Rollaboard Travel - Tips on Traveling Light

Embark on the Best of San Francisco: Travel the Embarcadero
By Barbara Wade © 2009, All Rights Reserved

Flanked by a revitalized downtown district and the San Francisco Bay, the Embarcadero (Spanish for “the place to embark”) certainly lives up to its name. Stretching from the intersection of 2nd and King streets near the Bay Bridge and AT&T Park to Pier 45 at Fisherman’s Wharf, this waterfront roadway is a direct line to the best of San Francisco.

Boutique hotel accommodations, sights, shopping, farmers’ markets, entertainment and exquisite food are within easy reach of the Embarcadero. Whether you choose to explore via a traditional cable car ride, by car or on foot, bring your camera and your appetite. Photo opportunities and culinary delights will surround you at every turn in this area of San Francisco.

Luxury Hotel Lodging Puts You in the Heart of the City

Whether traveling for business or pleasure, sightseeing is more convenient in the downtown district of San Francisco with a luxury hotel on the waterfront. Scout the local attractions, then return to your room to store your treasures before heading out for more treasure-hunting or dinner and a show.

The Highlights of the Embarcadero

As you make your way up the Embarcadero, you’ll find many of San Francisco’s best-loved sights:

Rincon Park – Cupid’s Span

Practically everyone has crooned along with legendary singer Tony Bennett as his golden voice sang, “I left my heart in San Francisco.” As a tribute to that classic, sculptors Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen erected Cupid’s Span in Rincon Park in 2003. The bow, with its arrow implanted in the ground, overlooks the San Francisco Bay.

Ferry Building Marketplace

This exuberant marketplace bustles with a flurry of visitors each day searching for the freshest and most unique food and other goodies. Fishmongers offer local varieties of fish caught from the bay. Gourmet chocolates, artisan cheeses, organic produce and other delicious treats can also be found. Enjoy lunch bayside at one of the many exceptional restaurants and cafes, then browse through the large selection of shops located in the Market or from the many local growers’ produce during the weekend’s farmers’ market.

The Embarcadero Center

The Embarcadero Center offers seasonal fun including an ice skating rink from November until January plus year-round attractions such as the Farmer’s Market and the Embarcadero Center Cinema. The cinema is home to many high-profile independent films and ranks nationally among the most successful and prestigious theaters.

Fisherman’s Wharf

An easy ride, compliments of the F Market streetcars, takes you to the world-famous Fisherman’s Wharf. Visit Pier 39 where you’ll meander through a traditional boardwalk atmosphere complete with video arcade, street performers and more. Not to be missed are the sea lions, who have their own docks for dozing; shops filled with souvenirs; family-oriented entertainment and a variety of scrumptious food from street vendors to fine dining.

Gaze across the bay and you’ll see Angel Island, Alcatraz Island (home to the infamous former prison), the Golden Gate Bridge, the Bay Bridge and other popular landmarks of San Francisco.

Boutique hotel accommodations on the Embarcadero also grant you easy access to Moscone Convention Center, Union Square, AT&T Park (home of the San Francisco Giants) and North Beach, just to name a few of the many accessible destinations.

From cuisine to cultural events and food to family fun, the Embarcadero district of San Francisco makes for an exciting destination. Plot your course along this waterfront path and you’ll quickly see why its sights and atmosphere capture the hearts of all who come.

Author Bio

Barbara Wade writes articles for Harbor Court Hotel, a San Francisco boutique hotel. The convenience of staying in the Embarcadero district is yours when you book today. Visit http://www.harborcourthotel.com for reservations.