Travel bucket list idea:

Fisherman’s Wharf

San Francisco, California, United States of America (USA)

Credit Shutterstock.com/Jeff Whyte

Last updated: 28 April, 2024

Once, this historic hub was where Chinese and Italian fisherman made their living catching fish, crab, and oysters along the waterfront. Although still known for seafood, today the Wharf is predominantly the city’s prime tourist hub.

As well as the usual tourist fare of attractions like Madame Tussauds and the city’s Aquarium, it’s also home to the SS Jeremiah O’Brien Liberty Ship Memorial and Aquatic Park Cove, where Dolphin Club swimmers brave the bay’s frigid waters daily. A large colony of noisy sea lions famously beds down on Pier 39.

Many tours, including the one to Alcatraz, depart from here too. Even if you’re trying to avoid the crowds, you’ll likely end up here at some point.

Editor: Please note, it’s a horrible tourist trap. We’re only including it as ‘bucket list’ as everyone feels they should go there as part of a visit.

Don't miss

The wharf’s Hyde Street Pier offers a glimpse of what the waterfront may have looked like at the turn-into-the-20th-century, replete with historic fishing vessels like the Balclutha, a three-masted, 1886 square-rigger once used to transport cargo world-wide.

While you're there

It’s a good place to try clam chowder, a San Fran speciality. Boudin’s flagship bakery is here, serving bowlfuls in hollowed bread.

Chocolatier Ghirardelli has been churning out bars since the mid-19th century. It’s the third-oldest chocolate maker in the U.S, and its chocolate is sold across the country. There’s a popular outlet store here – but note, it’s no longer a factory.

Stop into the Comic Art Museum. This gallery of ever-changing exhibits like Edward Gorey’s Eerie Art, and a tribute to Bill Watterson, author of the comic strip Calvin and Hobbes, is a gem.

Logistics

Price: Free

Minimum age: 0

Age suitable: 4+

When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

Muni’s F-Line streetcar runs between SF’s Castro neighbourhood and the Wharf, following Market Street before heading north along the Embarcadero. Both the Powell-Hyde and Powell-Mason cable cars from Powell and Market streets to the Wharf. The 30 Muni Bus also runs to/from the Wharf from Union Square.

Most visitors start their explorations at Pier 39, and then continue west for a stroll along the waterfront. Aquatic Park’s amphitheatre seating is the perfect place to sit and savor views of San Francisco Bay.

If you don’t go for clam chowder at Boudin’s, book into Scoma’s, a traditional San Francisco seafood at its best, with some superb bayside views. The restaurant even has its own fish-receiving station.

When to do it

It’s open all year round, seven days a week, and a lot busier on weekends. To avoid crowds, if you can come during a weekday and/or in the off-season, which is typically January-March.

Who to go with: organised tours

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge Bike or Electric Bike Rental

San Francisco

Viator

Pedal around San Francisco on an independent bike tour — a fun, flexible, active way to sightsee. With this 24-hour bike rental from Fisherman’s Wharf or Union Square, visit San Francisco attractions of your choice including Golden Gate Park, the Presidio, Alamo Square and Haight-Ashbury, using your handy city map and suggested bike routes. Friendly staff will show you route directions and give you maps before departure, and en-route assistance is just a phone call away if you need help during your trip!

Price $40

Min age 0

Rating 4.34 / 5 [432 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Alcatraz & Fisherman’s Wharf Tour + Cruise & Skystar Options

San Francisco

Viator

Walk along the world-famous Fisherman's Wharf as your local tour guide shares some of the fascinating history about the area and how SF became the global destination it is today. This popular tour, with tickets for both Alcatraz and the new SkyStar Wheel included, offers plenty of opportunities to fill your camera roll and make memories. We start at Aquatic Park, where you'll see stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island. At Ghirardelli Square, your guide will share the origin story of the famous Italian chocolatier. You’ll also learn about the Gold Rush, the Barbary Coast Trail, and more. Glimpse the oddities on display in the old-timey Musée Mécanique, and get your photo taken with the adorable sea lions of Pier 39. But some of the best pictures you'll get are from 150 feet in the air on the SkyStar Wheel and while cruising to and exploring Alcatraz, the infamous island prison. An audio guide is included with your self-guided visit to Alcatraz Island.

Price $109

Min age 5

Rating 4.70 / 5 [143 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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