Rincon Park

Waterfront Location

Located next to the Embarcadero in San Francisco, Rincon Park is a breath of fresh air amid the city hustle. This 3.2-acre waterfront space sits at the base of Rincon Hill, offering stunning views of San Francisco Bay and the Bay Bridge.

Opened in 2003 as part of the city's waterfront revival project, the park's clever tilted design maximizes those gorgeous bay vistas. It's become an essential green space along San Francisco's eastern shoreline since then, giving everyone a little slice of tranquility by the water.

That Giant Bow and Arrow

You can't miss the park's show-stopper: "Cupid's Span" - a massive 60-foot sculpture by renowned artists Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen. This fiberglass and steel creation, installed in 2002, depicts a bow and arrow with its tip buried in the ground.

The piece nods to San Francisco's romantic reputation and has become a popular photo spot. Gap Founder Donald Fisher and his wife Doris commissioned it.

Golden sunset behind Oakland Bay Bridge visible from the park

Photo: Amanda Walker (CC BY-SA 2.0)

What's There to Do?

The spacious grass lawn invites you to sprawl out with a book, enjoy a picnic, or just cloud-watch for a while. If you're feeling more active, take a stroll along the waterfront promenade and soak in those panoramic bay views.

Within the park, you'll come across artfully designed benches featuring copper octopuses, starfish, and turtles - perfect spots to catch your breath and take in the scenery. These small artistic touches add character to what could otherwise be just another urban park.

The park's waterfront promenade leads to the historic Ferry Building with its clocktower

Photo: lamblukas (CC BY 2.0)

Bring Your Four-Legged Friend

Dog parents, rejoice! This park is particularly popular with the canine crowd. The grassy areas provide plenty of space for pups to play and socialize, making it a favorite gathering spot for local dog owners.

Just remember to keep an eye on your furry friend and clean up after them to keep the park nice for everyone. Nothing ruins a good park day like stepping in something unexpected!

Urban Escape

Sandwiched between the Financial District and South of Market neighborhoods, Rincon Park represents a peaceful refuge from city life. You'll often spot office workers enjoying lunch breaks here, along with joggers and cyclists taking advantage of the Embarcadero's dedicated paths.

On clear days, the views extend all the way to Treasure Island and the East Bay hills, with Oakland visible across the water. The view is particularly nice during sunrise or sunset when golden light bathes the Bay Bridge.

Gigantic Bow and Arrow sculpture in front of San Francisco's skyline

Photo: Horst Gutmann (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Celebration Central

Thanks to its prime waterfront location, the park occasionally transforms into a fantastic viewing spot for special events, particularly the New Year's Eve fireworks. The open space and gorgeous setting make it ideal for gatherings year-round - whether official community events or just spontaneous meetups with friends.

Getting There

Rincon Park forms part of a connected series of waterfront spaces along the Embarcadero, contributing to San Francisco's vision of a continuous public shoreline. Getting here is a breeze with the Embarcadero BART station and various Muni lines nearby.

It's about a 23-minute walk from the historic Ferry Building, and close to tons of restaurants and attractions along the Embarcadero. You might consider making Rincon Park one stop on a longer waterfront exploration between the Ferry Building and Oracle Park - your legs will thank you for the scenic break!