Embarcadero, San Francisco

February 22, 2016
embarcadero san francisco sea lions pier 39

You may know by now that the reason why this blog is called Memories of the Pacific is that every now and then there is a flashback post to my time living in the Bay Area, near San Francisco. I'm in love with this city for various reasons: the variety of neighborhoods, the stunning and colorful Victorian houses, the fact that it is small but you can find everything... If I had to design the perfect city, it would be based on the City by the Bay.

Today I want to take you to one of my favorite spots: the Embarcadero. It's an avenue that goes along the bay and it's a great place to spend some quality time. There are plenty of shops, restaurants and beautiful views. It's also a great place for jogging or simply going for a walk. I'm going to take you for a stroll stopping at the best places so you can feel as if you were there. Care to join me?

san francisco embarcadero giants at&t

Let's start with the basics. Where are we and where are we heading to? 

The Embarcadero right-of-way begins at the intersection of Second and King Streets near AT&T Park -the San Francisco Giants stadium-, and travels north, passing under the San Francisco–Oakland Bay Bridge (pictured below) and Pier 39, before ending at Pier 45.

san francisco embarcadero bay bridge

One of my favorite views in all of San Francisco is the Bay Bridge lit up at dusk. It’s a magical sight!

You can also find some works of art along the way. This giant bow and arrow near the foot of the Bay Bridge is called Cupid's Span and was a gift from the Gap corporation to the city.

san francisco embarcadero

The Embarcadero continues north past the Ferry Building at Market Street. On weekends you can find one of the best farmer's markets where you can stock up on fresh fruit, veggies and flowers. I devoted a full post to the history behind this San Francisco landmark which you can read here

san francisco embarcadero ferry building

san francisco embarcadero bay bridge

san francisco embarcadero pier

san francisco embarcadero pier

Pier 39 is a shopping center and popular tourist attraction. It's full of colorful sights. You can find famous all-American restaurants such as Hard Rock Cafe or Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. If you have dinner at the later, you will see gorgeous views of the bay at night.

san francisco embarcadero pier 39

san francisco embarcadero pier 39

san francisco embarcadero pier 39

san francisco embarcadero pier 39

san francisco embarcadero pier 39

san francisco embarcadero pier 39

san francisco embarcadero pier 39

san francisco embarcadero pier 39

Apart from all the shops and restaurants, the main attraction is the presence of numerous sea lions resting close-by. California sea lions have always been present in the Bay. They started to haul out on docks of Pier 39 as early as 1989.

From the pier one can also see, Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge. If you want to visit the famous prison you'll have to book in advance since most tours are sold out. It's not the most cheerful place to visit, but it's part of history. You can listen to a very interesting audio recording while walking along the cells. It includes the famous quote “If you break the rules, you go to prison. If you break the prison rules, you go to Alcatraz”. If you are a fan of the film Escape from Alcatraz, visiting it is a must.

san francisco embarcadero pier 39 sea lions

Last but not least we arrive at Fisherman's Wharf. It is one of the busiest and best known tourist attractions in the western United States. Seafood restaurants are aplenty in the area and you can't leave without trying the most famous dish, clam chowder served in a sourdough bread bowl.

san francisco fisherman's wharf

san francisco embarcadero golden gate bridge

san francisco embarcadero alcatraz

Hungry for more? Find other San Francisco posts here.

You can keep up to date by following Memories of the Pacific on
Bloglovin'

Cristina xo

37 comments

  1. Love SF, and this post makes me want to visit! Lovely photos!

    www.rdsobsessions.com

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  2. Beautiful place and pics!!

    http://julesonthemoon.blogspot.it/

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  3. San Francisco actually does look wonderful! Great photos you took there, I wished I could visit San Francisco one day, too. ♥

    Best wishes,
    Liebste Grüße
    Gilda

    ReplyDelete
  4. Really enjoyed reading this. Would love it if you could check out my Fashion Week lookbook!

    Kisses xo | From Aliona With Love

    ReplyDelete
  5. Hola guapa..te acabo de leer en mi blog te sigo por GFC te espero de nuevo para que me sigas.
    Besos!

    ReplyDelete
  6. I hope to visit San Francisco someday, lovely pictures! ♡

    angiespana.com

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  7. beautiful photos =o) i have family who lives in SF and i love visiting them and going to Pier 39

    http://dreamofadventures.blogspot.com/

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  8. Followed you back! Why not also follow each other on Instagram? :)

    www.cielofernando.com
    FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM

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  9. Great photos, I love San Fran
    xo
    www.laurajaneatelier.com

    ReplyDelete
  10. Such a beautiful place! xo

    http://www.aimeroseblog.com

    ReplyDelete
  11. I pinned some of these photos, absolutely beautiful!!

    -Lor // acozyspace.wordpress.com

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  12. Very nice pictures. I've never been in San Francisco but the pictures look very nice !

    Patty:)
    http://www.measlychocolate.de

    ReplyDelete
  13. Love your post about the place dear. I have a connection with the place as my close Uncle have been living in San Francisco for years. He keep telling me the stories. The place is beautiful. Love your post..:)

    http://www.colossalcloset.in/the-unusual-the-vivacious-the-w-woman/

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  14. This place looks amazing
    I would love to walk along the bay area

    The Bandwagon Chic | Instagram | Bloglovin | Snapchat: bandwagonchic

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  15. Dear, I follow you back now #99
    xoxo

    www.bekleveer.com

    ReplyDelete
  16. Love San francisco, such a cool place full of hippies ;) Bisous, Sand.
    .
    5 GIVEAWAYS on my blog
    www.taimemode-fashionblog.com

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  17. So amazing photos!! I would love to visit San Francisco someday!
    xx
    http://rockmyboots.blogspot.com.es/

    ReplyDelete
  18. Hello dear! Your blog is fantastic!

    Following your blog. Hope you will follow back. Follower # 100 WOW!

    Un Angolo Di Gioia

    ReplyDelete
  19. GREAT PHOTOS! :)
    I LIKE YOUR BLOG. FOLLOW YOU ;)
    HOPE YOU FOLLOW ME BACK.
    xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  20. great post! love the photos. follow on GFC? x
    http://therunwhy.blogspot.mx/

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  21. Oh I want to spend my holiday there and take so many photos at the bay!
    Great photos!

    http://chelsheaflo.blogspot.co.id/2016/02/high-school-gingham.html

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  22. I've never been to San Francisco but it's one of the cities I want to visit so badly! It seems like such a pretty, summery city...

    Bold Bliss
    http://boldblissblog.com

    ReplyDelete
  23. Wonderful shots! What about to follow each other on gfc?

    How to style a SWEATSHIRT on
    lb-lc fashion blog

    ReplyDelete
  24. nice photos<3

    xo,

    www.sahara-desert.com

    ReplyDelete
  25. Very nice pictures! Wonderful shots.
    Good vibes, Fox
    check out my latest Vlog
    -www.rochellefox.com.au

    ReplyDelete
  26. I love San Francisco! I went there last fall and I just feel in love with the city right away. I can't wait to go back there at some time. Loved seeing all of these photos :)

    www.thesparklingdarling.com

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  27. Such lovely views and boats!!!

    I am following your blog via GFC and Bloglovin and I would love it if you followed me back, thanks :3

    thisblogbelongstosabi.blogspot.com
    Walking Freckle

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  28. Absolutely gorgeous photos, looks like you had lots of fun!

    My Little Online Space

    ReplyDelete
  29. I love SF! Wonderful pics!
    I follow you, i hope you follow enjoy <3

    http://pinkfreezeblog.blogspot.it/

    ReplyDelete
  30. such a great place! and I'm really love San Francisco :)

    Would you like to support each other by follow on GFC & G+?
    Please Let me know if you follow me and I’ll follow back asap!

    Love xx
    Official Seol ♥

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  31. Just passing by dear
    Have a great week

    The Bandwagon Chic | Instagram | Bloglovin | Snapchat: bandwagonchic

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  32. San Francisco looks beautiful and it's nice to throw it back sometimes
    I'm yet to travel to America this year
    thanks for giving me an insight
    xxx
    Winnie
    itsjustwinnie.blogspot.co.uk/

    ReplyDelete
  33. Great photos - I so want to visit one day! Reminds me a bit of Navy Pier but slightly better because everything seems to be cooler and better in SF!

    xx, Caitlin
    www.wandererandwolf.com

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  34. Oh the amazing blue skies of Cali.... I miss them so much. Looks like a lovely time. Great photos too. Thanks for linking up to Share With Me #sharewithme

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