- Address: Taylor Street at The Embarcadero
- Hours: Open daily
- Admission: Free
San Francisco ATTRACTIONS See all
Fisherman's Wharf
Where once Italian fisherman in Genoese feluccas trapped unsuspecting sealife, San Francisco has expertly created one of the most popular tourist attractions in America. Fisherman’s Wharf is a bustling waterfront strip, filled with shops, restaurants, and a pirate’s booty of attractions.
Sea lions laze the day away sunbathing and posing for photo ops on Pier 39, where the Aquarium of the Bay, carousel, and carnival-style attractions keep little kids wide-eyed. At Pier 45, the Hyde Street Pier Historic Ships Collection give navel-gazers a chance to check out tall ships, submarines and WWII warships. Bring your quarters to consult the spooky mechanical fortune tellers and save the world from space invaders at Musée Mécanique.
And if it’s raining, head to the Wax Museum and wander among the 250-plus life-like celebrities and former presidents. Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum, with its kaleidoscope tunnel, video displays, and illusions is also a curiously exciting diversion. Rain or shine, there’s something for kids and adults of all ages.
Practical Info
Fisherman’s Wharf is on the city’s northern shore, where Columbus Avenue and the Embarcadero converge, with North Beach to the south. Immediately to the west is Ghirardelli Square, a former chocolate factory that currently houses boutiques, sweet shops, a tea room, and wine tasting rooms. Head west on Bay Street to visit Marina boutiques and the natural wonders of the Presidio. The area is easily accessible via bus and cable cars. Ferries to Alcatraz depart from here, as well.
Tours & Tickets
Ultimate Road Trip: Campervan Rental from San Francisco
Embark on the ultimate road trip with this campervan rental! Plan your own itinerary from San Francisco to visit Napa, Sonoma, Tahoe, Big Sur, Yosemite, Los ... Read more
Location:
San Francisco, California
Duration: 4, 7 or 14 days
San Francisco Bay Cruise with America's Cup Viewing
Don’t stay on dry land during the 2013 America’s Cup in San Francisco – get closer to the action on this 1.5-hour San Francisco Bay cruise! Home to the current ... Read more
Location:
San Francisco, California
Duration: 90 minutes (approx.)
San Francisco Hop-on Hop-off Tour
See San Francisco at your own pace on a one-day or two-day hop-on hop-off tour! From historical sites to modern San Francisco architecture, this tour uncovers ... Read more
Location:
San Francisco, California
Duration: 1-day pass / 2-day pass
San Francisco Vista Grande Helicopter Tour
Imagine San Francisco as you've never seen it before! On a San Francisco Vista Grande Helicopter Tour you'll see all the famous sites: Alcatraz Island, ... Read more
Location:
San Francisco, California
Duration: 25 - 30 minutes
