At first glimpse San Francisco seems a challenge for anybody with mobility issues. After all, hills aren’t very wheelchair friendly. And although there’s certainly no shortage of steep streets in the City by the Bay, there are also some level and accessible areas. Take the Embarcadero and Fisherman’s Wharf area, for example. Not only is this popular tourist haunt level and accessible by public transportation, but there’s also a wide variety of attractions to choose from in the area. So here’s the low down on how to explore San Francisco in a wheelchair.

Getting There

There’s no doubt about it, public transportation is the easiest way to explore San Francisco in a wheelchair; and in that respect BART (www.BART.gov) — the local regional rail service — tops the list. All BART trains feature roll-on access, with wheelchair spaces located near the doors. Additionally, all BART stations feature elevator access.

The Embarcadero BART station is conveniently located near the F-Line Streetcar (www.streetcar.org/rider-information-map-2/) stop at Main and Drumm, so it’s easy to get to Fisherman’s Wharf in two accessible legs. Riding the F-line is fun too, as these vintage streetcars have been lovingly restored to their previous glory. And unlike the iconic cable cars, the F-Line Streetcars feature wheelchair access via raised boarding platforms along the route. In short, it’s a very nostalgic way to get to Fisherman’s Wharf.

Cruising!

After you take in the views at Fisherman’s Wharf, follow the accessible sidewalk up to Pier 39 for breakfast at the Eagle Cafe (eaglecafe.com). The eatery is located on the second floor, and the elevators are tucked away under the bridge on the right. This landmark cafe has been serving hungry diners since 1928, and it’s know for its generous portions, so it’s the perfect place to fuel up for the day.

Next door you’ll find level access to the kiosk for the Blue and Gold Fleet (www.blueandgoldfleet.com), which offers an informative and accessible cruise around the bay. There’s level access to the boat and wheelchair access on the main deck, where the accessible restrooms and the snack bar are located. This 60-minue narrated cruise heads out under the Golden Gate Bridge, then cruises around Alcatraz before it returns to the dock. And along the way it offers a good introduction to the history and the culture of the City by the Bay.

Under the Bay

After you’ve seen the bay from above, save some time to explore its deeper reaches at the Aquarium of the Bay (www.aquariumofthebay.org) on Pier 39. There’s a flight of stairs up to the main entrance, but there’s also an elevator to the left of the stairs. Inside, there’s barrier-free access around the exhibits. The top floor includes a nice sampling of fish found in the bay, while the lower level includes 300 feet of crystal clear tunnels under the bay.

There’s barrier-free access to the lower level with wide pathways through the acrylic tunnels. The Nearshore Tunnel features fish of the bay, while the Shark Tunnel offers a collection of sharks, rays and sturgeons. Try and schedule your visit at feeding time, as the fish are most active then.

Top off your visit with a stop at the touch pools and ecological exhibits on the second floor. All in all this mid-sized aquarium presents a comprehensive overview of the marine inhabitants and ecosystems of the region.

Not Just for Kids

After you’ve had your fill of underwater fun, hop on a F-Line Streetcar across the street from Pier 39, at Beach and Stockton Streets. Next stop — Pier 15, home of the Exploratorium (www.exploratorium.edu). This interactive museum presents educational exhibits on science, art and human perception, that truly challenge your mind. And although there’s no shortage of kids at this playground for you mind, it’s also lots of fun for adults — even those without kids in tow.

There’s level access to the front entrance and barrier-free access throughout the galleries. Most of the exhibits are constructed at wheelchair-height, so it’s really quite inclusive. Accessible restrooms are located in the lobby, and a family restroom is located near the first gallery in the atrium.

Exhibits range from those on the science of sharing and tinkering, to some that focus on the mechanics of vision, sound and hearing, with a little bit of everything else in between. And don’t miss the Bay Observatory Terrace — which features elevator access — for a splendid view of San Francisco Bay.

Additionally, the Sea Glass Restaurant, located at the east end of the museum, makes a nice lunch stop. It’s not frequented by the school groups, so it provides a quiet respite from the museum hubbub. It offers a lovely ocean view, has good pathway access, and the menu includes a nice selection of sushi, salads, hot dishes and sandwiches.

Stroll to the Ferry Building

Last but certainly not least on this San Francisco in a wheelchair itinerary is the Ferry Building, which is a short stroll from the Exploratorium. But first, a short detour is in order — just follow the Public Shore signs at Pier 17 next to the Exploratorium. This accessible path leads around the back of the Exploratorium to the bay, and features a number of interactive Exploratorium exhibits along the way. It’s just a short half-mile walk on a level sidewalk, but the bay view is definitely worth the detour.

Once you return to the Embarcadero, you can either turn left and follow the sidewalk along the street, or look for the Public Shore signs and opt for the scenic route along the bay. Either way is accessible, and soon you’ll find yourself at the historic Ferry Building (www.ferrybuildingmarketplace.com).

Opened in 1898, the Ferry Building was once a transportation hub for passengers arriving in San Francisco by train and ferry. Sadly with the development of local roadways and bridges, the popularity of the Ferry Building fell off in the 1950s. It was subsequently gutted and converted to office space. The building was later renovated to its prior glory some 50 years down the road, and it reopened in 2003 as The Ferry Building Marketplace. Today it houses a mouth-watering collection of tenants who offer everything from coffee, biscuits and cheese, to mushrooms, chocolate and even wine. Add in some locally sourced restaurants and a few specialty shops, and you have a complete gastronomic marketplace.

Access inside this historic building is good too, with barrier-free access to all the vendors, and spacious accessible restrooms on site. Take your time and wander through the building — sample some cheese, have a cup of coffee and admire the beautifully restored interior.

Spend the Night

And when you’re ready to call it a day, the Embarcadero BART station is just a short level walk across the street from the Ferry Building. Alternatively, if you’d like to spend the night, the Parc 55 (https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/sfosfhh-parc-55-san-francisco) is an excellent lodging choice. Located near the Powell Street BART Station, this 1024-room property has all the required business and conference amenities, but the overall layout and design conjures up a decidedly boutique hotel ambiance.

The accessible entrance to the property is located near the valet station, with elevator access up to the second-floor lobby. There’s good pathway access around the lobby and plenty of room to maneuver a wheelchair in the open floorplan. The hotel is also equipped with smart elevators, which eliminate congestion. Guests simply enter their destination floor on the keypad outside the elevator, and they are directed to the appropriate car. And no congestion means other guests don’t crowd in front of wheelchair-users.

Room 2911 is one of 28 accessible rooms at the Parc 55. Access features include wide doors, lever handles, good pathway access, a lowered closet rod and low-pile carpet for easy rolling. It’s furnished with a 26-inch high king-sized bed, a desk with a chair, a chest of drawers, and a refrigerator. It also includes two easy chairs tucked away in an atrium-like alcove, that offers an impressive city view.

There’s a wide pocket door that leads into the bathroom, which is equipped with a roll-in shower with grab bars, a hand-held showerhead and a fold-down shower bench. Other access features include a roll-under sink, and a toilet with grab bars on the back and left walls (as seated).

It’s a pleasant — and very accessible — place to spend the night, and a fitting inclusion on any San Francisco in a wheelchair itinerary.