Fisherman's Wharf
Fisherman's Wharf
4
About
The historic Fisherman’s Wharf is one of San Francisco’s must-visit spots. Even getting there is an experience in itself—you can hop on a classic cable car from downtown. Dine at a scenic waterfront restaurant (try the famous sourdough bread bowl), explore the area’s shops and art galleries, check out the street performances and don’t miss the historic WWII submarine—the USS Pampanito. You can catch all these highlights on a walking, bike or big bus tour. Stay for the magnificent sunset views and if you’re lucky, you might even spot the mischievous sea lions at Pier 39. – Tripadvisor
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from S$37.03
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Neighbourhood: Fisherman’s Wharf
Packed with family-friendly entertainment, quality hotels, and good food, there’s something for everyone at Fisherman’s Wharf. From street performers and historic cable cars to art galleries and museums, a postcard-worthy photo is available on every corner. Bring your appetite: seafood lovers will be rewarded with Dungeness crab and sourdough bread bowls, while Ghirardelli Square will satiate anyone’s sweet tooth after a day at Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge. Don't forget to say hello to the adorable sea lions that make this neighbourhood a true San Francisco treat.
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See what travellers are saying
- Olde_biLMarkham, Canada1,112 contributionsA must do, once, if only for the photo op.It's a tourist haunt and, I suppose, a must do if visiting San Francisco. Even if it's in the rain and for the sake of getting a selfie with the sign. For us, its plus is the other things that are close by, included are: Boudin's for it's iconic Sourdough bread and its Clam Chowder in a Sourdough bread bowl, a couple of iconic San Francisco cable car lines, Ghirardelli Square, and an In-n-Out burger. Specifically for our family, it's home to many, many souvenir shops that lets us play our usual game in which we compete to see who can find the tackiest souvenir. Fisherman's Wharf is easy to get to by SF public transit i.e., the Muni. It's served by many bus, streecar, cablecar, and trolley lines. From there you can easily get to other tourist destinations such as Pier 39/Embarcadaro, Lombard St., Chinatown, and so on. Enjoy, just don't expect a lot beyond lots of opportunity to separate you from your money.Visited March 2023Written 30 March 2023
- TravelingSoccerLoonSaint Paul, Minnesota3,477 contributionsTouristy But Should Experience When Visiting San FranciscoFisherman's Wharf is a must-see experience if you are a tourist visiting San Francisco. Views of San Francisco Bay, some great seafood restaurants, street performers, shopping, amusements, boat tours and nearby Pier 39 with its sea lions. Fun to arrive here by cable car on the Powell and Hyde line.Visited October 2022Written 28 April 2023
- BrummieMoBirmingham, United Kingdom93 contributionsPlenty Going OnAn area with shops, restaurants and street entertainment. Also the terminus for the hop on and off bus and the Trolly Bus hub. Be aware that restaurants close at 9.00 pm, even the bar and restaurant in the Argonaut Hotel. Worth a visit.Visited April 2023Written 30 April 2023
- baird t51 contributionsFood Fun Shop at the San Francisco Fisherman's WharfA comfortable stroll for couples, families....everyone..... featuring iconic San Francisco sea food restaurants, stores, bars, exhibits, the marina (you can rent a boat and captain for a three hour tour of the bay area). Trolley's and buses stop at the Wharf. Parking garages nearby.Visited April 2023Written 5 May 2023
- WikumjBromley, United Kingdom317 contributionsWe loved this placeWe loved this place, probably the best seaside pier area we have been to. Much better than the pier at Santa Monica in LA. Bustling atmosphere, loads of great eateries, great shops (some quite reasonably priced) and good fun and games - there was a street magician when we went. There’s also an area round the back where seals congregate . We spent a whole afternoon here.Visited May 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 18 May 2023
- colombiajanSaint Albans, West Virginia195 contributionsGreat Vibes at Fisherman's WharfWe were at Fisherman's Wharf last week. We enjoyed all the shops eating places. We loved all the excitement and live music playing. I feel like it is a must do experience for San Fransisco. We loved seeing the seals at Pier 39. It was chilly when we were there so take a jacket.Visited May 2023Written 1 June 2023
- BobiTychynskiShimodaOakville, Canada346 contributionsOk‘Twas ok. Lots of typical souvenir places with a few very original ones thrown in to make it cool (and interesting). Some interesting ones were the rubber ducky store, the left handed store and some gem/mineral places. It was worth visiting just for a walk around after or before Alcatraz.Visited June 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 8 June 2023
- Dani D1 contributionGreat service!!Amazing food! Anceluo was sooooo amazing! He recommended the Mac and cheese and played with my niece's bear (which got old I'm sure). He got double sat at the same time all 8 of us sat down, but he handled it amazingly. I wouldn't have even known. 10/10!!!!!Visited June 2023Travelled with familyWritten 10 June 2023
- KelvinDunedin, New Zealand574 contributionsMust visit.We stayed at a hotel only a couple of blocks from the Main Street here, so we were able to spend a fair bit of time here. There is plenty to see and heaps of places to eat. Another iconic location that always seems to have something going on. A must do to visit while in the city.Visited May 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 4 July 2023
- HoneylocketWales, United Kingdom126 contributionsSea lions are amazing - lots to doThis is a fun place to spend a few hours. Yes, it's 'tourist central' but you can walk the pier and watch the sea lions, San Francisco Bay for no charge. Some lovely restaurants and shops. Must doVisited July 2023Travelled with familyWritten 20 July 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
19,620 reviews
Excellent
8,123
Very good
6,681
Average
3,389
Poor
969
Terrible
458
OceanLovingCouple
San Francisco, CA5,141 contributions
Nov 2023 • Solo
When I have a friend visit from out of town, I drive along the Embarcadero all the way along Pier 39 then past the Cannery without stopping until Bay & Hyde. That way they can say they saw the Wharf. Yawn. The only reason locals go there is because the only In N Out Burger in the City is located there and to buy crab when in season.
Take your Bay Cruise and Alcatraz tour then move elsewhere.
Take your Bay Cruise and Alcatraz tour then move elsewhere.
Written 9 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CLDP
Bedford UK136 contributions
Mar 2024 • Couples
I expected more…. There are quite a few shops selling souvenirs. A few restaurants.
Busy Saturday and Sunday,
Good views of Alcatraz and Golden Gate.
Boats trips from here
I would suggest a visit
Busy Saturday and Sunday,
Good views of Alcatraz and Golden Gate.
Boats trips from here
I would suggest a visit
Written 8 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dmoncrief
Sugar Land, TX7 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
Great service by Ancelvo! Wonderful food!! Got the stuffed fish. Awesome onion rings! Beautiful view! We can’t wait to come back!!
Written 16 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jonathan C.
La Jolla, California, USA478 contributions
Jan 2024 • Friends
Plenty of shops and restaurants to explore and try out, though it is a tourist destination. My favorite is the seals on Pier 39.
Written 3 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Theresa M
2 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
We stayed at the Hotel Zephyr which was perfect to explore the neighbourhood. Sadly some restaurants and bars have not recovered from the Covid situation but there is plenty to do. The sea-lions are adorable, we enjoyed food at Boudins, the Great Eagle and the Wipeout bar. The boat trip to Alcatraz set off from a short walk away at Pier 33. We had a really good day out on the hop on hop off bus which took us is to all the main attractions. The cable car is a great experience, and within walking distance.
Written 31 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
andyh67186334
Coalville, UK6,835 contributions
Jan 2024 • Solo
Fisherman's Wharf feels like an add on to Pier 39 and is much smaller, but has an array of shops, restaurants and bars to suit everyone's taste and pocket.
Written 21 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bcheong
Shanghai, China26,685 contributions
Dec 2023 • Couples
One of the top tourist attractions of San francisco. A fairly large area with restaurants, shops, and now a ferris wheel (that they moved from goldrn gate park)
There’s also pier 39 where the sealions are
There’s also pier 39 where the sealions are
Written 25 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kor M
Brisbane, Australia195 contributions
Dec 2023 • Family
A first-time visitor, I was shocked at how unimpressive this area is. It's world-famous, but I left wondering what exactly it's famous for. It consists largely of fast-food restaurants and merchandise shops selling touristy junk nobody needs. What's more, it smells bad, reeking of uncollected garbage, marijuana or cigarette smoke, or in some places a combination of all three. I can't imagine what it's like in the summer. On the plus side, you can get a decent view of the local sea lions from Pier 39, and the old ships at Hyde Street Pier (specifically Balclutha [1886] and C.A. Thayer [1895]) are beautifully preserved and well worth the $15 price of admission. The same can't be said of the submarine USS Pampanito. I was curious to board it and look inside, but $30 just for admission was too steep for me.
Written 11 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joanne
Lake Mary, FL1,781 contributions
Nov 2023 • Solo
It is a bit on the touristy side. But there is a lot to do with a free machine museum and the USS Pampanito. They are worth a visit. The views of the bay and bridges are fantastic, pictures can't get the visual effect. Some street performers do set up quickly and are a bit on the loud side with their music.
Written 22 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
wombatdavid
Hobart, Australia2,570 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
We took the cable car from Powell street here albeit somewhat disrupted thanks to APEC. It is very touristy but the highlights were sea lions at pier 39 and some crab chowder. A fun place to visit.
Written 13 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kimwilliams917
Monroe, LA1 contribution
I am heading to California this summer. My cousin & I want to take our 2 teenage daughters to Fisherman’s Warf. We are wondering if it would be safe for us to visit that are on our own? I see lots of stories on the news about the increased crime rate in San Francisco so we are trying to figure out if it is still currently safe to visit that area?
Jydeoo
Lagos, Nigeria2,311 contributions
It's safe. But beware of pick pockets as in any other tourist crowds.
Thea J
Tilburg, The Netherlands82 contributions
Hallo, wij gaan over een tijdje naar San Francisco en vroegen ons af of je entree moet betalen om over de Fisherman’s Wharf te lopen en naar pier 39 te gaan?
Willemsbetty
Tongeren, Belgium490 contributions
Pier 39 is gratis er is geen inkom te betalen , langs het water zijn er vele restaurantjes en winkeltjes te bezichtigen , enkel als je naar Alcatraz gaat op voorhand bestellen dan moet je niet in de wachtrij staan voor een ticket
Veel plezier het is zeker een bezoek waard
kam45impala
Milford, CT110 contributions
I have read and also heard that San Francisco and the Fisherman's Wharf area has gotten really run down with a lot of homeless people and there are concerns about needles and feces littering the streets, homeless citizens sleeping on sidewalks. I was planning a possible trip to the area in September but don't want to go if things are this bad - has anyone been there recently that can provide some current information on the situation? I would hate to book a hotel in the area for a week and have it littered with needles, feces etc.
Shaheenrashid
23 contributions
Hi, visited dec 2019 and yes, I saw a lot of homeless people around and that did surprise me a bit, but as far as being afraid or seeing needles etc, didn’t experience anything like that. The touristy areas are all great, it’s vibrant and fun. Even walking around at night wasn’t bad at all. So go enjoy because it is a beautiful city!
Is it safe to walk around pier 39 in San Francisco with all the homeless people
Colin J
Newport, UK461 contributions
Totally.
Jose S
Miami, FL7 contributions
Hello,
At what time does Fisherman's Wharf open on weekdays?
Thanks,
Confuesd T
Henderson, NV89 contributions
10 am
davidfC4058QT
Federal Way, WA1 contribution
What is the best time of year to visit?
Coriander W
Angola, IN28 contributions
We were there mid June. It was busy, but still had great views of Alcatraz, the Bay Bridge, and the sea lions. Shops were full of people so crowding was an issue, but only slight.
Cheryl C
Reno, NV119 contributions
What are the hotels in the area?
Rik M
Melbourne, Australia7 contributions
Hi Cheryl,we stayed on Lomdard Street at the Coventry Inn. It's a little "dated" but good price (for SF),clean and the staff were great. There's plenty of accommodation around the area depending on your budget. A word of advice, take something warm if you're out at night. It gets cool when the sun goes down (tho we were previously doing 100 degrees in Vegas). Enjoy, it's a lovely part of the world.
merinski
Canada160 contributions
Isn't Pier 39 the same place as Fisherman's Wharf?
PaulaJChristie
Melbourne, Australia81 contributions
Pier 39 in a specific place located at fisherman’s wharf
Bonnie P
Bluffton, SC
We will be on a cruise ship at Pier 29. Is Uber available to bring us to Fisherman’s Wharf? We are unable to walk any distance.
Thanks.
Les G
Idaho155 contributions
yes uber services the wharf and we used them on our recent trip.
if standing is an issue -?
we got mom the walker that rolls and has a seat to sit on
also brakes that can be locked.
the unit is fold able and small to fit in the back of a car.
that has opened up more sights for us to see with mom.
and yes the walker is flight friendly too and they will tag it and stow it for you right before you get on the plane. :)
JMinNashville
Nashville, TN76 contributions
Will shops, etc. be open Christmas Eve or Christmas?
Mayur S
Mumbai, India917 contributions
Shops at Pier 39 on Fisherman's Wharf are open on Christmas eve. Most shops are closed for Christmas.
However, you will find many things to do at Fisherman's Wharf - walk in the park nearby, see the sea lions off the Pier 39 and enjoy the carnival atmosphere.
Hope this helps you plan your Christmas holiday in San Francisco.
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Claim your listingFISHERMAN'S WHARF: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Fisherman's Wharf
- Fisherman's Wharf admission prices can vary. Entrance tickets currently cost S$36.27, while a popular guided tour starts around S$11.95 per person.
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Fisherman's Wharf:
- Madame Tussauds General Admission (From S$36.27)
- Alcatraz Ticket + Fisherman's Wharf Walking Tour (From S$133.04)
- Fisherman's Wharf Walking Tour (From S$47.03)
- Muir Woods Tour of California Coastal Redwoods (Entrance fee included) (From S$126.32)
- GoCar San Francisco Tour (From S$130.07)
- Hotels near Fisherman's Wharf:
- (0.18 km) Hotel Zephyr San Francisco
- (0.13 km) The Wharf Inn
- (0.24 km) Kimpton Alton Hotel - Fisherman's Wharf
- (0.24 km) Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman’s Wharf
- (0.25 km) Hotel Caza Fisherman's Wharf
- Restaurants near Fisherman's Wharf:
- (0.02 km) Boudin's Bakery & Cafe
- (0.02 km) Boudin Sourdough Bakery & Cafe
- (0.03 km) Applebee's Grill and Bar
- (0.03 km) Crab Station at Fishermans Wharf
- (0.03 km) Chowder Hut Grill
- Attractions near Fisherman's Wharf:
- (0.04 km) Boudin at the Wharf
- (0.05 km) Hornblower Classic Cable Cars
- (0.08 km) San Francisco Movie Tours
- (0.09 km) The Tour Store
- (0.10 km) Red and White Fleet