About
Membership-based gym featuring treadmills with views of the Bay, plus an Olympic-sized pool and sauna.
The Embarcadero YMCA typically maintains its lap pool at approximately 79-81°F (26-27°C) and its warmer therapy or warm water pool at around 90-92°F (32-33°C).
What are people saying (AI review summary)? text: "People say this gym offers a pool and a variety of exercise equipment. They highlight the nice views of the bridge and bay, and the clean, beautiful facilities. They also like the friendly and helpful employees. " language_code: "en-US"
Location
Gallery
Amenities
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Accepts Credit Cards
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Accessible Entrance
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Accessible Restroom
Reviews
Listing Reviews
June 25th, 2025Mason Chen
Embarcadero YMCA The Embarcadero YMCA (“Barcadero Y”), used to be called the “Army and Navy” YMCA, is the City’s historic landmark that was built in 1924 around the same time when another City’s historic landmark: Chinatown YMCA was completed. (Note: The YMCA of San Francisco in fact was founded in 1853 in Chinatown’s Portsmouth’s Square, with the first official Chinatown YMCA founded in 1871 followed by The Army Navy YMCA - now the Embarcadero YMCA - in 1908.) The building is a 10-story building with a unique Spanish Colonial Revival clay brick and terra cotta, used to be a 400-room residence (now “Harbor Court Hotel”) housing soldiers returning from war in WWII and Korean War maybe even Nam. [Note: The City is known for her patriotism in its glorious past remember the debate over renaming Army Street to Cezar Chavez in the 90s? Army imhv should have remained while Cesar be added between Sanchez and Valencia.] On 2nd Floor located the all gender pool and jacuzzi with separate locker rooms for male and female. The pool is nice but lanes are narrow, water is not deep similar to Chinatown Y. However, don't expect accommodations of four, five or six swimmers simultaneously in one lane like “Stones Y” (Presidio Y has biggest pool imhv) although there are neither “whales” 🤭 (who splashing water all over you by deliberately doing butterfly or simply enjoying virgorously splashing) nor “sharks” 🤭 racing against you in the "medium slow" lane. Also on the 2nd floor are communal jacuzzi and sauna rooms (with an additional steam room), however, are separated in male and female locker rooms. Jacuzzi is square-shaped but probably is the biggest among other YMCAs in the City. Sauna rooms unlike “Stones Y” everyone is communal are quite daunting because some of gentle people albeit nicely freshly showered are completely naked sitting next to you with their weenies hanging in front of you. Don’t get me wrong there is no such thing called "sauna room naked d_ck syndrome" 🤭but proper dress code imhv should be at least subject for debate regardless of gender preference or sexual orientation. In the past the weight room used to be right above men’s sauna room so it is annoying while you are in sauna hearing weights dropping on the third floor above you making "Johnsons" more trembling. PS There's a vending machine with snacks and sodas located at the lobby. The "Perry’s" Embarcadero next door is also a good place to grab a bite or brewski. Not sure about the Japanese place as I am skeptical about the trend of unauthenticity in the City. Enjoy the "Barcadero Y!"
September 1st, 2025Scott D
The elliptical, jogging and bike machines are positioned in front of open windows with a view of the Embarcadero, San Francisco Bay to Oakland Port and Ferry crossings. All with perhaps the cleanest "GOOD AIR QUALITY" city in the USA. The entire facility is open and Airy. Personal training sessions available and I find staff fully competent and pleasant. Entry comes with a complimentary towel which of course is left at the facility. The price is perhaps what makes this the best FITNESS deal available anywhere in this industry. Thank you YMCA YOU GET 4.7 Stars. If I could get my own lane anytime at pool that would get you 5.
July 20th, 2025Bobby Goodman
Love love love this Y. Clean, beautiful facilities, super friendly and helpful employees, no attitude from anyone, great equipment, nice classes. In addition to the pool there’s a jacuzzi, steam room, and dry sauna. Wish the pool and stretching area was bigger but you can’t have it all!
June 13th, 2024Mark Brienza
Recently, I found myself stranded in San Francisco, and the Embarcadero YMCA has been a lifesaver. The staff, especially manager Zach, were incredible—he provided me a lock when I was having a really rough day. Karina and Viviana helped me get a discounted rate due to employment loss and made joining simple even though I'm from Canada. The facilities are outstanding, with beautiful views, top-notch equipment, and included towel service. Although the trial period is only one day, it's enough to see the value here. I highly recommend supporting this YMCA; they rely on memberships and donations and truly make a difference. Help however you can—they deserve the support. Thank you guys!
March 28th, 2025Bridgette Clayborn
Beautiful location! Love the view of the bridge from the treadmill. The front and upper desk staff were great and one lady even showed me around. However when I went to look at the pool a man claiming he worked there stopped me and said that I couldn’t go in the pool unless I take a shower first which was awkward and then the female lifeguard said I couldn’t have my phone which was weird. I didn’t see them say anything like that to anyone but me the only black American there. I’ve been a longtime member of the ymca and was very disappointed with how they treated me.
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Opening Hours
| Sunday | Closed |
|---|---|
| Monday | 5:30 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 5:30 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 5:30 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Thursday | 5:30 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Friday | 5:30 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Saturday | 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
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