Sue Bierman Park is a roughly five-acre stretch of lawn and trees in San Francisco’s Financial District, bounded by Washington, Clay, and Drumm streets and the Embarcadero. It occupies land once covered by Embarcadero Freeway ramps, which were removed after the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake. Office workers, families, and waterfront visitors come for open grass, shade, and a children’s playground within sight of the Ferry Building.
The park is named for Sue Bierman, a civic activist and former San Francisco Supervisor. The pirate-themed playground draws the youngest visitors, while lunchtime crowds spread blankets across the lawns with takeout from nearby food stalls. Mature trees and winding paths soften the surrounding towers of Embarcadero Center, and the bay sits just across the boulevard. The city’s Embarcadero Park project is merging Sue Bierman Park and the former Embarcadero Plaza into a single waterfront park, so some areas may be under construction or newly redesigned. Check SF Rec & Park for current closures before you go.
Visitor Highlights & Practical Info
Weekday mornings are the quietest time to visit. Weekday lunch hours are busy, and Saturdays fill up with people coming from the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market, which also runs on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The bay wind picks up most afternoons, so bring a layer. Embarcadero BART and Muni Metro station is a short walk away. The F-Market historic streetcars run along the Embarcadero, and the California Street cable car line starts nearby at Drumm Street. Pair your visit with lunch at the Ferry Building or a waterfront walk north toward Pier 39.
