Fisherman's Wharf, CA

San Francisco

Fisherman\'s Wharf featuring a bay or harbor
Fisherman\'s Wharf which includes street scenes as well as a small group of people
Fisherman\'s Wharf which includes a bay or harbor
Fisherman\'s Wharf which includes a fountain
Fisherman\'s Wharf showing a bay or harbor and a city

This waterfront neighborhood 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


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
$151 nightly
The price is $177 total per night from Aug 4 to Aug 5
$177 total
Aug 4 - Aug 5
Total includes taxes and 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! (6,654 reviews)
"A BIG but nice hotel. Very good location. Taks 5 mim to walk to my room. Very nice and rich breakfast but had to wait 10 min in line to enter. The room is OK. not to big but have it all. At the 2nd floor the street traffic is very clear and disturbing."

Reviewed on Jul 28, 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
$200 nightly
The price is $236 total per night from Aug 28 to Aug 29
$236 total
Aug 28 - Aug 29
Total includes taxes and 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! (3,709 reviews)
Great location
"Friendly front desk staff. Bed was very comfy. Accommodated my late check out request. Had a great view! Would return!"

Reviewed on Jul 28, 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
$201 nightly
The price is $237 total per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
$237 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
Total includes taxes and 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! (1,489 reviews)
Weekend getaway
"Loved that it was close to everything. Most stuff was a 10-minute walk or less. Staff was great! The hotel was clean. The rooms are on the smaller side, which was fine other than getting up from the bed because there was not much walkway between the bed and the wall. The air conditioner was really ..."

Reviewed on Jul 28, 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
$178 nightly
The price is $203 total per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
$203 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
Total includes taxes and 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! (1,386 reviews)
"Unbeatable Location. However, the rooms are small."

Reviewed on Jul 25, 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
$179 nightly
The price is $210 total per night from Aug 19 to Aug 20
$210 total
Aug 19 - Aug 20
Total includes taxes and 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! (1,377 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 Jul 23, 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
$151 nightly
The price is $178 total per night from Aug 25 to Aug 26
$178 total
Aug 25 - Aug 26
Total includes taxes and 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 Jul 27, 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.

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Fisherman's Wharf, CA

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