Photographing San Francisco: Digital Field Guide

Chapter 9. Embarcadero

A view of the Embarcadero clock tower taken just after sunrise on a clear summer morning. Taken at ISO 400, f/8, 1/1250 second with a 14–24mm lens.

Why It's Worth a Photograph

The Embarcadero is the eastern waterfront section of the Port of San Francisco and runs along San Francisco Bay. It begins just south of the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge and continues north, passing under it. The Embarcadero continues north along the waterfront past the Ferry Building and Fisherman's Wharf before ending at Pier 45. Many historical piers make up the Central Embarcadero Piers Historical District. Piers 1–5 were designed in the Beaux-Arts style, combining classical Greek and Roman architecture with Renaissance ideas. The San Francisco Ferry Building is modeled after La Giralda Cathedral in Seville, Spain, and is located in the busiest section of the Embarcadero. Once, many cable car lines converged in front of the Ferry Building, but these have now been replaced with streetcar lines. This area was also one of the busiest areas of foot traffic in the world. Today, the Embarcadero is a vital pedestrian, boat, automobile, and streetcar thoroughfare that takes advantage of its unique location in the City on the Bay. The Embarcadero is a wonderful spot to spend hours photographing the incredible sites down along the waterfront.

Where Can I Get the Best Shot?

You can photograph ...