The allure of the sea is very powerful. If there’s one thing the San Francisco Bay area has plenty of, it’s waterfront. But, you don’t need to get wet or freeze in the chilly ocean water to enjoy it. There are numerous ways to enjoy the water in the San Francisco Bay Area without being in the water, but just being able to soak up the power of the sea. You can hike, eat, sit, walk, learn, and more at these great waterfront spots. Best of all, there are a variety of spots in the city, including Oakland too. Here are just a few of the waterfront spots in the San Francisco area that we think you’ll love.
- Cliff House: 1090 Point Lobos Avenue, San Francisco.
Wally Gobetz/Flickr Spectacular ocean views, lots of history, and food all in one spot! The Cliff House is a San Francisco attraction and favorite for all to enjoy.
- The Ferry Building: Embarcadero, San Francisco.
J Crew/Flickr The Ferry Building is a terminal for ferries that travel across the San Francisco Bay, a food hall and an office building. This waterfront spot is popular with tourists, commuters, and pretty much everybody in the city.
- Fort Mason: 2 Marina Blvd, San Francisco.
Shawn Clover/Flickr Fort Mason is a former United States Army post located in the northern Marina District. Walk uphill and catch views of the water, Alcatraz, many piers, and Golden Gate bridge.
- Aquatic Park: Beach Street and Hyde, San Francisco.
Kevin Y/Yelp A small beach and odd waterfront spot because most days you won’t get warm or beachy weather. Aquatic Park also includes a bathhouse, municipal pier, restrooms, concessions stand, stadia, and two speaker towers.
- Crissy Field: 603 Mason Street, San Francisco.
Chris Goldberg/Flickr Crissy Field is a marvelous place to walk or bike on a wide promenade with iconic views of the Bay and Golden Gate Bridge. A beautiful, and much-loved trail twists through Crissy Field between Marina Green and Fort Point.
- Batteries to Bluffs Trail: The Presidio Langdon Court/Battery Godfrey, San Francisco.
Big and Small Travel A must-do waterfront spot is the Batteries to Bluffs Trail. This hike take you along the cliffs bordering the Pacific Ocean, allowing hikers to explore historic gun batteries, seeps and springs, coastal plants and wildlife, and stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge.
- Sutro Baths: 680 Point Lobos, San Francisco.
Big and Small Travel You can’t go wrong with Sutro Baths. The history, the trees and the ocean waves plus the eclectic ruins makes this place perfect for photos and just to listen to waves splash. More about Sutro Baths.
- Jack London Square: Embarcadero West, Oakland.
Don Shall/Flickr Jack London Square is a popular entertainment and business destination on the waterfront of Oakland. Make sure to note the distant view of the San Francisco skyline in the background.
- Lake Chalet Seafood Bar & Grill: 1520 Lakeside Drive, Oakland.
Lake Chalet Seafood Bar & Grill/Yelp Enjoy a waterfront view along with seafood and drinks. You get Lake Merritt views at this renovated boathouse with a patio. Where else can you get Gondola rides in the Bay area!?
- Butterfly Restaurant: Pier 33, Bay Street, San Francisco.
Garen A/Yelp If you prefer a waterfront spot to just drink and/or eat then Butterfly restaurant is the best option. You can enjoy seafood and fusion food, along with an awesome view of the bay. The cruise ships seem to be at your fingertips too.
Do you know of additional Waterfront Spots around San Francisco? Let us know if we missed something. Also, if you’re curious about cool waterfront spots then check out Incredible Waterfront Restaurants of San Francisco.
Wally Gobetz/Flickr
Spectacular ocean views, lots of history, and food all in one spot! The Cliff House is a San Francisco attraction and favorite for all to enjoy.
J Crew/Flickr
The Ferry Building is a terminal for ferries that travel across the San Francisco Bay, a food hall and an office building. This waterfront spot is popular with tourists, commuters, and pretty much everybody in the city.
Shawn Clover/Flickr
Fort Mason is a former United States Army post located in the northern Marina District. Walk uphill and catch views of the water, Alcatraz, many piers, and Golden Gate bridge.
Kevin Y/Yelp
A small beach and odd waterfront spot because most days you won’t get warm or beachy weather. Aquatic Park also includes a bathhouse, municipal pier, restrooms, concessions stand, stadia, and two speaker towers.
Chris Goldberg/Flickr
Crissy Field is a marvelous place to walk or bike on a wide promenade with iconic views of the Bay and Golden Gate Bridge. A beautiful, and much-loved trail twists through Crissy Field between Marina Green and Fort Point.
Big and Small Travel
A must-do waterfront spot is the Batteries to Bluffs Trail. This hike take you along the cliffs bordering the Pacific Ocean, allowing hikers to explore historic gun batteries, seeps and springs, coastal plants and wildlife, and stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge.
You can’t go wrong with Sutro Baths. The history, the trees and the ocean waves plus the eclectic ruins makes this place perfect for photos and just to listen to waves splash. More about Sutro Baths.
Don Shall/Flickr
Jack London Square is a popular entertainment and business destination on the waterfront of Oakland. Make sure to note the distant view of the San Francisco skyline in the background.
Lake Chalet Seafood Bar & Grill/Yelp
Enjoy a waterfront view along with seafood and drinks. You get Lake Merritt views at this renovated boathouse with a patio. Where else can you get Gondola rides in the Bay area!?
Garen A/Yelp
If you prefer a waterfront spot to just drink and/or eat then Butterfly restaurant is the best option. You can enjoy seafood and fusion food, along with an awesome view of the bay. The cruise ships seem to be at your fingertips too.
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