Embarcadero South: A Turbulent Port

Neighborhood: Embarcadero

Description

A double decker freeway used to run right through the middle of this tour!In 1959 the Embarcadero freeway was built, severing the waterfront from the rest of San Francisco. Despite immediate calls for its demolition, it took thirty years and an earthquake to bring it down and restore the views of the Bay.Transformation of San Francisco’s downtown waterfront has been continuous since the time of the Gold Rush. The city’s most exclusive neighborhood once occupied space here. The original bustling seaport was facilitated by the construction of the seawall we rely on today. Considered an engineering marvel at the time, we now know that the seawall won’t survive a major earthquake or rising sea levels.Explore the land that enabled San Francisco’s past.  Includes a visit to the former Hills Bros. Coffee Building, Rincon Annex, and memorials to the Longshoremen Strike of 1934.

Next Tours

  • Friday, February 7 at 10:00 am given by TBDSign Up
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Notes

Tour Length: Approximately 2 hours

Formerly called Embarcadero South/Ruth Miller Ramble

Location

Meet at Mission & Steuart Streets, by Rincon Center. Public transportation: Muni lines 12, 14-Mission, all Market Street lines (to Ferries), and Embarcadero BART/Muni Station.

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Please note: Private group tours required for groups of 8 or more.