2800 Taylor St, San Francisco, California 94133 USA
Iconic Attraction
Fisherman's Wharf is San Francisco's Times Square or Hollywood Boulevard, incorporating touristy kitsch with SF flair. It is a great place for souvenir shopping, sea lion-watching, antique arcade game-playing, streetcar-riding, and more. It's also a great place to sample local delicacies like Dungeness crab, Ghiradelli chocolate, and sourdough bread (and there's an In-n-Out here, too!)
San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf is a world famous tourist attraction and a thriving and vibrant local neighborhood and commercial area. Home to world-class dining, shopping, hotels and endless entertainment opportunities, the Wharf is truly the place to start your San Francisco experience. As the home of San Francisco's fishing fleet, docked along Jefferson Street, Fisherman's Wharf is the important center of our city's historic fishing industry. Along our neighborhood's "Fish Alley" you can still see fishermen at work, which is always a fun and unique San Francisco experience. The Wharf area is also the launching point for Bay cruises and charters. Fisherman's Wharf is also home to an annual Fourth of July celebration and boasts one of the biggest fireworks displays in the country!
Having lived in San Francisco for nearly 2 years, I frequented the Wharf many times. There are some of the best touristy things located here including Pier 39, tons of seafood restaurants, Alcatraz charts, and the general Blue & Gold fleet to visit Tiburon or Sausalito or Angel Island. The funniest thing is seeing all the "I heart SF" sweatshirts because people misplan their wardrobe and end up buying a jacket. Walking Pier 39 is fun because of all the fun stores and unique foods. Definitely check out the seals sitting off the pier and grab some pics. The prices at the Wharf are higher than most places because of the significant tourist trap. Don't try to park nearby or you'll pay through the roof. If you can get a taxi down, do it. Or park a bit away and enjoy the walk.
The Fisherman's Wharf is definitely a bit heavy on the tourist side of things, but it's still worth seeing and enjoying. Of course prices tend to be a bit high due to the tourist factor, but there a lots of options for good food, and of course lots of touristy swag to buy. My favorite part of the experience is going to see the sea lions that hang out on Pier 39, in an area that has been set aside for them. Very entertaining! However, they are not always present because like many wild animals, they have their own schedules and migrations to stick to, so it's a good idea to do a quick check online before you go if that's mainly what you are going to see. There are also really great views of Alcatraz, and you can sign up to take a tour to visit Alcatraz, which is one of those classic American things you've got to do at some point in your life. Parking in the area can be a bit difficult an pricey though, so it can be worth it to park a little farther a way and either take a nice walk through the vibrant surrounding SF neighborhoods, or take a cab if you're a little farther away.
nice place even when is winding, parking at the pier is low cost and a lot of tourists in the streets around the pier, great view too but it's not Santa Monica pier
Three words: Sourdough fish sandwich. Every time I visit SF I make it a point to get to Fisherman's Wharf, at least once. Personally, I really just go for the fish sandwich, and some ice cream. It's way to touristy to hang out for too long. But, it is fun for people watching. Plus, there's adorable seals that sun themselves, and you can watch them play while you eat. I could spend an entire afternoon watching those cute little guys.
Bit touristy but I think it's worth a stop. At the very least you can try some soup in a sourdough bread bowl which is a what the area is known for. It's got lots of shops if you have money burning a hole in your pocket and you're looking to buy some stuff with "San Francisco" on it. Still it was nice to see my favorite level from Tony Hawks Pro Skater 3 in real life.
This is one of those spots you need to visit, just to say you've been. Go in the late afternoon or right before sunset. Go see the sea lions hanging out on Pier 39, the dock that's been set aside for them to laze on and make noise. That is really why I went, for the sea lions. Check before you go to make sure they're there. The sometimes disappear because of that roadtrippin' spirit they get too. They rest of the Wharf is all about the shops, restaurants, or my other favorite, the merry-go-round.
A super touristy spot in San Fran but also a must-see if you are visiting the city. The views to Alcatraz are awesome, there are loads of "classic San Fran" tourist picture spots, you can sign up for different city tours (to see Alcatraz, to go whale watching, etc.). This might be common sense, but the whale watching is pretty bad in San Fran... The best part is riding under the Golden Gate Bridge. Anyways, there area also a lot of shops, stores and restaurants to stop in... go to the Wharf!!!
I loved it! Is it a tourist trap? Yes. Is it still worth it? Also yes! I spent about 5 hours there and that was plenty. It's a beautiful area to see with tons of restaurants and shops. The sea lions are a must see on pier 39. Don't spend your whole day, but make sure you stop!
It’s good for the check mark in your tourist book.. but that’s about it. A little overrated and underwhelming. We will skip it next time.
Nice place to hang out and eat seafood
Be the first to add a review to the Fisherman's Wharf.
/-122.4157881,37.8082533,14/300x172@2x?access_token=pk.eyJ1Ijoicm9hZHRyaXBwZXJzIiwiYSI6ImNsczF1Y3RwcTA0ZmgycHAwbngweHlmbDAifQ.G6RP_RvWmMx8yNQSHb3PGQ)
Problem with this listing? Let us know.
Has RV parking changed? Let us know.
Good for Backpackers and Cultural travelers. Has a Family vibe.
Parking, Dining
