per night from 19 July to 20 July
AU$535
19 July - 20 July
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 ...
Hyatt Regency San Francisco
Handlery Union Square Hotel

Handlery Union Square Hotel

3.5 out of 5
351 Geary St San Francisco CA
The price is AU$308 per night from 13 Aug to 14 Aug
AU$308
13 Aug - 14 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 ...
Handlery Union Square Hotel
Hotel Zoe Fisherman's Wharf

Hotel Zoe Fisherman's Wharf

4 out of 5
425 North Point San Francisco CA
The price is AU$313 per night from 16 Aug to 17 Aug
AU$313
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 restaurant and the helpful ...
Hotel Zoe 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 AU$261 per night from 30 July to 31 July
AU$261
30 July - 31 July
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 ...
Hilton San Francisco Financial District
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.

Our guide on 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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