The Best Guide to Fisherman’s Wharf San Francisco

This is the best guide to Fisherman’s Wharf- learn where to eat, where to stay, and what to see in the best area of San Francisco.

Fisherman’s Wharf is one of the most popular places to visit in all of San Francisco, and with good reason. Yes, it does get touristy, but that’s because there are a ton of things to do and see here. You can also take the famous San Francisco cable car to other parts of the city easily from this area.

I have spent a lot of time in this area. This is where I bring friends who are visiting in town and want to see a cool part of the city. This is also where my sister got married, so we spent a lot of time investigating this neighborhood to provide a lot of information to her guests.

If you’re coming to San Francisco soon, check out this guide to Fisherman’s Wharf to have the inside track on what to do, where to eat, and where to stay.

Where is Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco?

The Fisherman’s Wharf area of San Francisco is located in the northeast corner of the city. It also sits in between the two most famous bridges of the city- The Golden Gate Bridge and the Bay Bridge. There are several numbered piers that run along the coastal edge of the area.

What is the vibe of Fisherman’s Wharf San Francisco?

The Fisherman’s Wharf area definitely gives off somewhat of a touristy vibe, with good reason. Because there is so much history in this area and so many attractions to see at Fisherman’s Wharf, lots of visitors flock here. But that doesn’t take away from the fun and excitement of seeing the area.

Is Fisherman’s Wharf San Francisco safe?

Like any area of any city, crime is possible. That said, the Fisherman’s Wharf area of San Francisco feels very safe. All over, you’ll see tourists snapping photos of the water, the sea lions, and Alcatraz. You’ll see locals running and biking along the paths that run parallel to the water.

The streets are clean for the most part, and there are not large groups of unhoused people here, unlike in other parts of the city. Because of its touristy nature, there tends to be more security in visible places.

What to see in Fisherman’s Wharf San Francisco

This is one of the most touristed areas in the city with good reason. Check out this guide to Fisherman’s Wharf to see all there is that you can do.

Alcatraz Cruise

This is one of the best trips you can take while visiting the Fisherman’s Wharf area in San Francisco. I loved this tour and recommend it to anyone who comes into town. It is so much more than just an old prison. The ferry ride is fun, and the entire tour on the island is fascinating. Alcatraz tours depart from Pier 33.

Powell & Hyde Cable Car Turntable

This is the last stop on this cable car line. It all feels very nostalgic as you see the conductors work their magic. More people can squeeze into the cable cars than you might expect. We had about 20 people in our group, and still, a ton more people fit on the cable car with us.

The drivers have fun and charismatic personalities. If you get the right driver, he’ll regale you with stories and jokes the whole ride. This is one of the most fun things to do in Fisherman’s Wharf San Francisco. You can pay with your Clipper Card. If not, you can purchase a full-day pass ($14) or a single-ride pass ($8) from the machines.

Check out the Ferry Building

The ferry building is often bustling with commuters and tourists. Inside, you can find restaurants, cafes, stores, and a farmer’s market 3x per week. If you’re a foodie, you can take the San Francisco Food Tour that will take you all around the building, and show you how to eat like a local.

There are several ferries you can take from here to other parts of the city, including Richmond, Vallejo, Oakland/Alameda, etc.

Ghirardelli Square

This is a small city block that is full of shops, restaurants, cafes, and a 5-star hotel. Visiting this area won’t require a lot of dedicated time to see it, but it’s worth a stroll. Make sure to visit the famous Ghirardelli Experience to try out some chocolate treats.

San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park

You can find this museum along the water, just across the street from Ghirardelli Square. It’s free to enter, so why not make a quick stop in to learn about the maritime history in the area?

Walk Around Pier 39

This is easily the most touristy area of Fisherman’s Wharf, if not all of San Francisco. This pier is full of restaurants, tourist shops, and sea lion viewing areas. There is a lot of energy here, and it feels like a carnival.

Sea Lion Viewing Area

On the west side of Pier 39, you can find the best sea lion viewing area. You can easily spend 30 minutes here and not realize how much time has passed. It really is good fun to watch the sea lions roar at one another and push each other off the dock if one interrupts the other’s sleep.

Where to eat in Fisherman’s Wharf San Francisco

This area is full of tons of great restaurants for all budgets. Below are a few of my favorites.

The Flying Ninja

This is a welcoming little Asian restaurant owned by a lovely Korean couple. The food is delicious and arrives quickly. It’s very quaint and cozy.

Address on Google Maps: 461 Jefferson St, San Francisco, CA 94109

The San Francisco Brewing Co

This is a great local brewery with a social outdoor patio, an indoor tasting room, and a place to play billiards and shuffleboard. The beer is good, as are the food options.

Address on Google Maps: 3150 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94109

The Buena Vista

Address on Google Maps: 2765 Hyde St, San Francisco, CA 94109

This is an old-fashioned bar, one of the oldest in the city, which opened in 1916. It’s famous for its Irish coffee. Get a seat near the window and enjoy your drink or your meal as you gaze out at the Bay and the cable car turnaround.

Where to stay in Fisherman’s Wharf San Francisco

I have extra insight into where to stay in the Fisherman’s Wharf area of San Francisco. My sister got married in the city and wanted to find a hotel block in this area. We spent a full day walking around Fisherman’s Wharf, taking detailed tours of each hotel.

Use this guide to Fisherman’s Wharf to find the absolute best hotel stays in the area.

Hotel Caza

Hotel Caza is in a fantastic location and has heightened security. There is a great bar area, and they offer milk and cookies every evening to guests. There is an outside swimming pool and an indoor gym.

BOOK NOW to stay in this cool hotel in Fisherman’s Wharf

The Argonaut

This is one of the nicest hotels in the area. It is where we ultimately decided to stay for my sister’s wedding due to the views, stunning penthouse, and great deals for room blocks. This hotel has a nautical theme and an attached restaurant.

Sleep in the Fisherman’s Wharf’s Best Hotel, BOOK NOW

The Alton

This hotel was my favorite in terms of style and design. The entire hotel feels very retro with super cool decorations and details. Each room has a record player, and you can rent vinyls at the front desk. There is a free happy hour each evening for guests.

BOOK NOW to stay in this stylish Fisherman’s Wharf Hotel

How to get to Fisherman’s Wharf

There are several bus and cable car stops all throughout this neighborhood. Because it is one of the most visited in the city, it is also one of the most accessible. I suggest using Google Maps to put in your destination, and it will show you several options for using public transportation and driving.

You can take the ferry between here (Pier 41) and Sausalito and Tiburon. Click here to see the ferry schedules.

Final Thoughts on Fisherman’s Wharf San Francisco

The Fisherman’s Wharf is one area of San Francisco that you cannot miss. There is great food, especially if you like seafood, exciting attractions, and it is easy to get around. Smell the salty sea air and spend an afternoon with the best guide to Fisherman’s Wharf San Francisco.

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