Location: Fisherman’s Wharf
Top Things to do in Fisherman’s Wharf
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Top 10 Sights & Landmarks in Fisherman’s Wharf, California (CA)
Every neighborhood in San Francisco has its own personality, from the hippie chic of the Upper Haight to the hipster grit of the Mission. The Marina district boasts trendy bistros and postcard-perfect views of the Golden Gate Bridge, while Noe Valley offers quaint and quiet boutiques. Wave hello to the sea lions at Pier 39, and sample local cheese and charcuterie at the Ferry Building. Sit in on a yoga session in Dolores Park or marvel at the Dutch Windmill across from Ocean Beach.
Restaurants in San Francisco
1. San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 682 reviews
Visitors can take a workshop on boatbuilding, board a vessel docked at the Hyde Street Pier or tour the fine collections of maritime lore.
Reviewed By PepperNewJersey - California, United States
We just visited the Visitor Center which provided us great exhibits an hands-on activities bout the Gold Rush, shipwrecks and sea communications. Great artifacts and interesting history!
2. USS Pampanito
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 763 reviews
World War II submarine docked at Pier 45.
Reviewed By GilB867 - Memphis, United States
The USS Pampanito, built in 1943 is now a National Historic Landmark and actually part of the San Francisco Maritime National Park Association located not at the Maritime National Park but at Fisherman's Wharf or pier. This sub completed six war time patrols between 1944 and 1945. If you are the least bit of a history, navy, or ship enthusiasts this is a must see while in San Francisco, and it is conveniently located in the Fisherman's Wharf area on the bay. Ticket prices are a little steep but well worth the first hand look you will get inside an actually WWII submarine. You can tour the entire ship, stand in every compartment, at your own pace using a audio cassette.
3. SS Jeremiah O'Brien
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 444 reviews
Historic World War II ship docked at Pier 45. One of two remaining Liberty Class of ships, the Jeremiah made 11 trips from London to Normandy for the D day invasion to supply the war effort and carry troops.
Reviewed By RHS1946 - Monroe, United States
On a recent trip to San Francisco with family, we visited the SS Jeremiah O'Brien, a restored and functional WWII Liberty ship. My interest was the fact that it had seen duty on Omaha Beach on D-Day and my father had been there on a US Navy LST landing troops and equipment. It had seen duty in the South Pacific too and had even delivered "war brides" to the USA after the war was over. Hard working people managed to save this Liberty Ship, the only one of it's class still a working vessel. It was sailed to Normandy for the 50th Remembrance of D-Day. Walking up the rope had rail of the steps to the ship would not be easy for anyone who is walking challenged. Almost the entire ship can be explored - from the gun placements above deck to the engine room way below deck. We saw the Captain's quarters and where the ordinary seamen slept, the galley, the infirmary, the map room and many other places. It was fascinating. There is a museum aboard complete with a very large diorama of the sea, the entire beach head and the land where the invasion took place. A small gift shop had several interesting items including books, some posters, patches, hats. This was on New Year's Eve and as we left the staff was setting up for a large event. What a setting to watch the fireworks to be set off at midnight while the band played!
4. Aquatic Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 80 reviews
This waterfront area, once part of Fort Mason, is now a complex for museums and artists.
Reviewed By mini - Fremont, United States
We love the views of the San Francisco Bay from Aquatic Park. Its a wonderful place to go for a walk. There are some restaurants such as McCormick and Schmick at Giardelli Square where one gets a good view of the park when dining. And yes - some even swim in the Bay.
5. San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park Ships at Hyde Street Pier
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 230 reviews
Established in 1988, San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park encompasses 34 acres, and has the most National Historic Landmarks of any unit in the National Park Service. In addition to the fleet of historic ships at Hyde Street Pier, the Park includes the Aquatic Park Historic District (Maritime Museum, beach, lawn area, and bleachers), a Visitor Center and the Research Center (in Fort Mason Center).
Reviewed By meimei44
An under-promoted gem of the Hyde St Pier, the 100-plus year-old scow schooner Alma sails regularly around the Bay. Don’t miss it! You’ll be sailing on a vintage restored vessel that I feel offers the smoothest bay sailing tour around (its a long, wide, flat bottomed vessel, so it doesn’t heel or rock at all while plowing through the choppy waves). As a novice sailor, I was fascinated with all the ginormous masts, sails, and rigging, as it is all authentically maintained. You can help hoist the sails (takes several people), watch the volunteer crew work nimbly to steer and trim, tour the backside of Angel Island (i sails through Raccoon Strait), and enjoy the ocean view of the SF shoreline. Great fun for all ages, and the only vessel of its type still actively in use in the US. The ranger on board offers interesting stories of the old shipping days, and how Alma once carried hay, coals, timber, etc. around the bay and far up the Sacramento Delta. Check the website for sailing dates. $40 for a wonderful afternoon on a unique boat!
6. Hyde Street Pier
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 22 reviews
Reviewed By CTBCalifornia - Groveland, United States
If you have a National Parks Pass then you can visit the historic vessels moored at Hyde Street Pier without paying any fees, what could be better, go check it out! There are a number of good informational displays, plus some hands on interactive exhibits. And the historic boats are fascinating, you could easily spend most of a day exploring them and enjoying the views. There is an aquatic swimming club there next to the pier too, watching the intrepid souls swimming in the ice cold water, some but not all in wet suits, is very fun!
7. Crab Sculpture
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By Perkadventures - Banning, United States
Just outside Pier 39 near the street is a Crab Sculpture clad in shells and stuff - needs to be maintained to be better able to see. A great entrance to this tourist area of shops and food places
8. Pier 39
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 22,521 reviews
From amazing views and a sea of sea lions to chowder bread bowls and California wines, your visit to San Francisco starts at PIER 39. Kick off your visit by exploring two levels of dining, entertainment, shopping and attractions, all surrounded by unbeatable views of the city and the bay. Take it from the world famous sea lions: a visit to San Francisco starts at The PIER.
Reviewed By lpantry1961 - Rotherham, United Kingdom
Loved this place lots of restaurant and bars lots of shops with lovely little nic naks the views are to die for and the clam chowder is amazing loved watching the seals this place is full of life
9. Ghirardelli Square
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 3,520 reviews
A group of renovated factory buildings filled with shops, restaurants and galleries.
Reviewed By Z3772SJroberta - Chesterland, United States
Its Ghirardelli that should say it all. There are some nice shops and the the building itself is absolutely beautiful. For us it was about the ice cream and the waffle cones dipped in Ghirardelli Chocolate great treat on a warm day. It does not hurt they give you chocolate samples upon entry. If you love chocolate this is a must stop between the ice cream and the store with all the chocolate treats you wont go wrong
10. Fisherman's Wharf
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 19,342 reviews
Historic Fisherman's Wharf is the classic San Francisco experience where you will find a range of hotels, specialty restaurants, famous attractions, unique shops, breathtaking scenery and entertainment for the whole family.
Reviewed By Meyerblings - Winnipeg, Canada
Love visiting this area, it’s fun and kind of feels like you are stepping back in time. There is so much to see, great people watching and I love watching the sea lions, there are so many and they are so fun, always putting on a show!! Great food options, lots of stores to browse. It’s just awesome!!
