Fisherman's Wharf
A bustling waterfront hub in San Francisco, famous for fresh seafood, lively attractions, and iconic sea lions.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed vibe
Fisherman's Wharf
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed vibe
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A bustling waterfront hub in San Francisco, famous for fresh seafood, lively attractions, and iconic sea lions.
"Iconic SF spot for seafood, sea lions, and classic tourist fun!"
🎯 See the Sea Lions! 🦭
Don't miss the barking sea lions at Pier 39! They're a noisy, entertaining bunch.
💰 Budget for Food & Fun
Seafood can be pricey. Factor in costs for chowder, crab, and souvenirs.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Pier 39 Sea Lions
Pier 39
Watch the noisy, playful sea lions basking in the sun. A classic SF experience!
Clam Chowder in a Sourdough Bowl
Various seafood stalls and restaurants
Indulge in this iconic San Francisco treat. Creamy chowder served in a crusty sourdough bread bowl.
SkyStar Wheel
Pier 39
Soar above the bay for breathtaking panoramic views of the city and Alcatraz.
Musée Mécanique
Pier 45
Step back in time with a fascinating collection of antique arcade games and mechanical musical instruments.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Tourist Buzz
Seafood Delights & Souvenirs
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 See the Sea Lions! 🦭
Don't miss the barking sea lions at Pier 39! They're a noisy, entertaining bunch.
💰 Budget for Food & Fun
Seafood can be pricey. Factor in costs for chowder, crab, and souvenirs.
🚶♀️ Walk the Embarcadero
Enjoy a scenic stroll along the waterfront, connecting to other SF attractions.
🎡 Ride the SkyStar Wheel
Get amazing city views from this iconic Ferris wheel. Book tickets online!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 See the Sea Lions! 🦭
Don't miss the barking sea lions at Pier 39! They're a noisy, entertaining bunch.
💰 Budget for Food & Fun
Seafood can be pricey. Factor in costs for chowder, crab, and souvenirs.
🚶♀️ Walk the Embarcadero
Enjoy a scenic stroll along the waterfront, connecting to other SF attractions.
🎡 Ride the SkyStar Wheel
Get amazing city views from this iconic Ferris wheel. Book tickets online!
🕹️ Play at Musée Mécanique
Relive the past with vintage arcade games. Fun for all ages!
⚠️ Be Aware of Pranks
Some creators prank tourists here, so be alert and enjoy the humor!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Fisherman's Wharf is a vibrant and iconic San Francisco destination, celebrated for its lively atmosphere, abundant seafood, and unique attractions like the Pier 39 sea lions. Visitors enjoy the classic clam chowder and the nostalgic fun of Musée Mécanique. However, some find it overly touristy and suggest exploring other areas for more authentic culinary experiences.
"Although its a good place to visit, it is pity in terms of quality.
It needs more cafes where people can sit and see the river side view.
It needs more restaurants during day hours/lunch time where you can eat fish fresh sashimis. I do recommend that it offers same kind of service which Washo Market is offering, where people can buy fresh oysters or sashimis and eat it at free tables."
Sky Nomad
"One of the biggest shopping centres and fish markets in Kushiro. MOO sells so much fresh seafood from salmon, crabs, and other sea mammals as well as souvenirs and snacks. You can also find some interesting foods like dried squid, claims, and fish cheeses here. Restaurants have dining spaces, and most of the shops here are tax-free for tourists from outside the country.
We visited during the late morning, and got to explore the first floor of the market. In the evening, the 2nd floor is open to the public. We're definitely coming by here again the next time we visit Kushiro!"
E T
"My hotel is pretty close to Fisherman wharf so i have several photos that i took from multiple point of time including in the morning full of fog as if i magically transported in silent hill movie.
This place is kinda of crowded in Kushiro standard but very empty if you compared it to other port town like Hakodate.
Food is so so, scenery is beautiful but unfortunately the universe would not grant me the opportunity to take sunset photos."
William Gunawan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach Fisherman's Wharf via public transport like the historic F-Line streetcar, which stops right at the wharf. Ride-sharing services and taxis are also readily available. Parking can be challenging and expensive, so public transit is often recommended. +1
Yes, the F-Line streetcar is a popular and scenic way to get to Fisherman's Wharf, offering easy access from other parts of the city.
Pier 39 is a short, easy walk from the main Fisherman's Wharf area. You can't miss the sea lions once you're there!
Absolutely! The Embarcadero offers a beautiful biking path. Bike racks are available, and it's a great way to explore the waterfront.
Yes, there are several parking garages, but they can be quite expensive. Arriving early or using public transport is often a better option.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Fisherman's Wharf itself is a public area and free to enter. However, individual attractions like the SkyStar Wheel or Musée Mécanique require tickets.
The wharf area is generally open 24/7, but individual shops and attractions have their own operating hours, typically from morning to evening.
Pier 39 is free to access. You can wander around, see the sea lions, and enjoy the atmosphere without any charge.
Tickets for the SkyStar Wheel can be purchased online through their website or at the attraction itself. Booking in advance is recommended.
Yes, Musée Mécanique is free to enter. You only pay for the vintage arcade games you choose to play.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The iconic dish is clam chowder served in a sourdough bread bowl. Fresh Dungeness crab and seafood are also highly recommended. +2
Yes, Fisherman's Wharf is renowned for its seafood. You'll find numerous restaurants offering everything from casual fish and chips to more upscale dining experiences.
While seafood is the main focus, many restaurants offer salads, pasta dishes, and other options that can be adapted for vegetarians or vegans. It's best to check menus or ask staff.
Food prices can range from moderate for casual eats to expensive for sit-down restaurants. Seafood, especially crab, tends to be on the higher end.
Yes, you can find stalls and markets selling fresh seafood, including oysters and sashimi, that you can purchase and enjoy.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the sea lions at Pier 39, the iconic cable cars, the bustling waterfront, and the views of Alcatraz. The SkyStar Wheel offers great panoramic shots. 
The western-facing views can offer beautiful sunset colors over the bay, especially from the piers.
Mornings offer softer light and fewer crowds, while late afternoons provide golden hour light. Evenings are vibrant with city lights.
Absolutely! The sea lions at Pier 39 are a popular subject for photographers. Just maintain a respectful distance.
Generally, photography is allowed in public areas. Some private establishments might have their own policies.
🎫 ❓ Other Questions
You can visit attractions like Musée Mécanique, ride the SkyStar Wheel, watch the sea lions, explore souvenir shops, and take bay cruises.
Like any busy tourist area, it's wise to be aware of your surroundings. While generally safe, petty theft can occur. Be mindful of your belongings.
Yes, you'll find a wide variety of souvenir shops selling everything from t-shirts to local crafts. There are also specialty food shops.
Yes, many bay cruises, including those to Alcatraz, depart from Fisherman's Wharf. Booking in advance is highly recommended for Alcatraz.
This initiative aims to revitalize and improve Fisherman's Wharf, focusing on sustainability and community connection.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Musée Mécanique provides a fun, interactive experience with its vintage arcade games that kids will love. 💰 Budget Travelers
and strolling along the Embarcadero.couples
Share a classic sourdough bread bowl of clam chowder at one of the many restaurants. Consider a leisurely bay cruise for a more intimate perspective of the city skyline.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Iconic Sea Lions of Pier 39
Watching the sea lions is a quintessential Fisherman's Wharf experience. They can be seen playfully barking, wrestling, and lounging on the wooden platforms. The best viewing spots are along the pier, where you can get relatively close without disturbing them. Remember to keep a respectful distance and avoid feeding them, as this is prohibited and harmful to their health.
The sea lions are a constant source of entertainment and a great photo opportunity. Their antics provide a lively contrast to the bustling tourist activity around them, making them a must-see for any visitor to Fisherman's Wharf.
A Culinary Journey: Seafood and Sourdough
Beyond chowder, the wharf is a prime spot to savor Dungeness crab, often served steamed or in various preparations. You can also find fresh oysters, fish and chips, and other seafood delights. For those seeking a more direct connection to the source, some vendors offer fresh sashimi and oysters that you can purchase and enjoy on the spot.
While seafood is the star, Fisherman's Wharf also offers a range of other dining options, including international cuisine and casual eateries. However, for an authentic taste of San Francisco, indulging in the local seafood is highly recommended.
Exploring the Attractions
For a trip down memory lane, Musée Mécanique on Pier 45 is a treasure trove of antique arcade games and mechanical musical instruments, offering hours of nostalgic fun. Beyond these major attractions, the area is dotted with souvenir shops selling everything from San Francisco-themed apparel to local crafts. You can also find street performers and artists adding to the lively atmosphere. Many visitors also use Fisherman's Wharf as a departure point for bay cruises and tours, including the popular Alcatraz tours, though booking these well in advance is crucial.
Recent developments, like the Fisherman's Wharf Forward initiative, aim to further enhance the visitor experience by improving sustainability and strengthening the connection between the waterfront and the community.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit