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Description and Basic Information ::
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This wonderful boulevard, also known as Herb Caen way, (named for the late, great San Francisco columnist) has undergone a vast transformation.
This street used to lie in the shadows of the old Embarcadero Freeway, which was torn down after the 1989 Earthquake. This was also the old seedy, longshoreman’s district, with decrepit piers, and scary creatures inhabiting the darkness. The freeway is no more, and this sunny part of the city is open for business!
Healthy, huge Canary Palms stretch their arms out to the sun, from brand new Pac Bell Park, on the South end, past the Bay Bridge, and out to Pier 39 at the North. Today, the Embarcadero glistens with style, sunshine, history and activity. The centerpiece is the historic Ferry Building, which has been around since the turn of the Twentieth Century. It is a meeting point for most of the ferry traffic coming and going, and a picturesque building facing the Bay. The South Beach Marina has many boats for charter, plus restaurants that welcome hungry customers. Pier 35 is the San Francisco’s Liner terminal, and occasionally gleaming white passenger liners stand tall against the city’s radiant backdrop.
The new F Line, light rail system, runs historic streetcars up and down the Embarcadero to the delight of tourists and locals. This system, connects with the Market Street line and continues all the way to the Castro District. These brightly colored cars, can be seen chugging slowly up and down, passing the palm trees, cars, and pedestrians strolling by.
There are many new, and old restaurants, bars and cafes that dot this marvelous avenue. Some of the hot spots include Boulevard, Farralon and Gordon Biersch. A bit more unique is Pier 23, which is a fine little place to grab a bite, catch some live jazz, drink a beer and watch the world sail by. There is also Red’s Java Hut, an old fashioned coffee joint, still going strong.
Take a leisurely walk, drive, pedicab, roller blade, bicycle or streetcar up the Embarcadero. It has a whole new look, and offers a great way to enjoy a warm day in San Francisco. |
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