Embarcadero Tours and Tickets

There are plenty of ways to experience the Embarcadero. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• City Cruises San Francisco: Premier Brunch Cruise

• Alcatraz and Fisherman's Wharf Tour, plus Cruise and Skystar Options

• San Francisco Full-Day Tour by Cable Car and on Foot

• Private Walking Tour of San Francisco

• Private City Tour of San Francisco

While it’s free to visit the Embarcadero independently, there are plenty of affordable tours that can help you learn more about the waterfront area. Walking tours that visit the area start at just US$49, while hop-on hop-off bus tours start at US$57, and cruises that depart from the Embarcadero begin at US$101.

There’s rarely a bad time of day to visit the Embarcadero—the bustling waterfront area boasts a range of attractions, and offers impressive views of the surrounding scenery. If you’re looking to beat the crowds, aim for a weekday morning; however, don’t miss the Saturday farmers market at the Ferry Building.

There’s rarely a bad time of year to visit the Embarcadero—or San Francisco more generally—but if you can, aim for the spring months. Unlike summer, which often brings additional cool fog to the city, spring is often clearer and brighter, and features pleasant weather (plus whale-watching opportunities).

The Embarcadero directly overlooks the San Francisco Bay and offers up-close views of the Bay Bridge, so it’s a great place for waterfront sightseeing. The area is also home to popular landmarks including the historic Ferry Building and its weekly farmers market. Other attractions include the Exploratorium and San Francisco Railway Museum.

Yes, the Embarcadero is generally accessible to disabled visitors. The waterfront area has wide, level paths that are accessible to wheelchair users, while attractions such as the Ferry Building and the Exploratorium are also broadly accessible (though crowds may sometimes inhibit access). Many boat tours, including the Alcatraz Island ferry, are also wheelchair accessible.