Fisherman's Wharf

San Francisco

Fisherman\'s Wharf showing a bay or harbour
Fisherman's Wharf
Fisherman\'s Wharf showing a bay or harbour
Fisherman\'s Wharf showing a fountain
Fisherman's Wharf

This waterfront neighbourhood dates back to the gold rush era and is a hub for tourist activities, sea lions and seafood restaurants.

The traditional waterfront life on this historic wharf founded in the mid-1800s has long since faded, with only a few fishing boats now serving a handful of local restaurants. For generations, Chinese and then Italian immigrants mined the rich ocean. The Italian fishermen were as colorful as the tiny wooden boats they sailed into the bay, singing arias while hunting for oysters, shrimp and Dungeness crabs and then selling their catch in stands along the wharf. While these craftsmen are no longer there, the festive environment of the wharf has been preserved.  

Fisherman’s Wharf is now a thriving shopping and entertainment hub with souvenir stores, clam chowder stands, upscale seafood restaurants, museums and street performers. It’s a bustling day-and-night carnival that extends from Ghirardelli Square at the wharf’s west end to Pier 39 and its amusing sea lion population at the east end. The sea lions, who live on floating wooden platforms beside the pier for most of the year, are among San Francisco’s most famous and verbal residents.

For some old-fashioned fun, spend some time at the Musee Mecanique, an interactive collection of mechanical machines and penny arcades. Mingle with wax figures of your favorite movies stars at Madame Tussauds or experience what life was like aboard a World War II submarine with a visit to the USS Pampanito. If you have a few hours free, head to Pier 33 and catch a ferry to Alcatraz Island.

There are plenty of dining options here, from sidewalk stands to cafés and restaurants, with seafood front-and-center on many menus. However, you can also find Italian, Chinese and other sumptuous ethnic offerings. Many restaurants offer a quiet respite in which to refuel as well as great views of the ocean, Alcatraz and the Bay Bridge. 

The best way to visit this neighborhood is by public transport and on foot. Parking is available in the vicinity of the wharf but it’s not cheap. To really get you in the feel for old-time San Francisco, jump on the Powell/Mason cable car line and you'll land only a couple of blocks south of Fisherman's Wharf. The rattle and clang of the typically San Francisco transport adds to the spirit of the journey. 


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Top hotels in Fisherman's Wharf

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 HK$1,091 per night from 19 Aug to 20 Aug
HK$1,091
HK$1,608 total
19 Aug - 20 Aug
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! (6,605 reviews)
"Breakfast was too long for service. Too much people"

Reviewed on 30 Jul 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
The price is HK$1,265 per night from 18 Aug to 19 Aug
HK$1,265
HK$1,848 total
18 Aug - 19 Aug
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! (3,715 reviews)
"Loved everything. Hotel in very convenient location. Very friendly staff. Clean rooms."

Reviewed on 29 Jul 2025

Hotel Caza Fisherman's Wharf
Kimpton Alton Fisherman's Wharf by IHG

Kimpton Alton Fisherman's Wharf by IHG

4.5 out of 5
2700 JONES STREET, San Francisco, CA
The price is HK$1,303 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
HK$1,303
HK$1,857 total
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,480 reviews)
"The hotel is located just minutes away from fisherman's wharf with a parking garage about 4 min away. The staff there are great and the hotel is perfect if you plan to be around the city."

Reviewed on 29 Jul 2025

Kimpton Alton Fisherman's Wharf by IHG
Hotel Zoe Fisherman's Wharf

Hotel Zoe Fisherman's Wharf

4 out of 5
425 North Point, San Francisco, CA
The price is HK$1,126 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
HK$1,126
HK$1,662 total
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 bars/lounges, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the restaurant and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,393 reviews)
"Great breakfast buffet options"

Reviewed on 31 Jul 2025

Hotel Zoe 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 HK$1,060 per night from 19 Aug to 20 Aug
HK$1,060
HK$1,571 total
19 Aug - 20 Aug
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! (1,380 reviews)
"Excellent room quality and owner was very friendly and offered great dining suggestions nearby! Great service, I would definitely stay here again!"

Reviewed on 23 Jul 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 HK$1,185 per night from 25 Aug to 26 Aug
HK$1,185
HK$1,395 total
25 Aug - 26 Aug
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! (1,020 reviews)
"Great location, super knowledgeable staff"

Reviewed on 27 Jul 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(4 area reviews)

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 featuring a city and skyline

North Beach

4.5/5(129 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

4.5/5(78 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 which includes street scenes

Chinatown

3.5/5(8 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 showing heritage architecture as well as a small group of people

Marina District

4/5(80 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 which includes street scenes and signage

Cow Hollow

3.5/5(9 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