San Francisco's waterfront has been two decades in the making and it is still growing with big opportunities ahead. It is becoming more and more vibrant in both directions as it adds layers of activations and it is well on its way to becoming one of the top waterfronts in the world.
The Waterfront Core
Much of the attractions of the San Francisco waterfront happen at the piers. The connections between them are pleasant pedestrian walkways guiding visitors from destination to destination in an engaging way with great views of the water.
Piers 47 - 39
Pier 47-43 Fisherman's Wharf & Piers 43-39 Pier 39
Google View of connections into downtown
San Francisco has developed along a waterfront that is very deep, which allows for a great collection of activities by the water and inland. This gives nearby neighborhoods opportunities to connect and build off of the historic waterfront, weaving it effectively into the urban fabric of San Francisco.
Promenade
A wide promenade punctuated with kiosks, trees, and sculptures along its length leads visitors to the destinations at the piers in a relaxing and enjoyable way. Impressive ships and boats capture attention from various vantage points.
View west toward Fisherman's Wharf and east toward the aquarium and the passenger ship terminal
View west toward Golden Gate Bridge
Pier 39
Pier 39 has a great layering of amenities, shops, entertainment options, and eateries. At every step your senses are engaged with the smells of clam chowder and the ocean, sounds of children laughing on the carousel, music from the shops, and the chatter of the crowds, and the sight of countless charming shops to explore. The fact that it is on two floors connected by stairways and bridges gives it double the density of things to experience.
Water-based activity
As any good waterfront should, San Francisco's offers a variety of water-based activities such as boat tours and cruises.
Other assets - "Aquarium of the Bay"
A mix of big and small attractions is a great way to keep people coming back, and one of the San Francisco waterfront's bigger attractions is a popular destination for locals and visitors alike - the aquarium.
Access - Street Cars
Accessibility is essential for great public places. People can't enjoy a place if they can't reach it. In San Francisco, accessibility is an attraction in itself as historic street cars transport people to and fro.
Fisherman's Wharf
Fisherman's Wharf is perhaps the SF waterfront's most popular destination. Its combination of history, culture, great eateries and entertainment make it one of the city's biggest treasures.
Amenities along the water include focal points like sculptures, kiosks, and small clusters of activities, attracting people by offering a variety of options for things to see and do.
San Francisco's waterfronts are a series of hubs off of which community activity has continued to grow.
Ferry Terminal
Market Street Plaza
San Francisco's waterfront is one of the best in North America. It is enjoyable, exciting, and unique and it makes the most of the city's natural treasures, culture, and history. It's no wonder that the waterfront is one of the most characteristic parts of the city and its main tourist draw. Other cities by the water can find inspiration in what San Francisco has been doing to enhance this great asset.
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Our Network at the Global Placemaking Summit in Mexico City 10/23
Fred Kent
SLP Founders and Article Authors Kathy and Fred, Flaneurs of Public Life.