Entry No. 48 — the San Francisco file — filed under: industrial

Pier 90 Grain Silos

Built in 1923, this massive 190-foot-tall concrete grain terminal on San Francisco's southern waterfront stored and exported barley until operations ceased after the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake. The derelict complex features a towering array of silos, rusting catwalks, and broken windows, making it one of the city's most prominent industrial ruins. In 2014, its facade was adorned with the 'Bayview Rise' mural, a temporary, illuminated art installation symbolizing the neighborhood's transformation.

The move: Walk along the nearby Illinois Street Bridge or Islais Creek Park to safely photograph the towering, graffiti-covered silos and the vibrant 'Bayview Rise' mural from across the water.

📍 Before you go The site is fenced off, structurally unsafe, and owned by the Port of San Francisco, which is actively demolishing surrounding landside structures to prevent trespassing.

• 📍 San Francisco
• 💸 Free
• ⚡ Low-key
• 🌗 Outdoors

Where: Pier 90, Cargo Way, San Francisco, CA 94124, USA

Hours: Added 2026-07-20 — confirm current access before you go.

Plan a visit & invite your people →

Further reading: sfport.com · nobhillgazette.com

last checked: 2026-07-20