Fisherman's Wharf

San Francisco

Fisherman\'s Wharf featuring a bay or harbour
Fisherman's Wharf
Fisherman\'s Wharf which includes a bay or harbour
Fisherman\'s Wharf which includes 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 colourful 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 favourite 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-centre 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 neighbourhood 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.


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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 CA $182 per night from Aug 19 to Aug 20
CA $182
CA $271 total
Aug 19 - Aug 20
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! (6,653 reviews)
"Stayed there as a child. Always enjoyed the convenience, environment and standards."

Reviewed on Aug. 13, 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 CA $198 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
CA $198
CA $296 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
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! (3,700 reviews)
Lovely return visit to Hotel Caza
"I was visiting SF for a 2nd time and booked the same hotel, Hotel Caza, for numerous reasons from my last visit; great location, friendly service, comfortable & clean rooms. and great facilities (including things like milk and cookies you can pickup every evening beside reception) Again, the staff ..."

Reviewed on Aug. 14, 2025

Hotel Caza Fisherman's Wharf
Hotel Zoe Fisherman's Wharf

Hotel Zoe Fisherman's Wharf

4 out of 5
425 North Point, San Francisco, CA
The price is CA $184 per night from Aug 28 to Aug 29
CA $184
CA $276 total
Aug 28 - Aug 29
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! (1,416 reviews)
"Conveniently close to everything available"

Reviewed on Aug. 11, 2025

Hotel Zoe Fisherman's Wharf
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 CA $188 per night from Sep 2 to Sep 3
CA $188
CA $263 total
Sep 2 - Sep 3
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! (2,061 reviews)
"Everything I needed I right here"

Reviewed on Aug. 12, 2025

Holiday Inn Express and Suites Fisherman's Wharf by IHG
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 CA $187 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
CA $187
CA $276 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
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! (1,375 reviews)
"We stayed here for the San Francisco marathon. We were very close to all the activity. The hotel was clean and safe."

Reviewed on Aug. 9, 2025

Hyatt Centric Fisherman's Wharf San Francisco
Hotel Zephyr San Francisco

Hotel Zephyr San Francisco

4 out of 5
250 Beach Street, San Francisco, CA
The price is CA $162 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
CA $162
CA $240 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star boutique hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy a 24-hour fitness center, parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,139 reviews)
"The hotel is located at fisherman’s wharf. Walking distance to lots of places. Like, cable car station, restaurants, Exploratorium, and Ghirardelli."

Reviewed on Aug. 12, 2025

Hotel Zephyr 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

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Russian Hill

3.5/5(5 area reviews)

Spend some time visiting places like Macondray Lane while getting to know Russian Hill, and be sure to check out the beaches. You can hop aboard the metro at Hyde St & Filbert St Stop or Hyde St & Union St Stop to see more of the area.

Russian Hill
North Beach showing skyline and a city

North Beach

4.5/5(303 area reviews)

Adjacent to Chinatown and the Financial District, this "Little Italy" boasts Italian restaurants, cafes, and bakeries along Columbus Avenue and Washington Square. Explore the National Shrine of Saint Francis of Assisi and City Lights Bookstore.

North Beach
Nob Hill featuring street scenes and a city

Nob Hill

4.5/5(124 area reviews)

Luxury hotels, historic mansions, and Michelin-starred restaurants abound in this upscale area. Explore Union Square shopping district, Grace Cathedral, and the SF Masonic Auditorium for a taste of culture and history.

Nob Hill
Chinatown showing street scenes

Chinatown

4/5(26 area reviews)

Dragon's Gate and Spofford Alley are top sights in Chinatown, and you should be sure to explore the popular shops. Hop aboard the metro at Chinatown-Rose Pak Stop or Powell St & Clay St Stop to see more sights in the area.

Chinatown
Marina District which includes heritage architecture as well as a small group of people

Marina District

4/5(111 area reviews)

Featuring the picturesque Marina Green park and the iconic Palace of Fine Arts, this neighborhood offers a charming shopping and dining experience along Chestnut Street, with easy access via Lombard Street.

Marina District
Cow Hollow featuring signage and street scenes

Cow Hollow

4.5/5(18 area reviews)

The beautiful waterfront views and popular shops are just a few highlights of Cow Hollow. Make a stop by Union Street or Van Ness Avenue while you're exploring the area.

Cow Hollow


Fisherman's Wharf

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