Perfect Day along the Northern Waterfront

Spend a perfect day along San Francisco's iconic and picturesque shoreline.

Have more Perfect Days in San Francisco

overhead photo of filipino fusion food

1. Start your day at the Ferry Building, home to many merchants and chefs, along with regular farmers market. Grab coffee and a meal to enjoy on the back plaza watching the ferries come and go and enjoying the breathtaking bay views.   

photo of a pedicab riding along the Embarcadero

2. Hail a pedicab for a quick ride down the Embarcadero towards Pier 39 for a day by the bay. Or enjoy riding aboard one of the colorful historic streetcars that travel up and down the Embarcadero. 

photo of a ferry boat on the water

3. Get on the water with a bay tour aboard Blue & Gold Fleet at Pier 41 or Red & White Fleet at Pier 43. Opt for the Alcatraz Island Ferry at Pier 31 to tour the infamous prison site. Or hop aboard the SF Water Taxi for a more intimate tour of the San Francisco waterfront.  

photo of a plate of crab legs and french fries

4. Grab lunch at Pier 23 Café. Dine out on the patio enjoying small plates, salads, sandwiches and fresh seafood. Take a streetcar, pedicab or walk back to the Ferry Building. 

photo of large arrow sculpture with the Bay Bridge in the background

5. Explore public art with a stroll down the Embarcadero to see Cupid’s Span at Rincon Park, BOW at Pier 22, Tidal Columns at Brannan Street Wharf Park, and Sea Change at South Beach Harbor.

Photo of the a dive bar at sunset by the waterfront

6. Take a break at Waterbar near Rincon Park or Hi Dive near Pier 28 for beer and cocktails.

Aerial photo of Oracle Park

7. Catch a baseball game at Oracle Park. Considered among the best major league ballparks in the nation, the park offers picturesque views of the bay and plenty of food and drink options both inside and beyond the park.

photo of a wooden pier with the Transamerica building in the background

8. Views of the Bay Bridge and downtown San Francisco from Pier 7's wooden pier on The Embarcadero is a photographer’s favorite. 

photo of the moon exhibit at the Exploratorium

9. Located on The Embarcadero at Pier 15, Exploratorium is a public learning laboratory exploring the world through art, science and human perception. Be sure to check out the After Dark event every Thursday evening. 

photo of a wall of B&W photos in a gallery

10. Pier 24 Photography, located on The Embarcadero, is dedicated to collecting, preserving and exhibiting photography. Its extensive collection with gorgeous views of the Bay are unlike anything else in the City. Pier 24 Photography is free and open to the public weekdays by appointment. 

photo collage of southern waterfront

The Waterfront extends more than 7.5 miles. Keep going along the southern Waterfront, with more iconic views, excursion into nature, and world class experiences.

photo collage of Fisherman's Wharf

Fisherman's Wharf is a world-famous tourist destination - not to be missed! For history buffs, here's a self-guided tour of the neighborhood's Legacy Businesses.

Getting to the Waterfront

Getting around the waterfront is simple and fun. Destinations on the waterfront are walkable and provide plenty of places to stop and shop, take a break or catch another mode of transit. There are a variety of convenient transit options to explore the Port. Ferry travel offers a comfortable, convenient and stress-free journey. SF Muni streetcars and buses are available across the waterfront. Take a ride on the F Historic streetcars that run between the Ferry Building and Fisherman's Wharf. The T Third metro line runs between Embarcadero Station to the Giants ballpark, Crane Cove Park and south towards Islais Creek. 

Map of SF with Waterfront
About the Waterfront

Whether you are looking for a weekend getaway with the whole family, an afternoon drink with friends or a quiet day to yourself, there are plenty of opportunities for adventures at the Port. Visitors to the waterfront can enjoy hundreds of activities, enjoy diverse cuisines, sightsee, experience some of the most iconic views and attractions in San Francisco and create memories that will last a lifetime. From Fisherman’s Wharf to Heron’s Head Park, the possibilities are endless! 

 

A Perfect Day along the Waterfront was curated by The Port of San Francisco, who manages 7.5 miles of waterfront that is home to popular destinations and attractions, historic districts, small businesses and robust maritime opportunities. The Port works to advance environmentally and financially sustainable maritime, recreational, and economic opportunities for the City, Bay Area, and California.

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Shop Dine SF is an initiative of the Office of Small Business, and the Office of Economic and Workforce Development.

Its aim is to bring attention to the local businesses and neighborhood corridors.

Spending money at local small businesses helps merchants, creates jobs, and is critical to San Francisco's economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

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