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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$302 per night from 30 Oct to 31 Oct
AU$302
30 Oct - 31 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Book a 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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (7,027 reviews)
"I can't speak to whether it's healthy or not, but plentiful and plenty of options and it was nice to have an included breakfast. Not typical in US hotels"

Reviewed on 18 Oct 2025

Hotel Riu Plaza 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 AU$308 per night from 2 Nov to 3 Nov
AU$308
2 Nov - 3 Nov
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! (1,445 reviews)
"Great room"

Reviewed on 16 Oct 2025

Hyatt Centric Fisherman's Wharf San Francisco
Hotel Caza Fisherman's Wharf

Hotel Caza Fisherman's Wharf

4 out of 5
1300 Columbus Avenue, San Francisco, CA
Fully refundable
The price is AU$330 per night from 30 Oct to 31 Oct
AU$330
30 Oct - 31 Oct
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! (3,835 reviews)
"Clean rooms. Excellent location"

Reviewed on 16 Oct 2025

Hotel Caza Fisherman's Wharf
Holiday Inn Express and Suites Fisherman's Wharf by IHG

Holiday Inn Express and Suites Fisherman's Wharf by IHG

3 out of 5
550 N Point St, San Francisco, CA
Fully refundable
The price is AU$296 per night from 30 Oct to 31 Oct
AU$296
30 Oct - 31 Oct
includes taxes & fees
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! (2,181 reviews)
"Great hotel close to Fisherman Warf and Pier 39. The area right next to it needs some improvement."

Reviewed on 18 Oct 2025

Holiday Inn Express and Suites Fisherman's Wharf by IHG
Argonaut Hotel

Argonaut Hotel

4.5 out of 5
495 Jefferson St, San Francisco, CA
The price is AU$465 per night from 10 Nov to 11 Nov
AU$465
10 Nov - 11 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,162 reviews)
"Great staff and well kept/clean space."

Reviewed on 16 Oct 2025

Argonaut Hotel
Marriott Vacation Club®, San Francisco

Marriott Vacation Club®, San Francisco

3 out of 5
2620 Jones St, San Francisco, CA
The price is AU$288 per night from 9 Nov to 10 Nov
AU$288
9 Nov - 10 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour fitness center, and valet parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,047 reviews)
"There was easy accessible street parking and we were greeted warmly at check-in. We were given our keys and went up to our room, which was perfectly clean and nice and tidy the beds were very comfortable. It was not noisy at all and we slept great. There are nice dark out blinds. We were given a ..."

Reviewed on 12 Oct 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

Default Image

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 showing 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 which includes a city and street scenes

Nob Hill

4/5(59 area reviews)

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

Nob Hill
Chinatown which includes 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 featuring 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 showing 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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