The Embarcadero Waterfront area at the northeast edge of the city features a bayside promenade with sweeping views and modern landscaping including marquees with historical information.

This scenic area has regentrified as a residential neighborhood with luxury apartments and fine restaurants. Justin Herman Plaza, at the foot of Market is a popular lunchtime courtyard surrounding the distinctive Vaillan court Fountain.

A short walk across the Embarcadero takes you to the historic Ferry Building, one of the city’s famous landmarks. The 105 year old Ferry Building has been restored with a new public space featuring a 5-story skylight atrium, a major foodhall with family restaurants, butcher shops, fishmongers, a bread bakery, two chocolate shops, a cheese creamery, and an oyster bar; plus bus and ferry terminals that give access to numerous destinations around the Bay. Outside, the Ferry Plaza Farmers’ Market takes place every Saturday and Sunday 8am-2pm and Thursday 3-7pm. The California cable car line ends at Market & Drumm Streets, a short walk to Embarcadero Center, a highrise complex spanning 6 blocks and housing shops, restaurants, multi-screen cinema, Hyatt Hotels, office towers, and parking garages.

On the north side of Embarcadero Center, east of Montgomery Street, is San Francisco’s Financial District, our “Wall Street of the West,” the center for the city’s banking and financial dealings dating back to 1852.

The Transamerica Pyramid at 600 Montgomery at Columbus is one of the city’s most distinctive landmarks. Although the general public is not allowed to the top of the Pyramid, you can, enjoy views from the top by visiting the street-level Virtual Observation Deck on Washington Street. The Wells Fargo History Museum, 420 Montgomery Street, deals with the stagecoach system the bank used to move people and precious metals. The bottom floors features artifacts, maps, and gold samples; the top floor has an actual stagecoach you can sit in. Open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm. 415-369-2619.

The Wells Fargo History Museum 420 Montgomery Street, deals with the stagecoach system the bank used to move people and precious metals. The bottom floors features artifacts, maps, and gold samples; the top floor has an actual stagecoach you can sit in. Open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm. 415-369-2619. The distinctive Transamerica Pyramid, 600 Montgomery at Columbus, is a familiar part of the city’s skyline.