Visiting San Francisco And Fishermans Wharf
If you’re coming to San Francisco to catch a cruise or visiting as a cruise port of call, San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf is a great starting point. While the wharf is an exciting area there are also a number of adventures and excursions that depart from here. Catch a famous 100 year old cable car that has made San Francisco famous or rent a bike to take you up and down San Francisco’s hills or even across the Golden Gate Bridge. Also no trip to San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf is complete without a trip to Alcatraz Island. The Alcatraz ferry departs from Alcatraz Landing – Pier 33.
Where Your Ship Docks
The cruise piers in San Francisco occupy a great location on the city’s waterfront and only a few blocks away from the famous Fisherman’s Wharf. This area is the focus for most visitors to the city. The cruise terminals have public facilities and walking out is permitted and right outside the port area is the center of San Francisco’s tourist hot spots. Taxis are easily available but chances are, all you need is to stroll down the street.
Transportation
Riding Cable Cars – It’s easy to catch a cable car. The city has three cable car lines – two start at Powell and Market and continue to Fisherman’s Wharf; one starts at California and Market and continues to Van Ness Avenue. Board at the cable car turntables (the beginning or end of each route) or look for the brown-and-white cable car stop sign post. Ride fares can be purchased at a number of locations. General fare is $8.00 each trip, Senior/ Disabled/ Medicare $4.00 with children 4 and under Free.
For all-day travel, you may want to purchase a visitor Passport. A Visitor Passport can be purchased at ticket kiosks, on Clipper® and sales locations for 1, 3, or 7 consecutive days of unlimited rides on Muni, Muni Metro, historic streetcars, and cable cars. Single ride Cable Car tickets are also available.
- Passports are the same price for all ages and abilities.
- Muni Passports are good on Muni only. They are not valid on BART, other transit systems, tour buses, or for transportation to or from San Francisco International Airport (SFO).
- Passports expire at 11:59 pm. on the first, third or seventh day of use, and must be used by January 31 of the year following the year printed on the cover of the Passport.
- 1-Day Passports $24
- 3-Day Passports $36
- 7-Day Passports $47
- Cable Car Single Ride Ticket $8
Currency
Local currency is the U.S. Dollar and most major credit cards are welcome with ATMs being plentiful.
Attractions
Aquatic Park Pier (MUNI Pier) – A great place to start exploring at Fisherman’s Wharf offering great views of the Golden Gate Bridge, or the remarkable 22-acre Alcatraz island, Ghirardelli Square, Coit Tower, and the sweep of San Francisco Bay. The pier runs a good distance into the water and the views are spectacular.
Umbrella Alley – Don’t miss Umbrella Alley near Fisherman’s Wharf. It’s located between buildings on Beach Street, featuring the California Dreaming, I Left My Heart in San Francisco, and Greetings from San Francisco murals with brightly colored balloons and umbrellas suspended overhead. Find new murals being painted next to the Summer of Love Monarch Wall which features a huge 3D butterfly.
Ghirardelli Square – San Francisco’s chocolatier encompasses an complete plaza dedicated to a love of chocolate. The complex features great shops and restaurants where you can stroll the plaza and enjoy waterfront views, don’t pass up the original Ghirardelli Ice Cream and Chocolate Shop.
Cartoon Art Museum – At a new Fisherman’s Wharf location, the Cartoon Art Museum on Beach Street is a must do experience with exhibits on comic strips, comic books, political cartoons, graphic novels, and even underground comix.
Stroll through Fisherman’s Wharf world of art featuring galleries filled with paintings, sculptures, mixed-media along with street performers, and public space art. Don’t forget to get a caricature drawn and post an Instagram selfie in Umbrella Alley.
Visit a Liberty Ship – The SS Jeremiah O’Brien is one of the few remaining fully functional Liberty ships built during World War II. The O’Brien has the distinction of being the last unaltered Liberty ship and remains historically accurate. Moored at Pier 45, Fisherman’s Wharf, a popular San Francisco attraction.
Any visit to Fisherman’s Wharf requires getting your picture taken under the Fisherman’s Wharf sign. It’s at the corner of Jefferson and Taylor streets and was installed in 1968 featuring a giant crab on a ship’s wheel.
Food
If this city is famous for anything it’s food. Boasting a number of originals like Boudins and Ghirardelli it also has some really great seafood.
Boudin Bakery, Bakers Hall Fisherman’s Wharf – A cafe, famous for its San Francisco sour-dough bread. Features indoor and outdoor seating and the perfect place for their clam chowder served in that sour-dough bread bowl.
Crab House – PIER 39, Level 2 -Well known for their world-famous “Killer Crab” a two pound whole crab roasted in their secret garlic sauce.
Fog Harbor Fish House – PIER 39, Level 2 – Considered one of San Francisco’s best seafood restaurants and a dining landmark. Featuring fresh 100% sustainable seafood with spectacular views of the San Francisco Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge. Dining room or outdoor seating available.
For a link to a complete directory to restaurants in the Fishermans Wharf area click HERE.
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