Fisherman's Wharf

San Francisco
Fisherman\'s Wharf showing marine life and a marina as well as a small group of people
This waterfront location is steeped in history dating back to the days of the gold rush. Today, visitors come here for its vibrant atmosphere and great food.

Once the home of a traditional fishing industry, today only a few working boats remain. These few boats still bring in a regular supply of fresh fish to the area, which serves the local restaurants. In the past, generations of migrants fished the rich oceans surrounding this coastal site daily, and although most have now disappeared, the character of that era is still very much in evidence.

Today, Fisherman’s Wharf is a busy shopping and entertainment complex, comprising upmarket seafood restaurants, fascinating museums, and stands that sell delights such as piping hot clam chowder. In common with much of San Francisco, there is a decidedly bohemian feel about the area, with street performers lining the streets almost continuously. Day or night, the carnival atmosphere of this place is always present. The area stretches from Ghirardelli Square at the west end of the wharf, all the way to the iconic Pier 39, with its vocal sea lion population. The sea lions live on floating wooden platforms alongside the pier for large parts of the year and are a great source of entertainment for visitors.

There are plenty of places to eat, with seafood a particular speciality. However, if you’re not fan, there are also excellent Italian, Indian and Chinese restaurants. Many of the local eateries offer al fresco dining and have fantastic views over the bay area and landmarks like Alcatraz Island and the Bay Bridge.

Take a trip down memory lane with a visit to the Musée Mecanique with its delightful collection of penny arcades and antiquated mechanical machines. Or experience what life was like aboard a Second World War submarine at the USS Pampanito. Alcatraz Island with its notorious prison is also only a short boat ride away.

Access Fisherman’s Wharf via public transport or foot. Parking is available but it’s expensive or you could take a cable car for an authentic San Francisco experience.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Top hotels in Fisherman's Wharf

Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
4 out of 5
2500 Mason St, San Francisco, CA
The price is RM587 per night from 7 Apr to 8 Apr
RM587
per night
7 Apr - 8 Apr
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (6,189 reviews)
"Breakfast was great!"

Reviewed on 25 Mar 2024

Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
Hotel Caza Fisherman's Wharf
Hotel Caza Fisherman's Wharf
4 out of 5
1300 Columbus Avenue, San Francisco, CA
The price is RM635 per night from 7 Apr to 8 Apr
RM635
per night
7 Apr - 8 Apr
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (3,488 reviews)
"Staff was very helpful and always available. Loved the pool table area!"

Reviewed on 27 Mar 2024

Hotel Caza Fisherman's Wharf
Hyatt Centric Fisherman's Wharf San Francisco
Hyatt Centric Fisherman's Wharf San Francisco
4 out of 5
555 N Point St, San Francisco, CA
The price is RM692 per night from 19 Apr to 20 Apr
RM692
per night
19 Apr - 20 Apr
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,417 reviews)
"We recently stayed here for my kids's spring break. It was close to everything near Fisherman's Wharf and elsewhere. If we couldn't walk it, we could Uber inexpensively. I suggest you prepay for the breakfast buffer if you can. It's a real deal. Staff was very friendly and accomodating. The only ..."

Reviewed on 27 Mar 2024

Hyatt Centric Fisherman's Wharf San Francisco
Hotel Zephyr San Francisco
Hotel Zephyr San Francisco
4 out of 5
250 Beach Street, San Francisco, CA
The price is RM791 per night from 18 Apr to 19 Apr
RM791
per night
18 Apr - 19 Apr
Stay at this 4-star boutique hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour fitness center, and valet parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,407 reviews)
"Property was near the pear."

Reviewed on 24 Mar 2024

Hotel Zephyr San Francisco
Hotel Zoe Fisherman's Wharf
Hotel Zoe Fisherman's Wharf
4 out of 5
425 North Point, San Francisco, CA
The price is RM658 per night from 7 Apr to 8 Apr
RM658
per night
7 Apr - 8 Apr
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 bars/lounges, and breakfast. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,016 reviews)
"Nice hotel walking distance to pier 39"

Reviewed on 28 Mar 2024

Hotel Zoe Fisherman's Wharf
Holiday Inn Express and Suites Fisherman's Wharf, an IHG Hotel
Holiday Inn Express and Suites Fisherman's Wharf, an IHG Hotel
3 out of 5
550 N Point St, San Francisco, CA
The price is RM601 per night from 9 Apr to 10 Apr
RM601
per night
9 Apr - 10 Apr
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,566 reviews)
"Great location, friendly staff, clean rooms, and tasty breakfast."

Reviewed on 25 Mar 2024

Holiday Inn Express and Suites Fisherman's Wharf, an IHG Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Fisherman's Wharf

Default Image

Russian Hill

4/5(4 area reviews)

Travellers choose Russian Hill for its pristine beaches. Hop aboard the metro at Hyde St & Filbert St Stop or Hyde St & Union St Stop and check out top sights like Lombard Street.

Russian Hill
North Beach which includes skyline and a city

North Beach

4.5/5(129 area reviews)

Travellers love North Beach for its popular shops, and you can see more of San Francisco by jumping on the metro at Columbus Ave & Lombard St Stop or Columbus Ave & Chestnut St Stop. You might spend time checking out top sights like Pier 39 and San Francisco Bay.

North Beach
Nob Hill showing street scenes and a city

Nob Hill

4.5/5(78 area reviews)

Gourmet restaurants Chinatown and top sights from Grace Cathedral to SF Masonic Auditorium – discover Nob Hill, a destination also famous for its shopping.

Nob Hill
Chinatown showing street scenes

Chinatown

3.5/5(8 area reviews)

Enjoy the popular shops in Chinatown. Chinatown Alleyways is a worthwhile stop, and you can jump on the metro at Chinatown-Rose Pak Stop or Powell St & Clay St Stop to see more of San Francisco.

Chinatown
Marina District which includes heritage architecture as well as a small group of people

Marina District

4/5(80 area reviews)

The beautiful waterfront views and popular shops are just a few highlights of Marina District. Make a stop by Presidio of San Francisco or San Francisco Bay while you're exploring the area.

Marina District
Cow Hollow featuring signage and street scenes

Cow Hollow

3.5/5(9 area reviews)

Gourmet restaurants a bustling marina and top sights from Union Street to Van Ness Avenue – discover Cow Hollow, a destination also famous for its shopping.

Cow Hollow


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