By the water-Fisherman's Wharf area

The Embarcadero is a very wide street running parallel to the water of San Francisco Bay. There are many piers along it's length including those serving the Ferry Building at the Southern end. Along the way various piers house restaurants, dinner cruise boats, luxury cruise ships, yachting marinas and tourist attractions like Fisherman's Wharf, where seafood is king and many tourist shops and restaurants abound. It's a noisy, fun-filled hub. Bars and coffee shops abound.

You can eat, drink and be merry here.

 There's ample street and garage parking nearby and of course the area is served by bus and tram.

The Embarcadero is flat so walking is a good option from downtown.

Alcatraz is never far from view. There are regular sightseeing tour boats shuttling back and forth but I haven't shown an interest in taking one so far.

You may see an occasional Naval ship tied up. There was also a submarine when I was last there.

A fast thrill-ride boat at rest in one of the marinas.

This marks the location of Aquarium of the Pacific which I haven't found time to delve into yet- but as I am going back to SF for this year's 4th of July celebrations I might pay it a long-overdue visit.

Another warship-always something interesting at each pier so look right as you pass when heading North.

Coit Tower is always in view.