Fisherman's Wharf grew up around the Italian fishing fleet that worked out of this corner of the bay from the late nineteenth century. A few boats still unload here early in the morning, but today the Wharf is mainly a place for visitors: seafood stands, chain restaurants and souvenir shops along Jefferson Street. It is easy to dismiss, and a mistake to skip entirely.

What is worth your time

  • Hyde Street Pier: part of the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, with historic ships you can board, including a nineteenth-century square-rigger and an old paddlewheel ferry.
  • Pier 45: two World War II vessels, a Liberty ship and a submarine, both open to visitors.
  • The Musée Mécanique: a free-entry hall of antique arcade machines, from fortune tellers to player pianos, still working for a coin or two.
  • Ghirardelli Square: the old chocolate factory at the western end, now shops and restaurants, with a famous ice cream counter.
  • Aquatic Park: a curved beach and pier where swimmers from the old rowing clubs plunge into the cold bay year round.

Eating

The street stands along Jefferson and Taylor Streets sell crab cocktails, chowder in a sourdough bowl and fried fish. It is simple food done the traditional way; see sourdough and clam chowder for what to order and when crab is in season.

Practical notes

Come in the morning, before the crowds, or late afternoon. The Powell-Hyde cable car ends by Aquatic Park, and the ferries to Alcatraz leave from Pier 33, a short walk east past Pier 39. The Wharf is often foggy and windy; bring a layer.

A short history

From the 1850s, Italian immigrants from Genoa and later Sicily fished the bay and the ocean in small, colorful sailing boats called feluccas, landing their catch at this corner of the waterfront. Over the following decades the fleet modernized, canneries and fish markets grew up along Jefferson Street, and families that started with a single boat opened restaurants that are still run by their descendants. The fishing industry declined after the World War II, and tourism slowly took its place. A small working fleet still berths in the lagoon behind the restaurants, and you can watch the boats come in early in the morning at Fish Alley near Pier 45.

A walking route

  1. Start at Aquatic Park at the western end, where the Powell-Hyde cable car stops. Walk out on the curved Municipal Pier for a view back over the Wharf.
  2. Visit the Maritime Museum, the white Streamline Moderne building on the beach that looks like an ocean liner, with murals and ship models inside.
  3. Board the ships at Hyde Street Pier, including the Balclutha, a square-rigged sailing ship launched in 1886.
  4. Climb to Ghirardelli Square for chocolate and a view over the bay.
  5. Walk east along Jefferson Street to the crab stands at Taylor Street.
  6. Finish at Pier 45 with the Musée Mécanique and the historic vessels, then continue to Pier 39 if you want the sea lions.

Allow two to three hours at an easy pace, longer if you board the ships.

Eating well on the Wharf

The Wharf has a reputation for overpriced food, and some of it is deserved. Simple choices are the best ones: a crab cocktail or a cup of chowder from the street stands, a sourdough loaf from the bakery, or a seat at one of the old family restaurants with a view of the fishing boats. Look at the menu before sitting down, check whether crab is fresh or frozen, and avoid restaurants with staff pulling people in from the street.

Practical tips

  • The Wharf is one of the coldest, windiest parts of the city in summer. Bring a jacket.
  • Watch your belongings in crowds, and never leave anything in a parked car.
  • If you are staying here, read where to stay in San Francisco first: it is convenient for families but far from the city's livelier neighborhoods.

Frequently asked questions

Is Fisherman's Wharf worth visiting?

Yes, for half a day, if you focus on the ships, the Musée Mécanique, Aquatic Park and the street food rather than the souvenir shops.

What is the best time to go?

Early morning, when the boats come in and the crowds have not arrived, or late afternoon for the light over the bay.

How do I get there?

By Powell-Hyde or Powell-Mason cable car, by the F-line historic streetcar along the waterfront, or on foot along the Embarcadero.