Embarcadero Plaza

A Historic Public Space

Embarcadero Plaza is a 1.23-acre public space located at the eastern terminus of Market Street in San Francisco's Financial District. Originally opened in 1972, the plaza has undergone several transformations over the years.

The plaza features a large open brick area reminiscent of an Italian piazza, designed to accommodate crowds and public gatherings. Its most prominent feature is the 40-foot-high concrete fountain named Québec Libre!, created by sculptor Armand Vaillancourt.

Notable Features

The Québec Libre! fountain is composed of rectangular steel and concrete arms that bend and twist, creating a grotto-like structure where visitors can interact by moving under and through it.

Embarcadero Plaza serves as a vital public space in the heart of San Francisco, offering views of the Bay Bridge and proximity to the Ferry Building.

Events and Activities

The plaza frequently hosts a variety of events, including markets, free concerts, and seasonal activities like an ice skating rink during winter months.

The space has historical significance in skateboarding culture, having been a popular spot for skateboarders in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Despite efforts to deter skateboarding, the plaza remains an important site in skateboarding history.

Name Change

In 2017, the plaza's name was changed from Justin Herman Plaza to Embarcadero Plaza, reflecting community concerns about Herman's legacy in urban renewal projects.