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Embarcadero Plaza

Embarcadero Plaza: A wide-open public square with Vaillancourt Fountain and Ferry Building views.

4.2(5 reviews)
$
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About

Embarcadero Plaza is a public space on Market Street in San Francisco. Built in the early 1970s as part of an urban renewal project, it was designed by Mario Ciampi, John Bolles, and landscape architect Lawrence Halprin, and features the bold Vaillancourt Fountain in a central square. Renamed in 2017 to acknowledge its history, the plaza remains a popular gathering spot with central location, transit access, and views toward the Ferry Building.

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Embarcadero Plaza
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Location

Market St &, Steuart St, San Francisco, CA 94105, USA

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Services

Public Gathering Space

A central plaza for events, festivals, and community gatherings with ample open areas.

Historical Landmark Tours

Explore the plaza's architecture, including the Vaillancourt Fountain and urban renewal history.

Scenic Views and Photography

Enjoy panoramic views of the San Francisco waterfront and Ferry Building for photos and relaxation.

Transit and Accessibility Hub

Easy access to public transportation, making it a convenient stop for tourists and commuters.

Event Hosting

Venue available for cultural events, performances, and public celebrations throughout the year.

4.20 · 5 reviews

Overall rating

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Amber Landers

via Google
· 7 months ago

Beware of rude and opportunistic vendors during holiday season. I try to support small business but this guy was a liar and a grinch. He claimed my child broke a book that he touched for two seconds and hadn’t even removed from the table. It was an interactive pop-up book with directions to “slide” the pully on the page that was displayed. I asked how much it was. He said $20. I paid $20+tax even though he was rude and I couldn’t prove whether or not it was already broken or defective. When I walk away to catch the bus and flip the book over I see a printed price for $16.95! A liar, scammer, and a grinch! After inspecting the book more closely it’s supposed to be an interactive book with instructions to interact with the pop up images to make them move. Either it was a poor quality item to begin with or it was already broken and I just got scammed! Since he lied about the price, I’m 99% sure it’s the latter. I’m an educator and I frequently support small businesses here. I hope this vendor does not return. Buyers be cautious!

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U D

via Google
· 8 months ago

This is one of my peace of mind place in sf . Doesn’t matter what time of day I go .

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Laro

via Google
· 11 months ago

Briefly walked nearby and drove past but seemed like a nice place to stroll around and get a feel for San Francisco. Didn't seem too busy when I was around, which is always great.

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Afshin Afshar-Ghasemlou

via Google
· 1 year ago

Embarcadero Plaza, formerly Justin Herman Plaza, is located near Market Street in San Francisco. Built in the early 1970s as part of an urban renewal project, it was designed by architects Mario Ciampi, John Bolles, and landscape architect Lawrence Halprin. The plaza features a central fountain, the Vaillancourt Fountain, known for its bold concrete design. Since its opening, Embarcadero Plaza has hosted numerous events, making it a popular gathering spot due to its central location and access to transit. I first visited in 1997 for the Black and White Ball, a San Francisco Symphony fundraiser featuring performances across multiple venues. In 2017, the plaza was renamed to acknowledge the controversial history of urban redevelopment led by Justin Herman. Today, it is an important public space reflecting San Francisco's history and ongoing evolution.

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Yodaman Solo

via Google
· 1 year ago

This is a very cool spot here in San Francisco. There’s lots to views are awesome with the wide open square and the Ferry Building across the street! Naturally with a place like this expect the crowds to be large especially on weekends. Otherwise it’s a nice place. 😎👍

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