Things to do in Fisherman's Wharf San Francisco
I won’t lie: Fisherman’s Wharf is very touristy. However, the vibrancy, the stores, and the number of things to see and do in the area make it a great spot to visit. If you want to see the famous California Sea Lions of Pier 39, this is the spot to go. If you want to go on a day trip to Alcatraz or Angel’s Island, the piers are a short walk away. Need to eat after your day trip? This is the closest spot to grab a meal. Here’s a list of things to see and do at Fisherman’s Wharf San Francisco. A complete guide to the area, from someone who has visited personally.
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Fisherman’s Wharf has a plethora of things to do, both for adults and those traveling with kids alike. Here is a list of things to do in Fisherman’s Wharf San Francisco. You can easily spend more than a day in this neighborhood. If you only have a day or a couple of hours to explore, pick and choose any of these attractions below and come back for more!
Price: $26.99 for adults
Address: 145 Jefferson St Suite 600, San Francisco, CA 94133
Hours: 11 AM to 6 PM Daily.
There are multiple Madame Tussaud’s locations all over the world. There’s even one in Orlando, closer to where I live. The thing with Madame Tussauds is they change the wax figures around to be more in line with the city they’re in. That way, you’ll find a few figures in the Madame Tussauds San Francisco attraction that are different from the other Madame Tussauds.
Located in a building directly off the street from Fisherman’s Wharf, Madame Tussauds has two floors of wax figures, ranging from politicians, pop icons, artists, and more. Harvey Milk is a prominent figure in the exhibit, and you can expect to see pop stars like Taylor Swift and Beyonce in wax form. Expect to spend 45 minutes to an hour (or more), depending on how you progress about the exhibits.
Price: $10 Adults
Address: 781 Beach St, San Francisco, CA 94109
Hours: 11 AM to 5 PM Thursdays to Tuesdays. Closed Wednesdays
Like cartoons? Graphic novels? The Cartoon Art Museum in San Francisco is the place for you. While I did not get to experience the Cartoon Art Museum myself, I saw it from the outside and marveled at the expansive store. I didn’t have time to go through the museum given my short time in San Francisco, but if you’re a fan of cartoons and graphic novels, give it a go. Most people spend anywhere between 30 minutes to more than an hour looking at the exhibits. There are permanent and rotating exhibits inside, so there’s something for everyone.
Price: Free to walk around in, additional fees apply if you order food at any of the ice cream parlors or restaurants or buy souvenirs.
Address: 900 North Point St, San Francisco, CA 94109
Hours: 11 AM to 9 PM Daily
The iconic Ghirardelli Building and Factory in San Francisco is the home of Ghirardelli Square. Fancy a sweet treat? Sit down at any one of four ice cream salons in the square. They all have the same menu, with vegan options available for vegans and those who are lactose intolerant. The bestseller and what I would recommend getting Is the hot fudge sundae. The chocolate drizzle on the sundae is made from Ghirardelli chocolate and is so yummy.
If you are traveling alone, you can customize and make a smaller version of the hot fudge sundae. Order a scoop of vanilla ice cream and ask to put chocolate fudge on top, and you have a smaller, less elaborate hot fudge sundae. This DIY trick also saves you a few dollars. The regular hot fudge sundae is good to share between 2 or 3 people.
Part of the National Register of Historic Places, the original factory’s iconic brick façade and sign are protected, so you can expect to see it as it is, even if you visit 20+ years from now. The actual Ghirardelli factory that creates the chocolates we love does not operate in Ghirardelli Square anymore, but rather, in another city across the bay in San Leandro, CA. Aside from restaurants, retail, and Ghirardelli, the square is also home to a luxury hotel called the Fairmont Heritage Place.
Price: $5 per adult, free for children under 12
Address: 757 Beach St, San Francisco, CA 94109
Hours: 10 AM to 6 PM Daily
I passed by Umbrella Alley as I was walking around Fisherman’s Wharf and originally thought it was a tourist trap. From the outside, you’ll see the umbrellas and I scoffed at the thought of paying $5 just to take a photo under some umbrellas. It turns out that Umbrella Alley is home to a few more murals, and you’re paying to help support the artists who painted the murals and created the artwork.
The alley is bigger than it appears from the street, and while I haven’t been able to visit, it would be a nice addition to my next trip to Fisherman’s Wharf. It will also help if there are more than 2 of you going to Umbrella Alley. It’s hard to get photos of myself without a tripod since I was traveling solo at the time.
Pier 39 is famous for the California Sea Lions that call it home. However, the entire pier evolved into a mini theme park and mall atmosphere that became a tourist destination. It’s so popular it’s hard to not visit since it’s now considered a must-see in San Francisco. People from all over come to Pier 39 to eat, shop, and be entertained. Here’s a list of things to do in Pier 39.
If you like to see wild animals hanging around very close to the city, head on over to Pier 39 to see the California Sea Lions. They made some of the floating docks their home. You’ll hear them from afar, and you can stay however long as you want in the pier area just watching them. It’s free to watch, but if you want to get closer, you can take one of the boat tours of the Bay leaving from Pier 39.
Price: $14 per person for the Flyer. Another $14 for the 7D Experience
Address: 39 Pier Jamboree Road, 9 The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94133
Hours: Daily 11 AM to 8 PM
The Flyer Thrill Zone is an interactive amusement park, but a must-do is to ride the Flyer. If you’ve ever ridden the Soarin’ ride from Walt Disney World’s Epcot theme park, then this ride is comparable. The Flyer takes you on a trip through San Francisco Bay’s biggest tourist sites, soaring over the Golden Gate Bridge, the Presidio, and others. There is a small side story to the Flyer, and my favorite part is the bird that you’re following around the Bay Area.
The Flyer is not for folk who have vertigo or have a fear of heights. If you’re sitting on the higher level, you’ll feel like you’re flying in your seat.
Price: $32 for adults + service fees when booking online
Address: PIER 39 The Embarcadero &, Beach St, San Francisco, CA 94133
Hours: 11 AM to 6 PM Daily
Want to see fish up close without getting in the water? Pier 39 has an aquarium called Aquarium of the Bay. This is a two-story aquarium with lots of photo spots you can do outside. I’ve personally not been inside the aquarium (it’s a bit pricey) but suggesting it for those who like visiting aquariums or those traveling with children.
Pier 39 is a bit on the expensive side to buy souvenirs from. It is touristy, so you will see lots of foot traffic, and the prices of merchandise reflect this. Some of the gifts you can pick up in Pier 39 may be available elsewhere for cheaper, but there are some unique finds to be had. Here’s a list of unique Pier 39 Gift Shops that I saw. You must factor in an additional 8.63% sales tax (as of 2023) to the sticker price if you purchase anything.
This is a very niche shop that only sells rubber ducks. They have every rubber duck you can think of- themed after politicians, artists, historical figures, and more. Themed ducks tend to be priced higher than the regular rubber ducks, which they also sell in-store. It’s free to browse around. Themed rubber ducks range from $20 up. Yes, prices are a bit steep, but they’re just too cute!
Alcatraz Book Store and gift shop is technically not the official store nor are they affiliated with the island attraction. However, if you want to read books about the notorious prisoners of Alcatraz Island, or history, both as an adult or a child, you can head over to their bookstore in Pier 39. The gift shop has Alcatraz and prison-themed souvenir items, which are cool to look at. The prices are a bit higher than the other gift stores, but if you’re in for something a bit more unique and kitschier without going to Alcatraz Island yourself, then this is a good alternative.
If you fall in love with San Francisco’s Cable Cars but don’t have time to go to the Cable Car Museum and official store, the cable car store is an alternative in Pier 39. Here, you can get a lot of cable car-themed souvenirs from toys, home decorations, and more. Prices are a bit higher than buying from the cable car museum’s store, but you’re paying for convenience if you don’t have the time to go to the official store.
Address: 2905 Hyde Street, San Francisco CA 94109
Did you know there are a few parks in the San Francisco Bay area that are looked after by the National Park Service? If, like me, you want to visit as many National Park Sites as you can in your lifetime, then you can increase your count while in San Francisco. Located in the Fisherman’s Wharf neighborhood, the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park has its fair share of attractions. Read more to see what to expect and see at the San Francisco Maritime National Historic Park.
Price: FREE
Address: 499 Jefferson, San Francisco CA 94109
Hours: Friday to Sunday 10 AM to 5 PM
Like collecting National Park Service stamps? Head on to the Visitor Center at the San Francisco Maritime National Historic Park. Not only do they have free National Park stamps, but they also have a free museum you can visit. The museum focuses on the maritime history of San Francisco, with artifacts from various ships and periods. The museum and visitor center is inside a cannery warehouse dating back from 1908, so history buffs will appreciate the brick exterior of the building.
Price: $15 for an adult pass to the pier, good for 7 days
Address: 2905 Hyde Street, San Francisco CA 94109
Hours: Daily from 10 AM to 5 PM
The Hyde Street Pier is like a time traveler’s gem when stepping back in history. It is home to the ships below. You can read more about the history of these ships on the official NPS website.
I’ve seen these ships from my hostel and wanted to include a visit in my itinerary, but sadly ran out of time. $15 to see multiple historic ships is worth it. The entrance also covers the maintenance and upkeep of these treasures so future generations can also enjoy them as we do! You won’t be able to go inside all the ships, so check the NPS website to see which ones are open to the public when you visit.
Price: FREE
Address: 900 Beach Street, San Francisco CA 94109
Hours: Wednesday to Sunday from 10 AM to 4 PM
From the outside, the maritime museum looks like a boat. On the inside, however, are rotating exhibits that one can visit for free. The boathouse is iconic, and you can see it from the beach. It also has public changing areas and restrooms available for those who would like to swim in the bay. There is an amphitheater in front of the boathouse building which serves as a meeting area and a place for concerts and events.
Price: $30 for adults
Address: Pier 45, San Francisco, CA
Hours: Daily from 10 AM to 6 PM
The USS Pampanito is docked in its own Pier from Hyde Street. This WW2-era ship served during the war and helped in sinking and damaging enemy ships during its service. You can visit this ship, but the price of admission is different from the Hyde Street ships and costs twice as much. Nevertheless, if you’re a fan of historic ships, then definitely visit the USS Pampanito as well.
Price: Free to walk around in.
Address: 2801 Leavenworth St, San Francisco, CA 94133
Hours: 12 PM to 7 PM Daily
I just stumbled upon this by accident as I was walking back from the Alcatraz Pier to Fisherman’s Wharf. The Cannery was originally built in 1907 by Del Monte as the world’s largest fruit canning plant. You can now walk inside the cannery and see the shops that now make up its first and second floors. There are plenty of places to sit, relax, and just people-watch, or you can opt to buy food and drinks in the area. The entire structure is made of red brick and is gorgeous, perfect for photos (or videos).
Price: Free Admission. 25 cents to play most of the games.
Address: Pier 45, San Francisco, CA
Hours: 10 AM to 8 PM Daily
If you like peculiar and off-the-beaten path destinations, head on over to Musee Mecanique. This is considered an arcade, but all the games are considered either vintage or antique, making them unique and one-of-a-kind. Their biggest attraction is Laughing Sal, a larger-than-life doll, who, when you feed a coin in, will start laughing hysterically. It is a bit creepy when you see her laugh but is worth the experience of seeing her in action. There are plenty of other amusements in Musee Mecanique, like fortune tellers, singing puppets, and vintage arcade pinball games. If you don’t have any coins, there are plenty of change machines located in different parts of the museum. These machines only take cash bills though, so bring small bills if you want to play some of the amusements.
Price: Single ride – $8. One Day Visitor passport $13 (unlimited rides on the cable car, and municipal buses).
Hours: 7 AM to 10 PM Daily
The San Francisco Cable Cars are an iconic tourist attraction of the city. Not only are they aesthetically pleasing, but they also serve their purpose by helping residents (and tourists) alike get up and down San Francisco’s hilly streets. Here are two iconic cable cars that go to the Fisherman’s Wharf area.
The Powell and Hyde Cable Car is the longest in the San Francisco system, going for 2.1 miles. It may not seem a lot in terms of mileage, but the cable cars are working hard to take people up and down the hills. Powell-Hyde takes you straight to the top of Lombard Street, the crookedest street in the world. There’s also a steep downhill on the cable car, so hold on if you’re clinging on from the outside. It is exhilarating standing on the outside of the cable car and is something you should do if you’re brave enough. This line also provides great views of Alcatraz Island on a clear day.
The second longest cable car in San Francisco at 1.6 miles is the Powell and Mason line. This line terminates closest to Fisherman’s Wharf, so the lines to get on from the Fisherman’s Wharf terminus is quite long. The Cable Car Museum is a great stop if you’re riding the cable car, and Chinatown is a quick walk from the cable car stop at Powell and Market St.
Price: FREE
Address: Bldg 201, Fort Mason, San Francisco, CA 94123
Hours: Open 24 hours
Fort Mason is on top of a hill and gives you amazing views of the piers and Fisherman’s Wharf as a whole. It was originally used as a coastal defense site during the American Civil War. The Hi Hostel Fisherman’s Wharf is located in the Fort Mason compound and was an old army barrack hospital. There are old canons you can view and get up close to, and even walk up some of the bastions.
Because Fisherman’s Wharf has so many things to do, it makes sense to base yourself here when staying in the San Francisco Bay Area. Here are some suggestions where you can stay on all types of budgets. If you’re a travel hacker and use hotel points to stay at a hotel for free, we’ve included some options and which hotel points you can use.
Address: Building 240, Fort Mason, San Francisco, CA 94123
Can Use Points? No, but this is the most affordable accommodation option in the Fisherman’s Wharf area.
Pros: Great location on Fisherman’s Wharf, water views, free breakfast, and rooms with only 4 beds.
Cons: No air conditioning and it can be a bit loud if the foghorn is blowing from the Bay.
The Hi Hostel Group is a known chain for hostels in the United States. You can opt to buy an annual membership to get a lower rate if you are planning to stay at one (or more) hostels within the chain.
The Fisherman’s Wharf San Francisco Location is located inside a National Park and a 10-minute walk to the sights of Fisherman’s Wharf. You’ll get amazing views of the Bay Area from the common areas, and, if you’re lucky, from the room. The downside to the hostel is there is no air conditioning and the foghorn. The foghorn gets loud sometimes, but I had no issues when sleeping, surprisingly.
Free continental breakfast is included in your stay. It’s the same option daily. Your choices include coffee or hot tea as beverages, cereal with milk, toasted bread with butter or cream cheese, and hard-boiled eggs. Apples and bananas are also included.
Address: 2700 Jones St, San Francisco, CA 94133
Can Use Points? Yes! Part of the IHG Rewards Program.
We love Kimpton Hotels. The small boutique hotel and upscale décor make us want to keep coming back to this IHG chain. The Kimpton Alton offers water views from its rooms, and yoga mats to use during your stay in the hotel. You can also rent bicycles on a first-come, first-served basis, and there’s always an evening social. The social depends on the property that you will stay in: some of them offer beer, wine, and hors d’oeuvres. If traveling with a dog, this is one of the better hotels to stay in, since your pet gets to stay in your room for free. The Alton has record players in every room, and you can borrow some retro board games from the front desk.
This property has DJs playing on weekends as well. Free coffee and tea are available in the morning. Parking is an extra fee, there is no self-parking available, and valet is charged at $70 per night.
Address: 550 North Point St, San Francisco, CA 94133
Can Use Points? Yes! Part of the IHG Rewards Program.
Holiday Inn Express hotels usually provide free breakfast, and this property is no different, offering it daily from 6:30 AM to 9:30 AM. If you like chain hotels and the comfort of being in a brand you know, then Holiday Inn Express is a solid choice. It is within a block from a cable car stop, and two blocks from the Embarcadero, the start of Fisherman’s Wharf. There are plenty of places to dine in the area as well, and rooms come with a mini fridge (no microwave though). Like the Kimpton, parking in this hotel comes at a premium. Valet parking is the only option available, costing $62+ tax per night.
Address: 555 North Point St, San Francisco, CA 94133
Can Use Points? Yes! Part of the Hyatt Rewards Program.
If having a pool in your accommodation is important, then the Hyatt Centric may just be the place to stay in. The property has a heated pool on the premises! The Powell-Mason Cable Car turnaround is located a block away from the premises, and there is a restaurant on-premises. Valet parking is available onsite, for $65 + tax per night.
Address: 1201 Columbus Ave, San Francisco, CA 94133
Can Use Points? Yes! Part of the Wyndham Rewards Program
Looking for an affordable place to stay in Fisherman’s Wharf without staying in a hostel? The Travelodge could just be the place to stay in. This motel-style hotel is within walking distance of the Fisherman’s Wharf attractions and the cable car. There are no frills in this hotel, but you do get a free continental breakfast and Wi-Fi. Self-parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis at $25 per car, which is one of the more affordable places we found to park in a hotel in the area.
Address: 1250 Columbus Ave, San Francisco, CA 94133
Can Use Points? Yes! Part of the Marriott Bonvoy Rewards Program
No pool on the property but if you have Bonvoy points to spare and want to stay in Fisherman’s Wharf, this is a solid option. Some rooms have views of Fisherman’s Wharf. This hotel is directly in front of the Travelodge and a block away from the Hyatt Centric and has a great location close to the cable cars. Parking is expensive at $64 + tax, with no options for self-parking. The hotel has a restaurant on-site, so you don’t have to go too far to find a place to eat.
Feeling peckish? Planning to spend more than a few hours exploring the Fisherman’s Wharf neighborhood? Of course, you’ll need to eat to refuel and rest. A lot of the restaurants in the Fisherman’s Wharf area are a bit pricey compared to eating in the downtown area. However, some of these restaurants offer water views and live music, so their prices may be worth it. Here are a few suggestions on where to eat that’s affordable to midrange in price while in the Fisherman’s Wharf area.
Address: 333 Jefferson St, San Francisco, CA 94133
Hours: Daily from 10:30 AM to 1:00 AM
The most affordable place to eat in Fisherman’s Wharf! A California institution, In and Out Burger has a cult-like following because of its shakes and burgers. If visiting on a weekend, this place gets so busy during lunch and dinner that the line is out the door, and you can wait 30+ minutes for your order to be prepared. It’s almost impossible to find seats inside the restaurant during lunch and dinner rush, so best to just take your order to go and eat by the beach.
What to order at In and Out Burger: the shake and a cheeseburger! The cheese is so gooey and oh-so-yummy. I think this is what made them famous!
Expect to pay around $15 for a shake and a regular cheeseburger. Tips are extra.
Address: 2800 Leavenworth St Ste A11, San Francisco, CA 94133
Hours: Daily 11:30 AM to 6:30 PM
Quickly offers quick bites to eat, but I added it to the list because their drinks are amazing! If you like bubble tea, I highly recommend stopping by and grabbing a taro milk tea. They have so much on their menu you can go again and again if you have the time. The food options include fancy toast and other fried items like chicken and fish. They do have Takoyaki and Teriyaki on their menu too. For those who don’t know, Quickly originated from Asia, so expect the drinks and the food to have some sort of Asian twist to it! A downside to this location: the store has limited hours, mostly catering for lunch and afternoon snacks.
Address: 496 Beach St, San Francisco, CA 94133
Hours: Closed Wednesdays. Thursdays to Tuesdays 11:30 AM to 6 PM
A permanent food truck a few blocks from the pier area of Fisherman’s Wharf, the Codmother is another affordable place to eat in the area. The food truck has a small picnic area where you dine in, available on a first come first served basis. Menu options include fish and chips and other fried seafood and fries.
Address: 160 Jefferson Street, Upper Level San Francisco, CA 94133
Hours: Daily from 8 AM to 9 PM
If you smell freshly baked bread while walking around Fisherman’s Wharf, it’s probably coming from Boudin Bakery. Get there early to get the freshest and biggest selection of bread they have. The bakery is famous for its sourdough bread and is the oldest establishment in the Fisherman’s Wharf area – dating from the late 1800s! If you get a chance to dine in, try one of their soups in the bread bowl. The bread bowl is made from the sourdough bread that they are famous for! Other options include sandwiches, salads, and cookies. Want a place to sit down? Grab a coffee and a dessert (or a soup in a bread bowl) and relax in the café.
There are two Boudin branches in the Fisherman’s Wharf area. The Jefferson Street branch is the bigger one, and the home of their bakery. There is also a Pier 39 branch if you are on the pier and need something to eat.
If you like to shop while traveling, then Fisherman’s Wharf has a lot of souvenir stores and interesting shops to visit. Here are a few we recommend if you want to shop for souvenirs at Fisherman’s Wharf.
When I visited on a Saturday, there was a pop-up market happening in Fisherman’s Wharf. Kitschy items are available, from stuffed animals, random toys, souvenirs, and even food stalls are set up as you walk through the street. I’m not sure if this market happens every week on Saturdays, but it’s a great way to try out food and even buy some items from the vendors here. Some of the toys are cheaper than what you would get in the Fisherman’s Wharf stores, but they are generic, and you can potentially buy some of them from Chinatown if you have time to go to that neighborhood. The shops close and start packing up between 5 to 6 pm.
I’m honestly not sure what the name of this store is, since it was just a random store I walked into when I was walking around. There is a sign on the front that says $10 discounted hoodies. I was curious, and I went inside. It was packed with people and lo and behold, it was $10 per hoodie. These hoodies have text designs that say “San Francisco”, usually printed on the hoodie itself. Every size from Small to Extra Large is $10. I mean, it is the best deal you can get if you are shopping for souvenirs.
Not only can you get hoodies in this store, but they also sell magnets, t-shirts, and other San Francisco Souvenirs for $5. The best deals are still the hoodies though, especially if you forget to bring a sweater on your trip to San Francisco. The Bay Area is notorious for having unpredictable weather – it may be cold and foggy one minute, and it could be warm the next. I think that the hoodie is the best souvenir you can take home from your trip (from this shop!)
When I was walking around Ghirardelli Square, Lola caught my eye. Not only do they sell unique San Francisco gifts, but they also sell children’s items as well. If you’re a mom traveling solo, sometimes you get sidetracked and want to buy souvenirs for your kiddo back home.
Yes, Fisherman’s Wharf is flat, unlike the other parts of San Francisco, which are hilly. You will need a cable car when you go from Fisherman’s Wharf to Union Square or Lombard Street, which is known as the crookedest street in the world. However, walking to the piers is easy, and there are sidewalks everywhere.
Hopefully, this complete guide of things to do in San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf helped you plan your trip to this neighborhood. There are plenty of things to do in Fisherman’s Wharf that you can do. This is just one part of San Francisco, there is plenty more to explore.
Did I miss anything on the list or want to suggest another place to add? Please leave them in the comments below or contact us and we can add them when we update the post.
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