San Francisco - San Francisco - The Embarcadero/ Fisherman's Wharf
12 mi 
Suitable for
Touring *
Fitness *
Street *
Historic *
Slalom *
Scene *
Artistic *
Directions
See the directions for the Midnight Rollers Friday Night Skate (link below) for directions into San Francisco from the Bay Bridge, the Golden Gate Bridge, or areas south of the city, plus information on public transportation. Once you reach the Embarcadero, park anywhere you can.
Notes
This tour of the Embarcadero passes by working piers, through prime tourist country around Pier 39, alongside Fisherman's Wharf and Aquatic Park, and up to historic Fort Mason. If that isn't enough for you, there are unlimited options for side trips to other interesting spots. If you want to avoid the crowds, save skating here for early fall, after tourist season has peaked. And be sure to get an early morning start if you want to see the "real" Fisherman's Wharf at work.
Start at Justin Herman Plaza or the Ferry Building at the foot of Market Street. Skate north on the smooth new concrete walkway of the Promenade along the bay side of The Embarcadero, which is a working port facility. Make sure to take a detour onto Pier 39, where you can follow another concrete walkway all around the pier. Sea lions can often be seen sunning themselves in the marina near the end of the pier.
Continue through Fisherman's Wharf, past all the touristy shops and restaurants, to Jefferson Street and the Aquatic Park. The Aquatic Park Pier on the west end of the park is definitely worth a look. This route continues past the pier and up a short, steep road that leads into Fort Mason. Although this road is closed to cars, the horrendous pavement on the first third of the climb may turn you off. But if you know you can get back down safely, get up the hill, one way or another; the little park on the north side has great pavement and superb views. The park is dedicated to Congressman Phil Burton, who worked to make the Golden Gate National Recreation Area a reality. The south end of the park is just a parking lot away from the Marina Green (link below), if you want to hook up with that trail.
On your return to the Embarcadero, be very careful when going back down the steep hill out of Fort Mason. Walking is probably a good choice for most skaters; the pavement is so rough it can dislodge the grip of your heel brake.
Start at Justin Herman Plaza or the Ferry Building at the foot of Market Street. Skate north on the smooth new concrete walkway of the Promenade along the bay side of The Embarcadero, which is a working port facility. Make sure to take a detour onto Pier 39, where you can follow another concrete walkway all around the pier. Sea lions can often be seen sunning themselves in the marina near the end of the pier.
Continue through Fisherman's Wharf, past all the touristy shops and restaurants, to Jefferson Street and the Aquatic Park. The Aquatic Park Pier on the west end of the park is definitely worth a look. This route continues past the pier and up a short, steep road that leads into Fort Mason. Although this road is closed to cars, the horrendous pavement on the first third of the climb may turn you off. But if you know you can get back down safely, get up the hill, one way or another; the little park on the north side has great pavement and superb views. The park is dedicated to Congressman Phil Burton, who worked to make the Golden Gate National Recreation Area a reality. The south end of the park is just a parking lot away from the Marina Green (link below), if you want to hook up with that trail.
On your return to the Embarcadero, be very careful when going back down the steep hill out of Fort Mason. Walking is probably a good choice for most skaters; the pavement is so rough it can dislodge the grip of your heel brake.
Nearby Tours
| Last Skated
Aug 1, 1995
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Updated
Sep 20, 2004
|