3 Reasons Why I Love the Embarcadero Center

I love visiting San Francisco, and every time I go there are two places that I must visit – Union Square (hello shopping!) and the Embarcadero Center, specifically the  Ferry Building.

Reason #1 – The pier behind the Embarcadero Center.  There is a beautiful view of the bay and the bay bridge (The Golden Gate’s twin).  It’s a great place to people watch while getting lunch or dinner at one of the waterfront restaurants/cafes, or to sit down and people watch with a to-go lunch.

Reason #2 - The food.  I love to go to the Cowgirl Creamery Artisan Cheese store to taste a new kind of cheese.  Last time I was there, I had a delicious new local cheese.  After I get my cheese, I head next door to the (cash only) Acme Bread Company and buy a fresh french baguette.

I’m usually there on the weekend, so I like to check out the Farmer’s Market, with fresh produce being sold all around the Embarcadero Center (Open Tuesdays from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Thursdays from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., and Saturdays from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.).

To get my chocolate fix, I head over to Scharffen Berger Chocolate Maker for a quick snack and my lunch is complete!

Other interesting restuarant/cafes at 1 Ferry Building include the Imperial Tea Court, Hog Island Oyster Company, Tsar Nicoulai Caviar cafe, and Stonehouse California Olive Oil.

If you love wine, you will love the selection at the Ferry Plaza Wine Merchant.

Reason # 3 – This guy, who makes a living by playing homemade drums in front of the Embarcadero Center (map).  I love listening to his happy music.

Photo Credits: Abbie Mood