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United States
San Francisco

Herb Caen Way...

Easy

2.6

(3)

82

hikers

Herb Caen Way...

00:46

3.06km

10m

Hiking

Embark on an easy urban hike along the Herb Caen Way..., a paved multi-use trail offering continuous views of the San Francisco Bay and the city skyline. This route covers 1.9 miles (3.1 km) with a gentle elevation gain of just 21 feet (6 metres), making it a perfect choice…

Last updated: April 23, 2026

Waypoints

A

Start point

Get Directions

1

797 m

Fire Department Station 35

Highlight • Structure

Fire Station 35, located next to the Bay Bridge on San Francisco’s waterfront, is a floating fire station designed to meet the city's marine safety needs. Built on a steel …

Tip by

2

1.41 km

Several derelict piers were removed to widen the Embarcadero to a park stretching out over the water and open up the view across the bay

Tip by

3

1.49 km

San Francisco Skyline

Highlight • Viewpoint

4

1.49 km

Brannan St Wharf has great shaded seating with vista of the Bay Bridge, a grassy park, and three huge columns that show floating water level indicators of the Bay

Tip by

5

1.66 km

Tidal Columns 🌊 Embarcadero

Highlight • Monument

Three tall columns with moving inner cores connected to the bay water under the pier indicate the current level of the tide.

Tip by

6

1.69 km

Fish Sculpture

Highlight • Monument

7

1.72 km

Brannan Street Wharf 🚢

Highlight • Viewpoint

Brannan Street Wharf is a wedge-shaped park south of Pier 30-32 in San Francisco;s South Beach area. From this narrowest point the park then extends south for 830 feet, widening …

Tip by

8

2.00 km

Recreational boat slips on the bay along the prestigious downtown waterfront. Outdoor sculptures grace the adjacent lawn. The red sculpture "Sea Change" by famous artist Mark di Suvero, is a …

Tip by

9

2.57 km

Oracle Park is a baseball stadium in the South Beach neighborhood of San Francisco, California. Since 2000, it has served as the home of the San Francisco Giants, the city's …

Tip by

10

2.62 km

The open water cove next to the San Francisco Giants baseball stadium is named after the famous player. On game day boats hang around here, ready to catch a homerun ball hit out of the park.

Tip by

B

3.06 km

End point

Parking

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Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

2.67 km

382 m

Surfaces

2.97 km

< 100 m

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Elevation

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

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Weather

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Today

Friday 10 July

19°C

12°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 31.0 km/h

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Herb Caen Way... trail suitable for beginners or families?

Yes, this trail is rated as "easy" and is very family-friendly. It's a paved, multi-use path with virtually no elevation gain, making it accessible for all skill levels, including those with adaptive bikes.

What kind of terrain can I expect on this route?

The route is primarily a paved path, making it suitable for walking, running, and biking. It offers a smooth surface with easy visibility throughout its length along the Embarcadero.

What are some notable sights along the Herb Caen Way...?

As you travel along the Embarcadero, you'll encounter several interesting points. Keep an eye out for the Fire Department Station 35, the Brannan St Wharf Park with Bay Water Level Gauges, and various sculptures like the Tidal Columns and Fish Sculpture. The route also offers great views of the San Francisco Skyline and passes by Oracle Park and McCovey Cove.

Is the trail dog-friendly?

Yes, dogs are permitted on the Herb Caen Way..., provided they are kept on a leash and their waste is properly cleaned up.

What is the best time of year to visit the Embarcadero for this hike?

The San Francisco Embarcadero is enjoyable year-round. However, for the most pleasant weather, consider visiting during late spring (May-June) or early fall (September-October) when the city often experiences warmer, clearer days with less fog.

Are there any permits or entrance fees required to access this trail?

No, there are no permits or entrance fees required to enjoy the Herb Caen Way... trail. It is a publicly accessible waterfront promenade.

Where can I find parking or access public transport for the trail?

Parking along the San Francisco Embarcadero can be found in various paid lots and street parking areas, though it can be competitive. For public transport, Muni stops and BART stations are conveniently located near the Embarcadero, offering easy access to different points along the route.

Does this route connect with other trails?

Yes, the Herb Caen Way... is an integral part of the larger San Francisco Bay Trail, covering 100% of its length. It also intersects with sections of the Brannon Street Bike Route and the HikANation Historical Route.

What makes the Herb Caen Way... unique?

This trail is uniquely named after Herb Caen, a beloved Pulitzer Prize-winning San Francisco columnist, incorporating his signature "three dots" in its official title. It's a tribute to a man often called "Mr. San Francisco" and runs along the waterfront, a significant achievement given Caen's campaign against the former Embarcadero Freeway.

Are there amenities like restrooms or cafes nearby?

Yes, being an urban waterfront promenade, there are numerous amenities available. You'll find various cafes, restaurants, and public restrooms along the Embarcadero, particularly near popular areas like the Ferry Building and Oracle Park.

How long does it typically take to complete the hike?

The route is approximately 3 kilometers (1.9 miles) long. For an average hiker, it takes about 45-50 minutes to complete, depending on your pace and how often you stop to enjoy the views.

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