Summary
San Francisco Waterfront Sights
This San Francisco waterfront tour takes you from the Bay Bridge to Pier 39, a distance of about two miles. If that sounds too far for you, don’t worry. If you tire out, the F-Line historic trolley runs along your path, and you can get on at any station along the way.
The Bay Bridge
The Bay Bridge once suffered in comparison to the Golden Gate Bridge across the Bay. However, with the addition of an elegant eastern span and the western span transformed into a piece of artwork, that has changed significantly. The evening display known as the Bay Lights is an artist’s installation of twinkling LEDs that creates a nearly hypnotic effect. To find out where to see them from, you can get all the details in the guide to the Bay Bridge and Bay Lights.
Waterfront Dining
You’ll find two attractively designed restaurants near the Bay Bridge that are tempting for their views and feature gorgeous interiors by designer Pat Kuleto. However, their cuisine does not match the stunning scene, and prices are quite high. Therefore, consider going at lunch to enjoy the ambiance and view without incurring a significant expense.
Rincon Park
This small park is home to an outdoor sculpture that resembles a bow and arrow, aptly named Cupid’s Span. It’s conveniently located next to the fireboat pier, where the boats vent their hoses, and the arching water spray adds to the visual appeal.
Pier 14
In the early 1900s, hundreds of thousands of ferry passengers traveled past Pier 14 to the nearby Ferry Building daily. Today, the rebuilt version is the prime location to enjoy a breathtaking view of the Bay Bridge.
Ferry Building
All those ferry passengers from the past have now been replaced by shoppers and hungry visitors who frequent the artisan food shops and restaurants. The shops are open every day, and on weekends, they are surrounded by a lively farmer’s market.
Herb Caen Way
The sidewalk stretching from Pier 1 to Pier 42 is named Herb Caen Way in honor of the Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist, who wrote for the San Francisco Chronicle for over 50 years. The three dots after “Way” are an homage to Caen’s writing style, which included numerous ellipses. Historical displays, poems, and quotations are integrated into the sidewalk, all worthy of a moment to explore and read. The glass blocks set into the walkway, known as the Embarcadero Ribbon, connect the waterfront with a continuous line of glass blocks surrounded by an inviting concrete walkway.
Pier 7
This public pier extends 900 feet into the Bay, adorned with Victorian-style light fixtures and benches. It is the second longest fishing pier in San Francisco. If you bring your fishing pole, you might catch starry flounder, sea perch, halibut, or striped bass. Alternatively, simply take your camera to capture an Instagram-worthy photo.
The Exploratorium
San Francisco’s renowned hands-on science museum is located at Pier 15. It is such a delight that you might not even realize you are learning something. Furthermore, in the unlikely event you do get bored, the panoramic views of San Francisco Bay from the museum are stunning and worth your time. It’s an excellent stop even if you don’t consider yourself a science enthusiast.
Continue to the Golden Gate Bridge
The waterfront path continues past Pier 27, offering a walk all the way to the Golden Gate Bridge. If you manage to walk from the Ferry Building to Fort Point, congratulations—you will have traversed more than five miles, enjoying the beautiful San Francisco waterfront along the way.
