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San Francisco

Herb Caen Way...

Routes

Hiking trails & Routes

United States

San Francisco

Herb Caen Way...

Easy

2.6

(3)

hikers

Herb Caen Way...

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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 .

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

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 for a relaxed stroll. You can expect to complete the trail in about 46 minutes, enjoying the vibrant urban and maritime experience as you pass by landmarks like Oracle Park and McCovey Cove.

This accessible path is well-suited for various activities, including walking, running, and biking, making it a great option for families or anyone looking for a gentle outing. Dogs are welcome to join you on the trail, provided they are kept on a leash and you remember to clean up after them. The paved surface ensures a smooth experience for hikers of all levels, allowing you to focus on the scenic surroundings.

The Herb Caen Way... is notable for its unique features, such as the Tidal Columns and various sculptures that dot the path, adding an artistic touch to your journey. As you hike, you will enjoy the dynamic backdrop of San Francisco, with its iconic bay and city architecture always in sight. This trail offers a distinct blend of natural beauty and urban charm, setting it apart as a memorable waterfront experience.

Last updated: April 23, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Get Directions

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 float and moored at Pier 22½, the station adjusts to rising sea levels and can withstand major earthquakes. It was constructed off-site on Treasure Island and transported across the Bay to reduce disruptions. The new facility provides expanded accommodations for firefighters, houses rescue vessels, and offers immediate access to emergency equipment, enhancing the city's fire and marine response capabilities. Check out this state-of-the art fire station and take in amazing views of the bridge, city, and bay at the same time.

Tip by

1.41 km

Brannan St Wharf Park with Bay Water Level Gauges

Highlight • Rest Area

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

1.49 km

San Francisco Skyline

Highlight • Viewpoint

1.49 km

Brannan St Wharf 🛳️ — Bay views and water-level indicators

Highlight • Viewpoint

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

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

1.69 km

Fish Sculpture

Highlight • Monument

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 to about 140-feet at the south end between Pier 36 and Pier 38. The major project components include a 400-foot length lawn area, a waterside walkway with seating, a shade structure, and a small-craft floating dock for kayaks and recreational water vessels. The design references its San Francisco waterfront history by taking on the shape of Pier 36 in its original location and through interpretive exhibits. The level lawn of the Wharf is contained in a raised planter of about 18-inches in height and surrounded by a seat wall. The openness of the site is intended to orient the Wharf both toward the Bay and the adjacent neighborhood. parks.smcgov.org/san-bruno-mountain-state-county-park

Tip by

2.00 km

South Beach Marina and Park, Sea Change & Whaling sculptures

Highlight • Rest Area

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 triangular steel, 70 feet high and weighs 10 tons. The circular top moves in the wind as an elegant, kinetic sculpture sitting at the gateway to the South Beach waterfront. Installed in 1995. There are restrooms along the promenade.

Tip by

2.57 km

Oracle Park 🏟️ San Francisco Giants baseball stadium

Highlight • Monument

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 Major League Baseball (MLB) franchise. Originally named Pacific Bell Park, then SBC Park in 2003 after SBC Communications acquired Pacific Bell, the stadium was ultimately christened AT&T Park 2006-2018 following SBC's buyout of AT&T. It's naming rights were then bought by Oracle.
The park stands along the San Francisco Bay, a segment of which is named McCovey Cove, in honor of former Giants player Willie McCovey. The venue has hosted the annual Fight Hunger Bowl, a college football bowl game from 2002 to 2013, and other occasional sporting and musical events. For the 2011 season, the park served as the home of the California Golden Bears football team while Memorial Stadium underwent seismic retrofitting and renovations.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oracle_Park

Tip by

2.62 km

McCovey Cove - Giants Stadium, Oracle Park

Highlight • Structure

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

3.06 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

2.67 km

382 m

Surfaces

2.97 km

< 100 m

Elevation

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

Weather

Monday 6 July

17°C

12°C

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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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Herb Caen Way...

Fire Department Station 35

Brannan St Wharf Park with Bay Water Level Gauges

San Francisco Skyline

Brannan St Wharf 🛳️ — Bay views and water-level indicators

Tidal Columns 🌊 Embarcadero

Fish Sculpture

Brannan Street Wharf 🚢

South Beach Marina and Park, Sea Change & Whaling sculptures

Oracle Park 🏟️ San Francisco Giants baseball stadium

McCovey Cove - Giants Stadium, Oracle Park

Frequently Asked Questions

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