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
The price is AU$348 per night from 17 Oct to 18 Oct
AU$348
17 Oct - 18 Oct
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! (6,898 reviews)
"Nice upgrade, clean room, friendly staff, wonderful breakfast, fantastic location."

Reviewed on 1 Oct 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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$268 per night from 31 Oct to 1 Nov
AU$268
31 Oct - 1 Nov
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! (3,825 reviews)
"It was a nice location. Close to everything. It would be nice to have everything included in the price rather than it be add on after add on."

Reviewed on 30 Sept 2025

Hotel Caza Fisherman's Wharf
Marriott Vacation Club®, San Francisco

Marriott Vacation Club®, San Francisco

3 out of 5
2620 Jones St, San Francisco, CA
The price is AU$311 per night from 2 Nov to 3 Nov
AU$311
2 Nov - 3 Nov
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! (1,046 reviews)
"We had gnat-like flying bugs in our room."

Reviewed on 29 Sept 2025

Marriott Vacation Club®, San Francisco
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
The price is AU$298 per night from 20 Oct to 21 Oct
AU$298
20 Oct - 21 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! (2,176 reviews)
"Awesome stay and friendly staff"

Reviewed on 28 Sept 2025

Holiday Inn Express and Suites 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 AU$263 per night from 2 Nov to 3 Nov
AU$263
2 Nov - 3 Nov
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! (1,502 reviews)
"Great for the Wharf area!"

Reviewed on 27 Sept 2025

Hotel Zoe Fisherman's Wharf
Argonaut Hotel

Argonaut Hotel

4.5 out of 5
495 Jefferson St, San Francisco, CA
The price is AU$447 per night from 30 Oct to 31 Oct
AU$447
30 Oct - 31 Oct
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! (1,160 reviews)
Lovely hotel
"Wonderful location for fisherman’s wharf, restaurants, trolley and cable car. We had a view of the Golden Gate Bridge from our room. Very nice hotel. Very quiet. Good restaurant attached to hotel and other amenities."

Reviewed on 1 Oct 2025

Argonaut Hotel
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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