Stretching along the water and offering unobstructed views of the bay, this area is one of the best in the city for a walk, jog, or bike ride. Of Course, food, drink, and entertainment take top billing here, too.
History: Now one of the most picturesque neighborhoods in the city, the Embarcadero was darkened for 30 years by a freeway that walled off San Francisco from its own gorgeous bay–an error that was finally corrected in 1991 in the wake of the Loma Prieta earthquake.
Don’t Miss: The walkway along the back side of AT&T Park, home of the eight-time world champion San Francisco Giants, offers views that even a Dodgers fan could appreciate. Keep walking along the Embarcadero and pay homage to Cupid’s Span, one of the city’s most memorable public art fixtures, before reaching the Ferry Building Marketplace— a spacious, sunlit treasure trove of artisanal eats. Then head toward Pier 15, where the Exploratorium offers hours of hands-on wonder for kids and adults alike.