Vaillancourt Fountain
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Embarcadero Plaza: San Francisco's Waterfront Gathering Place
A vibrant San Francisco hub where Market Street meets the Embarcadero, offering events, markets, and stunning waterfront views.
Embarcadero Plaza, located at the foot of Market Street in San Francisco, is a vibrant public space offering a mix of activities and stunning views of the waterfront. Formerly known as Justin Herman Plaza, this 1.23-acre plaza is a hub for commuters, tourists, and locals alike, hosting events, markets, and providing access to the iconic Ferry Building.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to Embarcadero Plaza
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
Market St &, Steuart St, San Francisco, Financial District, CA, 94105, US
Monday
12 pm-1:30 pm
Tuesday
12 pm-1:30 pm
Wednesday
12 pm-1:30 pm
Thursday
12 pm-1:30 pm
Friday
12 pm-1:30 pm
Saturday
9 am-9 pm
Sunday
9 am-9 pm
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Getting There
Public Transport
Embarcadero Plaza is directly above the Embarcadero BART and MUNI station, making it easily accessible from anywhere in the Bay Area. From the station, take the escalators or stairs up to the plaza level. MUNI's F Market & Wharves heritage streetcar line also stops at Market and Main (westbound) and Market and Drumm (eastbound), adjacent to the plaza. A single ride on BART costs between $2.15 and $12.80 depending on the distance. A single ride on MUNI costs $2.50.
Walking
From the Ferry Building, cross the Embarcadero and walk west towards Market Street. The plaza is located at the foot of Market Street, directly across from the Ferry Building. The walk is approximately 2 minutes. From Union Square, walk east on Market Street for approximately 20 minutes. The plaza will be on your left.
Taxi/Ride-Share
Taxis and ride-sharing services can drop you off directly at Embarcadero Plaza. The most convenient drop-off location is on Steuart Street at Market Street, on the western edge of the plaza. A short taxi ride from Fisherman's Wharf to Embarcadero Plaza will typically cost $9-12.
Parking
Several parking garages are located near Embarcadero Plaza, including the Embarcadero Center garages and Pier 39 Garage. Weekend rates at the Embarcadero Center garages are around $3 per hour, with a daily maximum of $35. Pier 3 Parking Lot offers limited public parking at $10 per hour, with flat rates on weekends. Street parking is also available, with meter rates ranging from $2 to $4 per hour. Be aware of the risk of car break-ins and avoid leaving valuables in your vehicle.
Local tips
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Visit during the winter holidays to enjoy the festive lights and ice-skating rink.
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Check out the weekly farmers' markets for local produce and goods.
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Take a moment to appreciate the Vaillancourt Fountain, a unique and controversial piece of public art.
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The plaza is a transportation hub, providing easy access to BART, MUNI, and ferries.
Discover more about Embarcadero Plaza
Embarcadero Plaza, situated at the eastern end of Market Street in San Francisco, is a dynamic public space with a rich history. Originally named Justin Herman Plaza when it opened in 1972, it was renamed Embarcadero Plaza in 2017. The plaza's design, led by landscape architect Lawrence Halprin, aimed to create a pedestrian-oriented space connecting downtown to the waterfront.
The plaza has evolved significantly over time. The demolition of the Embarcadero Freeway in 1991, which once overshadowed the area, opened up the plaza to the waterfront and the Ferry Building. Today, Embarcadero Plaza hosts a variety of events, including farmers' markets, concerts, and an ice-skating rink during the winter months. The plaza also features the Vaillancourt Fountain, a large, controversial concrete sculpture designed to counter the noise of the former freeway.
While the plaza encourages movement through the area, it faces challenges such as settlement and drainage issues, and aging concrete structures. Despite these challenges, Embarcadero Plaza remains a vital gathering place, offering a mix of activities and serving as a starting point for exploring San Francisco's waterfront.
A brief summary to Embarcadero Plaza
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