Fisherman's Wharf

Fisherman's Wharf

Fisherman's Wharf
4
NeighbourhoodsPiers & BoardwalksScenic Walking Areas
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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The area
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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
  • AMohsen
    Port Said, Egypt687 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Vibrant and must spend high quality time there
    It is quite a vibrant and joyful region that allows spending high-quality time. It is cheerful and full of tourists. The region includes popular and picturesque piers, malls, shopping outlets, driving small race cars, and several activities. It is one of the best locations to reside and reserve the accommodation.
    Visited June 2023
    Travelled with friends
    Written March 26, 2024
  • ken-kaneko
    Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan124 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    A tourist hub
    A typical tourist spot in San Francisco. It has a view of the harbor and is lined with restaurants and shops. You can also go to the Golden Gate Bridge from here. It doesn't have that sea smell like Japan, so it's pleasant to stroll around. There are many nice residential areas nearby, so it's nice to walk, even though there are many slopes. There are food stalls even on weekdays, so it's lively.
    Visited November 2023
    Travelled solo
    Written May 7, 2024
  • Jota2015Ce
    Madrid, Spain9,752 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Docks.
    Lively port area with very commercial docks full of shops, restaurants and attractions. Don't miss Pier 45 with the Musée Mécanique and Pier 39 with the merry-go-round and the sea lions. Much more lively in the afternoon, in the morning many shops are closed.
    Visited May 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written May 9, 2024
  • Nico Samneil Sy Salado
    Newport, Vermont2,004 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Yeah cool
    This place became iconic since the sign for the wharf is here. Whole wharf has been changed into a tourist spot so it’s cool looking with lots of activities. Modern cable car has also a stop here. See images further reference.
    Visited May 2024
    Travelled with family
    Written May 11, 2024
  • Rachel & Andy
    392 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    Nice Area but a Tourist Trap
    Visited: 10/06/2023 Fisherman's Wharf could be another tourist trap for sure. It was well worth the visit, but be wary of prices on food and things to do. The streets are lined with stalls of food and craft vendors so the walkways can be really crowded, and worse when people are not aware of surroundings and suddenly stop in front of you. It is a nice are to walk around, but prices are hiked up. What I will recommend is an old style gaming arcade called Musee Mechanique where they have retro-fitted lots of centuries old arcade games to take modern coins to still be played. It's like a museum but with games. Fabulous. And seeing the USS Pampanito was fabulous as well.
    Visited June 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written May 25, 2024
  • Cara Lee
    Tokomaru Bay, New Zealand14 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Room with a view
    Enjoyed the dining experience and many options available. Spent the whole day there. Best to shop around for sales as some souvenir shops are expensive again alot of options. The sea lions were a must see and we enjoyed watching them for a time. Some very good street entertainers. Easy access to tour boats and buses etc. On a downside a couple of rest rooms we used were filthy and reeked of urine and Marijuana which was not nice so didn't use. They need more restrooms that have attendants to keep clean.
    Visited June 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written June 5, 2024
  • DesertTrips
    Morocco381 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Unforgettable Experience at Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco
    We had an amazing time at Fisherman's Wharf! The lively atmosphere and beautiful waterfront views made it perfect for walking around. Our seafood lunch was delicious, with fresh clam chowder and bay crab. There’s so much to see and do, from street performers and historic ships to the Aquarium of the Bay and the bustling Pier 39. Fisherman's Wharf is a must-visit for anyone in San Francisco. Highly recommend!
    Visited June 2024
    Travelled with friends
    Written June 7, 2024
  • Lucas A
    Daly City, California13 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Relaxing and fun day at Fisherman's Wharf !
    Went there at lunch time to just see the new wheel installed there and it was amazing! We walked on Jefferson street and there was a lot of performances on the road. There are small stores selling cotton candies, hot dog, drinks and souvenirs. There were a few guys dancing and singing too! we stopped there for a good 30 mins to enjoy our show and we dropped some tips for them for the good show. It's really hot in SF today and I really admire their determination. We got on the wheel and enjoy the view from the top of the wheel and it's so relaxing. We were slowly travelling up to the top and the whole process is simply enjoyment. I highly recommend the Ferris wheel trip if anyone is in SF. I heard they change places once in a while so I'm not sure will the wheel still be here next time if anyone is visiting the Wharf. We visited the Boudin Bakery & cafe on our way back and it was huge. You can see the process of the bread making, all the dough and smell the bread a miles far. This is a really good experience and relaxing meal after the wheel just under the sun and enjoy. Anyway, I enjoyed my trip to the Wharf today and it's simply amazing.
    Visited July 2024
    Travelled with friends
    Written July 4, 2024
  • paws0810
    Mesa, Arizona3,071 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Weekend
    It’s been a few years since we’ve been at the wharf. We’ve been here four times and 40 years. It’s still fun beautiful weather, breezy, sunny, cool wind enjoyed everything it was clean and not a lot of crazy people
    Visited July 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written July 17, 2024
  • FrankieandtheWorld
    Almelo, The Netherlands2,348 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    Especially the name, little rundown and dated busy area
    This area around Fisherman's Warf is actually a classic tourist trap. It's mostly the name. Furthermore, it is busy, many expensive restaurants, expensive supermarkets and ugly souvenir shops. It all looks a bit dilapidated and dated. Not our thing!
    Visited June 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written July 31, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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Joe C
Barry, UK84 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2024 • Couples
If you go to San Francisco, Fisherman's Wharf is very likely to be on your itinerary. The sea lions and chowder have become part of most visits to the city.

We stayed near Fisherman's Wharf - and tended to be in that area most days at some point. It's touristy and felt busy. The street entertainers are great, but it is loud - and sometimes crowded.

We found that using some of the lesser crowded piers to get a really great view out over towards Alcatraz worked for us. Pier 41 gives you great views of the sea lions too - without battling through the crowds.

We had some great meals around Fisherman's Wharf - but it is more expensive than walking a few streets away.
Written October 29, 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.

Frank dB
Arnhem, The Netherlands1,400 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2024 • Couples
The Fishermans Wharf is an open accessible area, which consists of a number of piers, shops, restaurants, bars and attractions. The Ferris wheel usually looks empty, is quite defining. Luckily it doesn't really have a fairground feel. The best part is at the end of pier 39, where a large group of sea lions is woven together on decking making noise. For photos it is best to come in the morning, otherwise you have backlighting which is difficult with dark animals.
Also nice views of Alcatraz and the Golden Gate bridge.
Automatically translated
Written September 6, 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.

LaVale
Milan, Italy607 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2024 • Solo
Beautiful place . I arrived by cable car (13 dollars return). It is a rather long street with many shops, places to eat, music. Fish at will. Crab is very good food. Pier 39 you will find beached sea lions. A beautiful image and right there on the upper floor there is a restaurant with wooden tables where they make phenomenal crab. The oysters are also delicious. The prices in the shops are not exactly cheap, considering that it is a very touristy place. The bubble shop is also very nice (all natural soaps and body products). Go there!! Good fun
Google
Written February 5, 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.

Kor M
Brisbane, Australia190 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
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 December 11, 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.

Sunnee R
10 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2022
SO many things to see and do in this area. Boudin bakery, restaurant, bakery, cafe, the Crab House, and te Fish Market for food. Tons of shirt and sweats to buy, it may be cooler and windier thant you expected. Take a cruise on the bay to get the true effect that San Francisco is on a peninsula surrounded on three isde by cool water. There are street performers, kiosks with stuff to buy and this is the area where you can pick up and retron from the Big Red Bus that takes you all around town, well worth the time and price IMHO. Hop on Hop off.
Written June 15, 2022
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.

Mahea M
Pomona, California, United States7 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2022 • Friends
Enjoyed everything there except these 2 street performers. Be aware of 2 male break dancers claiming to represent a help children charity. Hi dollar, hi pressure scam. They even get volunteers from the crowd to build up the act. I was one of the volunteers. Then they turn on the pressure and start collecting money. They request $10 - $20+ and ridicule you if you only give a couple of dollars. Stay away, just keep walking.
Written October 27, 2022
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.

Lengtan67
Kuala Lumpur1,203 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2022 • Solo
My visit was in early February, and found it rather quiet probably due to lack of tourists attributed by Covid.

Many shops and restaurants were also not in operations, as such the entire place was even quieter by 7pm.

Nevertheless, was still an interesting place to explore minus the crowd and managed to find some good eats like deep fried calamari or prawns and clam chowder from any of the 2 corner shops nearest to the Fisherman's Wharf iconic signage - something not to be missed if we love deep fried items.

Fisherman's Wharf is easily accessible by Powell-Mason and Powell-Hyde cable car line and also the tram or streetcar Line F.
Written March 30, 2022
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.

Mavy84
Livorno, Italy172 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2023 • Solo
Vast tourist area overlooking the bay; it extends from the legendary Pier 39 to Ghirardelli's Square and wherever you go you will find a restaurant ready to refresh you.
The walk it offers is really pleasant, especially on a sunny day, among the multitude of people and streetcars whizzing and ringing along the road.
Highly recommended place to stay even though it is far from the center of San Francisco
Google
Written January 2, 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.

Stan C
Cumming, GA148 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2024 • Couples
So sad to see the deterioration of the city! Just there for a few days but the level of empty storefronts, graffiti and trash were hard to see. We lived there in the 90s and have come back a couple of times over the years - but were dismayed at how bad things are / empty streets, homeless sleeping and a real lack of vitality……don’t bother with the city go elsewhere.
Written August 13, 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.

amychav
San Jose, CA221 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2022
We love coming to Fisherman's Wharf. It is a touristy place, but it is fun. There are street performers, street sellers, food, stores, lots of people and fun. Parking is expensive. But, no trip to San Francisco would be complete without a visit here.

If you are planning a trip here, I recommend wearing comfortable clothes and walking shoes. Also layers, because weather can go from warm to cold quickly when the fog rolls in.
Written September 26, 2022
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.

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FISHERMAN'S WHARF - All You MUST Know Before You Go (2025)

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