Come and explore piers, parks and panoramas. A day on San Francisco’s waterfront. One of my all time favourite cities and somewhere I return to again and again. Let’s begin at a city icon, the Ferry Building.
The Ferry Building
Opened in 1898, the Ferry Building was a busy transportation hub for the city where ferry boats, rail passengers and those using the city’s network of trams all converged. By the 1950’s the building was converted into offices and was in a sad state of repair. Fast forward to now. Restored back to its former glory the building’s historic grand hall now houses some of areas best artisanal food producers and the plaza outside hosts a vibrant weekly farmers market.
The Embarcadero
Carry on walking along the Embarcadero where you’ll get some great views of some other San Francisco landmarks. The TransAmerica Building, once the city’s tallest building was completed in 1972. It’s unique pyramid shape isn’t only aesthetic, it also contributes to it’s structural stability especially against earthquakes. Walk down Pier 7 for some amazing views.
Another San Francisco landmark is the Coit Tower. This 210 foot tall Art Deco tower sits on Telegraph Hill. It was built in 1933 using money bequeathed by Lillie Hitchcock-Coit. As well as offering panoramic views of the city from the top, the interior features murals created by 26 artists depicting various aspects of life in California in the 1930’s.
At Pier 15 you’ll find The Exploratorium, a museum of science, technology and arts founded by physicist and educator Frank Oppenheimer in 1969. It was moved from its original location at the Palace of Fine Arts to here in 2013. You can find more information here.
As you walk along the waterfront you’ll pass various old warehouses and the San Francisco Cruise Terminal, continue until you reach Alcatraz Landing at Pier 33. This is where the boats depart to take you to Alcatraz Island. I’d highly recommend doing this tour, it’s very informative and shows the reality of being imprisoned on ‘The Rock’. Book tickets well ahead as they sell out fast. Click here.
Pier 39
From here walk along to Pier 39. Most people who live in San Francisco will tell you to avoid this area as it can be a little touristy and tacky but I say go and enjoy it. Yes it’s full of tourist trinket shops, a Hard Rock Cafe and a lot of other trashy stuff but there’s also the Aquarium of the Bay and of course the famous sea lions.
Next stop along the Embarcadero is the world famous Fisherman’s Wharf. Another big tourist attraction but definitely still worth a visit. Here you’ll find the famous sign, some fabulous views of Alcatraz Island and a whole host of shops, bars and restaurants.
Fisherman’s Wharf
Just at the end of fisherman’s wharf is the historic Hyde Street Pier. The pier is part of the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park and includes various historical ships some of which are available to tour.
Hyde Street Pier
Take a left up Hyde Street to where it crosses with Beach Street. On the corner here you’ll find the Buena Vista famous for bringing the Irish coffee the US. The drink was created here in the 1950’s and the same recipe is still used today.
Across the street you can find the Beach and Hyde cable car turning point with some great opportunities to take some pictures or ride one back into the city centre.
You’re also right next to Ghirardelli Square. This retail and leisure complex was originally the factory for the famous chocolate brand. In the 1960’s when production was moved elsewhere a group of locals purchased the property to prevent demolition and created what we have today.
Ghirardelli Square
Walk back down to the waterfront and the Maritime Museum at Aquatic Park Beach. Very busy during the warmer weather the beach is a popular spot for sunbathing and swimming as well as some fantastic views of the Golden Gate Bridge.
Aquatic Park
Follow the path around and you’ll come to quite a steep hill, walk up it into the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Keep following the path through the park and down past Fort Mason from where you’ll join Marina Boulevard. Enjoy the walk, admiring some of the beautiful property along the waterfront and the boats in the marina. Coming up on your left you’ll see the impressive structures of the Palace of Fine Arts. To get there, cross the road and walk up Baker Street.
The Palace of Fine Arts
The Palace of Fine Arts was originally built for the 1915 Panama Pacific International Exposition. It was designed by Bernard Maybeck in the style of a Greco-Roman ruin and is set around a serene lagoon. It now serves as a venue for events but the outdoor park area is beautiful, free to enter and well worth a visit.
Crissy Field & The Golden Gate Bridge
When you’ve finished admiring the Palace of Fine Arts retrace your steps back to the waterfront and walk down to the Crissy Field Promenade. Walk along here where you’ll get some stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge. If you follow the path it’ll eventually take you to Fort Point right at the bridge. About half way there stop at the Warming Hut where there are toilets and a small refreshment kiosk. It’s a nice place to take a break.
You’ve reached the end point of Piers, parks and panoramas. A day on San Francisco’s waterfront. If you do the walk I hope you enjoy it. If you’re reading about it, I hope it inspires you to visit San Francisco one day.