Ocean breeze. Energy everywhere. And views to a kill.
It can only be one thing: The San Francisco Waterfront.
Over the weekend, I did what I like to do as often as possible, and headed to the Embarcadero. There, Clint and I started just north of the (gorgeous, expansive) James R. Herman Cruise Terminal (Pier 27).
And if you do start at the northern end, don’t forget to check out the lush grounds of Levi’s Plaza. Especially on weekends, you may discover your very own oasis, devoid of tourists, and, well, devoid of anyone — at least on this Memorial Day weekend.
If You Go: San Francisco Embarcadero / Waterfront
Places to see and things to do:
The Exploratorium (Pier 15) – interesting tech, hands-on exhibits. Tinker away!
The Ferry Building – shops, casual dining, fruits and beautiful architecture.
Levi’s Plaza – Levi’s Strauss HQ also features a quaint park – a wonderful respite from the sun. Plus, don’t miss the shop inside (open to the public). Also this is a good location to scope out pretty vistas of Coit Tower.
Fisherman’s Wharf (Pier 39) – yes, locals avoid it like the plague. Still, it’s especially fun for new-comers and family-oriented travelers.
Slanted Door (Chef Charles Phan) – hot spot for dining with a view!
Ferry – why not… take a ferry over to the gorgeous town of Sausalito?
Keep an eye open for… public art and featured installations.
Heading south, walking along the waterfront side, we enjoy the views, the fresh air wafting in across the Bay, and, of course, the eclectic energy that you only find in San Francisco; a mix of tourists with cameras, cyclists and joggers, quirky-dome in all its avant-garde forms, and wanderlust-seekers alike. All of us, savoring every moment.
We head past the Exploratorium (another don’t miss!). Then past The Waterfront Restaurant & Cafe. Past? Yes, I highly recommend the Waterfront for a casual dining experience, it’s a nice place to relax your sore feet, and enjoy a glass of wine or beer to be sure. But, on this day, I had one thing on mind: a steamed bun. Those of the kind you might find only at The Ferry Building. A $3 treat awaiting my visit. That, and, of course, Vietnamese Spring Rolls. It’s why I love the place so much — you can dabble in various good eats to your heart’s content, without breaking the bank, while enjoying delectable variety.
2nd course. Oysters. With horseradish, vinegar, lemon juice. #sanfrancisco #itcouldbeworse
A photo posted by Stark Insider (@starkinsider) on
The afternoon would not be complete without a visit — of course! — to the always reliable and delicious Humphry Slocombe (as in, Humphry Slocombe! the money shot). This routine is nothing new. Recently, when I headed to the Sausalito Art Festival (Wanderlust Video: Sausalito Art Festival via Ferry), I found myself capping a wonderful day at the exact same place. You can vicariously experience that art-filled and sun-soaked adventure in the Stark Insider episode below:
WATCH: Sausalito Art Festival adventure begins at Ferry Building ends with scoop of refreshing Humphry Slocombe
Another marvelous, invigorating day along the San Francisco waterfront. Only one question remains: When can I do it all over again?
Below, a photo tour of the Embarcadero and San Francisco waterfront. Stark Insider hopes to see you in around the San Francisco Bay Area this summer!
IN PHOTOS: Wanderlust along the sun-soaked Embarcadero & San Francisco waterfront
