Central Waterfront Travel Guide
San Francisco
Visit Central Waterfront
Popular places to visit
Oracle Park
Whether or not you’re a baseball fan, this charming ballpark with outstanding views should be on your San Francisco sightseeing list.
Golden Gate Bridge
Cars trundle across it and ships sail under it, but the best way to experience this iconic bridge is on foot.
Pier 39
This waterfront attraction offers thrilling rides, innovative street performers and colorful souvenir shops, but it’s the sea lions that win the day.
Moscone Convention Center
During your trip, find out what's happening in Moscone Convention Center, a top convention centre in San Francisco. Discover the acclaimed theatre scene and shops in this vibrant area.
Golden Gate Park
This beloved park offers relaxation among trees, flowers and wildlife, right in San Francisco’s backyard.
Alcatraz Island
Escape to “The Rock,” home of the infamous and abandoned island prison, and discover how it earned a reputation as a cold and unforgiving place.
Things to do
Go City: San Francisco All-Inclusive Pass with 30+ Attractions
California Academy of Sciences Daytime Admission
California Sunset Cruise (2-hours)
San Francisco Bridge to Bridge Cruise (90-minutes)
San Francisco Hop-On Hop-Off Tours PLUS Night Tour
Top hotels in Central Waterfront
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG
Great location near the Regency Ballroom, where my event was taking place. In-and-out parking is appreciated, as is parking until 2pm day of check-out. The room was spotless and everything was in decent shape, except for the bathroom fan that rattled loudly. Loved having a coffee maker, but there ...
Reviewed on 5 Apr 2026
Handlery Union Square Hotel
My aunt enjoyed the pool time, the hotel location is very convenience easy to everywhere and everything. Clean is the most important to me tho.
Reviewed on 6 Apr 2026
Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
Clean room, close to shopping and pier
Reviewed on 6 Apr 2026
YOTEL San Francisco
Lowkey dust as heck but I understand because the building.
Reviewed on 6 Apr 2026
Hotel Julian
Very Lovely Hotel, friendly staff & Cute room!
Reviewed on 6 Apr 2026
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Berkeley Marina
Nice pool. Great location on the water by a park. Staff was very friendly and helpful. Rooms were dated though.
Reviewed on 6 Apr 2026
Check Central Waterfront hotel availability
Other neighbourhoods around Central Waterfront
Potrero Hill
The live music and architecture are just a few things visitors like about Potrero Hill. San Francisco Bay and Museum of Craft & Design are worthwhile spots to check out, and you can hop on the metro at 20th Street Station or 23rd Street Station to get around the larger area.
Mission District
You might enjoy the bars while in Mission District. SOMA Pilipinas is a notable sight, and you can get around town at 16th Street Mission Station or 24th Street Mission Station to see more of the city.
South Park
Oracle Park and Brannan Street Wharf are a few top attractions in South Park. Hop around the city on the metro at 2nd & King Station or Fourth-Brannan Station and check out the area's fascinating museums, popular shops and acclaimed art galleries.
South of Market
Gourmet restaurants great entertainment and top sights from Oracle Park to San Francisco Bay – discover South of Market, a destination also famous for its shopping.
Downtown San Francisco
Known for its fascinating museums, popular shops and acclaimed art galleries, there's plenty to explore in Downtown San Francisco. Top attractions like Oracle Park and San Francisco Bay are major draws. Catch the metro at Market St & 5th St Stop or Market St & Taylor St Stop to see more of the city.
Union Square
Known for its charming cafes and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Union Square. Check out top attractions like Westin St Francis Hotel Glass Elevators and Union Square, and jump on the metro at Powell St & Geary Blvd Stop or Powell St & Post St Stop to see more of the city.
