1852 South Beach Shoreline: A Glimpse into San Francisco's Past
Discover San Francisco's hidden history at the 1852 South Beach Shoreline, a marker revealing the city's incredible transformation through land reclamation and Gold Rush expansion.
The 1852 South Beach Shoreline marker offers a fascinating glimpse into San Francisco's dramatic transformation. Before the Gold Rush, much of the area now occupied by the Financial District and South Beach was underwater. The shoreline ran along what is now King Street. Driven by the booming population and the need for more land, the city embarked on a massive landfill project, using everything from rubble to abandoned ships to extend the shoreline into the bay. Today, a plaque marks the approximate location of that original shoreline, reminding visitors of the incredible engineering feat that shaped modern San Francisco. It's a great spot to reflect on the city's history and imagine what the waterfront looked like over 150 years ago. While there isn't much to 'do' here, it's a worthwhile stop for history buffs exploring the South Beach area, easily combined with a visit to nearby Oracle Park or a stroll along the Embarcadero.
A brief summary to 1852 South Beach Shoreline
- 160 King St, San Francisco, China Basin, California, 94107, US
- Visit website
Local tips
- Combine your visit with a walk along the Embarcadero for stunning bay views and access to other attractions.
- Check out nearby Oracle Park, home of the San Francisco Giants, for a game or tour.
- Explore the South Beach neighborhood's restaurants and cafes for a taste of local flavors.
Getting There
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Public Transport
From the Embarcadero BART station, take the Muni T-Third Street light rail line towards Sunnydale. Exit at the 4th St & King St station. From there, walk west along King Street for a few blocks. The 1852 South Beach Shoreline marker is located near 160 King Street. A single Muni fare is $3.00, or $2.75 if using a Clipper card or the MuniMobile app. A day pass is $5.00, offering unlimited rides on Muni buses, light rail, and streetcars (excluding cable cars).
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Walking
From the Ferry Building, walk south along the Embarcadero, following the waterfront promenade. Continue past Pier 40 and Oracle Park. Turn left onto King Street. The 1852 South Beach Shoreline marker is located a short distance along King Street near 160 King Street. The walk is approximately 1.5 miles and takes about 30 minutes.
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Taxi/Ride-Share
From Union Square, a taxi or ride-share to 160 King Street will cost approximately $15-25, depending on traffic and surge pricing. The journey typically takes 15-20 minutes.
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Driving
If driving, navigate to 160 King Street, San Francisco. Parking in the immediate vicinity is limited and can be expensive. Several parking garages are located within a few blocks, with hourly rates ranging from $20-$40. Consider using a parking app like SpotHero or ParkWhiz to find and reserve a spot in advance. Street parking is also available, but be sure to check posted signs for restrictions and time limits. Metered street parking typically costs $3.50 - $12 per hour.
Discover more about 1852 South Beach Shoreline
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
1852 South Beach Shoreline
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