Fisherman's Wharf Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Fisherman\'s Wharf showing a bay or harbour
Fisherman's Wharf
Fisherman\'s Wharf which includes a bay or harbour
Fisherman\'s Wharf featuring a fountain
Fisherman's Wharf

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

Activities


Our pick of the best Fisherman's Wharf Hotel Deals

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 AU$296 per night from 29 June to 30 June
AU$296
29 June - 30 June
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this eco-certified hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (6,469 reviews)
"The checkin process was the best as the staff was helpful in accomodation us with additional time at an excellent price."

Reviewed on 21 Jun. 2025

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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$316 per night from 30 June to 1 July
AU$316
30 June - 1 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the pool ...
9/10 Wonderful! (3,605 reviews)
"Quick stay, but fun and very clean hotel with lots to do."

Reviewed on 21 Jun. 2025

Hotel Caza Fisherman's Wharf
Hotel Zoe Fisherman's Wharf
Hotel Zoe Fisherman's Wharf
4 out of 5
425 North Point, San Francisco, CA
The price is AU$278 per night from 1 July to 2 July
AU$278
1 July - 2 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 bars/lounges, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the restaurant and the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,274 reviews)
"Has a great stay. Ideally located near Fisherman’s Wharf. The hotel was clean and neat. The staff was friendly and welcoming. We would definitely stay there again."

Reviewed on 17 Jun. 2025

Hotel Zoe Fisherman's Wharf
Hotel Zephyr San Francisco
Hotel Zephyr San Francisco
4 out of 5
250 Beach Street, San Francisco, CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$263 per night from 30 June to 1 July
AU$263
30 June - 1 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star boutique hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,029 reviews)
"It was dope."

Reviewed on 20 Jun. 2025

Hotel Zephyr San Francisco
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 AU$310 per night from 29 June to 30 June
AU$310
29 June - 30 June
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,343 reviews)
"We really enjoyed our room and the staff. It was unfortunate the pool was filthy during our stay."

Reviewed on 17 Jun. 2025

Hyatt Centric Fisherman's Wharf San Francisco
Marriott Vacation Club®, San Francisco
Marriott Vacation Club®, San Francisco
3 out of 5
2620 Jones St, San Francisco, CA
The price is AU$305 per night from 6 July to 7 July
AU$305
6 July - 7 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star eco-certified hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour fitness center, and valet parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,002 reviews)
"Nice place. But no bar or restaurant. They do have valet parking for a price Worth it"

Reviewed on 19 Jun. 2025

Marriott Vacation Club®, San Francisco
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

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Russian Hill

4/5(1 area review)

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 Macondray Lane.

Russian Hill
North Beach which includes skyline and a city

North Beach

4.5/5(124 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(59 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

4/5(20 area reviews)

Enjoy the popular shops in Chinatown. Dragon's Gate 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(76 area reviews)

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

Marina District
Cow Hollow featuring signage and street scenes

Cow Hollow

4.5/5(11 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


Fisherman's Wharf Travel Guide

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