By Nancy Salcedo and Lisa Klassen Wanting to stretch your legs a little during your lunchtime break? Does the sight of seagulls soaring overhead make you want to wander the water a little? Then grab a picnic lunch and take a stroll. Here’s a quick Lunchtime Adventure to guide you on your way.
Published: June, 2005
Wanting to stretch your legs a little during your lunchtime break? Does the sight of seagulls soaring overhead make you want to wander the water a little? Then grab a picnic lunch and take a stroll. Here’s a quick Lunchtime Adventure to guide you on your way.
Head south down the Waterfront promenade from the Ferry Terminal toward China Basin, where the Embarcadero becomes Herb Caen Way.
Herb Caen is one of San Francisco’s literary legends. He was hired by The San Francisco Chronicle during the 1930s at the ripe young age of 20. During his time, Caen was a much loved and sometimes controversial journalist. He encapsulated the spirit of the Bay Area in his writing. See if you can feel a little of his lyrical nature as you roam.
The cargo piers along the southern Embarcadero are rustic and picturesque, and in some cases, missing all but their pilings. This is definitely an area where you should carry a camera.
These first few blocks hold a pocket of historic buildings. Two of these attractive old buildings are the Harbor Court Hotel, which dates back to 1906, and the Hotel Griffon, circa 1905.
Another is the Audiffred Building, a sturdy brick structure whose foundation was laid in 1889. The Audiffred Building is rumored to have been spared from demolition in 1906, when dynamite was being used to halt the spread of fires that followed the great earthquake.
People say, the proprietor promised to bring a cart of wine to the fire house and the building was saved. We all can thank thirst and quick thinking on the part of the owner for the pleasure we have in viewing this charming and quaint building today.
Continuing south, the fireboats at dock at Pier 24 provide a scenic sight and a good place worth stopping to consume a picnic lunch. Or, about one mile south of the Ferry Building is SBC Park, another perfect spot for eating a noon day feast.
Oops, almost time to head back to work or catch that ferry. Don’t worry, there’s always more to explore tomorrow!
