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
Suggested duration
< 1 hour
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from C$38.46
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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
- NayrexToronto, Canada72 contributionsWalk About FunWe loved coming back to our old haunts here in Fisherman's Wharf. There is so much to see and the food is outstanding. Despite COVID we made our way back and the atmosphere didn't disappoint. There are a bunch of great restaurants to choose from for breakfast, lunch and dinner. All are great.Visited August 2022Written December 7, 2022
- Travelsotl1990Sydney, Australia65 contributionsStay here not Union Square!For us we spent so much time down here. Most trips started from here eg Muir woods, or Alkatraz. That we thought why on earth did most reviews suggest Union Square? Maybe if you like shopping but even that was underwhelming. For us we found nothing great about Union Square except for the little cable car which we took to (You guessed it) the wharf! There are SO many eateries down here and a nice walk to the famous Pier 39 or in the other direction and you can see the bridge in the distance. Coming from Australia we couldn't find many breakfast/brunch spots but we still managed to find something - ihop for example. It was our first time in San Fran and we loved it. we spend 5 days.Visited October 2022Written December 31, 2022
- santaclara69Tumwater, Washington19 contributionsRemembering my past.Although still a tourist attraction it is not what it once was. The famous Alioto's Restaurant is closed and Fisherman's Grotto soon will be. We did have bread chowder bowls for lunch and walked along the water's edge. We stumbled upon on took a 2 hour boat tour on the Bay called Bridge to Bridge. It was a beautiful clear sunny day with mild wind. A surprise for December.Visited December 2022Written January 9, 2023
- Ebru AAnkara, Türkiye1,096 contributionsThe Attraction Point at the WaterfrontThe Fisherman’s Wharf is one of the places to visit in San Fransisco. You can spend almost all day over there by shopping, sittin and having somethings at the restaurants and bars. You can also have many choices to take pictures and learning much about the history of San Fransisco marine commerce.Visited April 2022Written January 21, 2023
- Jen PEl Segundo, California14 contributionsNot as touristy as I expectedLots of things to see and do here. Easily spent 4 hours here and it was clean and safe and had tons to do. If I had kids with me, I could probably spend more time even. This was a must go for a first time here.Visited February 2023Written March 1, 2023
- dawnenatorSingapore, Singapore593 contributionsA fun way to spend a dayLocals hate it and there's a lot of hype, but it's a really enjoyable way to spend half a day, or a day, just walking around, eating and shopping. For us, this was the first return visit after more than ten years, so it was nice to be back. Beware bad restaurants at Pier 39, such as The Hook (B-01). Prices are deceptive, but it's not good value and in fact some of the food was downright awful. But do try Chioppino's. Great service and delicious food.Visited March 2023Travelled with friendsWritten March 4, 2023
- bluebell101Hampshire, United Kingdom582 contributionsIt was alright.You see it in the movies, so it's on your wish list when on a Californian road trip. It appears very run down, could do with a lick of paint and updating. Restaurants and shops are ok. Theres a bakery there and the smell of the bread being baked was lovely.Visited September 2022Written March 6, 2023
- stay99Miami, Florida33 contributionsMust see & eat..One thing I need to point out is that fisherman‘s wharf is not that close to Ghirardelli square we thought we could walk it but we decided to take a quick cab over to it. Also we ate at Ghirardelli Square, and I wish we would’ve waited because there’s so many more options at fisherman‘s wharf. It is a seafood lover‘s ParadiseVisited February 2023Written March 6, 2023
- Raymond AbeltunTrondheim, Norway443 contributionsTouristy, but iconicDoes not give the authentic feeling of a place of importance that it probably once had. Allt of restaurants and ALLT of tourists. But nevertheless its a place you feel you need to experience when visiting SF. Had a excellent lunch at one of many good seafood restaurants.Visited March 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten March 8, 2023
- 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 March 30, 2023
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 order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
19,615 reviews
Excellent
8,119
Very good
6,680
Average
3,391
Poor
969
Terrible
456
Joanne
Lake Mary, FL1,749 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 November 22, 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, Australia2,481 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 November 13, 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.
Dr Javed Rasheed
Kurnool, India2,685 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
Visited this landmark on 14th of May 2023. A must visit landmark when one is in San Francisco. Fisherman’s Wharf, on the northern waterfront, is one of the city's busiest tourist areas. Souvenir shops and stalls selling crab and clam chowder in sourdough bread bowls appear at every turn, as do postcard views of the bay, Golden Gate and Alcatraz. There are a lot of restaurants that one can visit and usually very crowded with tourists and it’s difficult to secure a place on the weekend. Visited and had a late lunch here in one of the sea food restaurants located there.
Dr. Javed Rasheed
Dr. Javed Rasheed
Written October 27, 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.
BillyF
83 contributions
Oct. 2023 • Family
Despite the wonderful setting this area is dirty, run down and has too many people. It needs a complete revamp to bring it up to date as it all feels tired and dated. The food offerings are much as you’d expect - all selling the same poor quality over priced food. Multiple places selling clam chowder, over priced and over rated. And gift shops selling the usual rubbish that will end up in landfill. Didn’t feel safe here and couldn’t wait to leave.
Written October 26, 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.
BBB-MLJ
London, UK355 contributions
Oct. 2023 • Couples
Quite expensive but good for a look. The seals are too far away to see properly or photograph.
Grab a coffee, sit down and people watch - more interesting than the shops.
Grab a coffee, sit down and people watch - more interesting than the shops.
Written October 21, 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.
LAP
17 contributions
Oct. 2023 • Friends
Not much to see. But plenty of vendors offering "World Famous Everything under the Sun" at super inflated prices.
An absolute tourist trap. Walk through without buying any overpriced, overpromised wares, then leave.
Don't buy anything, just walk through and leave. Avoid buyers remorse.
An absolute tourist trap. Walk through without buying any overpriced, overpromised wares, then leave.
Don't buy anything, just walk through and leave. Avoid buyers remorse.
Written October 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.
StephenCross
Dublin, Ireland18,407 contributions
Oct. 2023 • Couples
Intereating area and lots of different things going on. Restaurants bars and shops. Great views of the bay. Worth a visit.
Written October 8, 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.
Janis Y
Palo Alto, CA113 contributions
Aug. 2023 • Solo
Used to love this place! But after the pandemic, everything changed. Many stores closed, but few new places open. Will go to another attraction instead. SF tourism is slowly picking up, maybe soon the international tourists come back, and this famous place will awake again. :)
Best wishes!
Best wishes!
Written October 3, 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.
Anne E
Salt Lake City, UT69 contributions
Sep. 2023
Good place to walk and eat fresh seafood. Some of the area seems a bit run down and sketchy, though, so don't expect a pristine waterfront with swanky shops. I had some good chowder in a sourdough breadbowl at Cioppino's.
Written October 2, 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.
63impala
Stoneham, MA1,248 contributions
Sep. 2023 • Couples
2nd time here in 15 years and it seems like it has gotten even better. This is a place that you can spend an entire day here. To me this is the heart of San Francisco!
Written October 1, 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, Belgium484 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, UK455 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
Canada146 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 C$37.95, while a popular guided tour starts around C$12.18 per person.
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Fisherman's Wharf:
- Madame Tussauds General Admission (From C$37.95)
- Alcatraz Ticket + Fisherman's Wharf Walking Tour (From C$135.74)
- Fisherman's Wharf Walking Tour (From C$47.99)
- Muir Woods Tour of California Coastal Redwoods (Entrance fee included) (From C$122.03)
- GoCar San Francisco Tour (From C$132.71)
- 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
- (0.25 km) Hotel Caza Fisherman's Wharf
- (0.24 km) Hotel Riu Plaza 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
- (0.06 km) Gold Dust Lounge
- (0.08 km) San Francisco Movie Tours
- (0.09 km) The Tour Store