Stroller Hikes: Embarcadero

Embarcadero

Location

The Embarcadero runs from King Street at the Baseball Park, along the bay North to the Marina of San Francisco, ending at Pier 45. It is a very urban part of the Bay Trail.

The trail can be accessed at any point along its length; park along one of the many cross streets to Embarcadero or in one of the many city parking garages. Some great assembly points for groups include:

The Baseball Park near King and Embarcadero. Meet at the front entrance by Willie May's statue, or North of the park, at the very tall, rotating, red metal sculpture.
The Bow and Arrow Sculpture at the corner of Folsom and Embarcadero.
The Renovated Ferry Building, just North of the intersection of Embarcadero and Mission St.
The Wooden Walkway and Benches South of the Marina South of Fisherman's Wharf, South of North Point Street and Embarcadero.
The Mariner's Museum at 900 Beach Street.

Attractions:

The trail is entirely paved and very wide.
Gorgeous views across the bay to Treasure Island and beyond, good boat sightings, historic pier landmarks (many labelled along the way), and views of bridges and Coit Tower.
Wildlife include seals, sea lions, sea gulls, and other sea birds.
There are several places along the trail to take a break, including nicely landscaped small parks and lawns, benches, and cafes.
There are pay toilets along the trail, and very nice restrooms in the renovated ferry building.
The renoated ferry building is a mecca for business folk seeking high-quality lunch fare, and locals wanting to buy freshly grown and made foods. The farmers market here is a zoo, but small shops open daily include Cow Girl Creamery (cheeses), Miete (pastries), Stonehouse (olive oil), and more.
There are city maps along the route, so you can see where you are with respect to neighborhoods and other sites of interest.
The trail is littered with a great deal of art, including realistic sculptures of sea turtles and octopus, as well as huge sculptures of people and a bow and arrow. Inspirational phrases and historical statements occur all along the pavement of the trail.
Dogs are allowed on leash.
Bikes are allowed (and can be rented at one of the piers).

Limitations:

The traffic along the Embarcadero can be loud.
If you're looking for a hike in nature, this isn't your hike. This is as urban as they get.

Season:

Year round, all day. Not recommended at night, but the trail is never closed per se.

Fees:

None for trail use or access. Parking can be expensive, depending on when you visit (holidays, Sundays, and early mornings are free or cheap) and if you use a meter or lot.

Maps & More Information:

Maps are posted along the trail, occasionally. The trail runs alongside the well labelled Embarcadero (a street), so it's not likely you would get lost.
SF Chronicle's Map of Waterfront Sites: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/object.cgi?paper=chronicle&file=MNCITY1.DTL&directory=/c/a/2004/10/17&type=columnists&object=/chronicle/pictures/2004/10/17/mn_embarcmap_gate.gif

Handicapped Access:

The Embarcadero is flat and entirely paved, making it an all-access area.

Recommended routes:

Full length of Embarcadero plus to Maritime Museum:
Begin at the Baseball Park, where the Embarcadero begins, and Walk North along the Bay-side of the street. Enjoy the several art installments along the way, as well as placards and plaques with historical and inspirational sentiments, respectively. Stop along the way to take in the views or walk down one of the open piers (like Pier 7) to get closer to passing boats, fishing activity, or wildlife. The renovated ferry building bursts with aromas of fresh food, and bustles at lunch time and on weekends. Continue past the marina, to Fisherman's Wharf area, then continue until Embarcadero ends, fording you left for a block onto Taylor Street. Take a right along Jefferson and continue along the paved path to the Maritime Museum, an oval building in the middle of a park, usually peppered with vendors and picnicing people. Turn back the way you came, or earlier, as it suits you. Total distance is up to 6.4 miles.