What to do and see in Fisherman’s Wharf, California (CA): The Best Nature & Parks

March 17, 2022 Flossie Demartino

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

499 Jefferson St, San Francisco, CA 94109-1314 +1 415-447-5000 http://www.nps.gov/safr/
Excellent
54%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 682 reviews

San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park

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. Aquatic Park

499 Jefferson St San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, San Francisco, CA 94109-1314 +1 415-447-5000 http://www.nps.gov/safr/index.htm
Excellent
43%
Good
45%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 80 reviews

Aquatic Park

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.

3. Angel Island State Park

Pier 41, San Francisco, CA 94109 +1 415-435-1915 [email protected] http://www.angelisland.com/
Excellent
64%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 978 reviews

Angel Island State Park

The largest island in San Francisco Bay features magnificent views of Marin County and San Francisco, while offering a wide variety of recreation for outdoor enthusiasts.

Reviewed By kayshu01 - California, United States

Spent the day at Angel Island and hiked up to the Immigration Station and joined an extremely informative and enjoyable tour of the facility with one of the docents, Richard, who made the tour even more meaningful and engaging. I highly recommend this activity to those who want to learn about the Chinese Exclusion Act of the mid 1800's. Take the first Angel Island ferry from Pier 41 (check times and get there at least 30 mins prior to boarding) and hike up to the Immigration Station as soon as you get there. Tours usually start at 11.00 AM and then ride the shuttle back to the harbor. Have a bite to eat at the little cafe and catch the ferry back to SF in the afternoon. You won't regret the excursion if you are interested in history and have done the usual touristy stuff in SF.

4. Sea Lion Center

The Embarcadero at Beach Street c/o Aquarium of the Bay, San Francisco, CA 94133 +1 415-262-4734 http://www.sealioncenter.org/
Excellent
63%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 455 reviews

Sea Lion Center

Operated and managed by Aquarium of the Bay, the Sea Lion Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that offers free interpretive programs to complement one of San Francisco's most popular attractions. More than six million annual visitors will have the opportunity to learn all about California sea lions and their history at PIER 39, as well as what everyone can do to help these charismatic mammals survive in their threatened habitat. The Sea Lion Center includes a classroom and exhibit space located directly above the sea lions' regular hangout on PIER 39's K-Dock. Hours of operation: Sunday through Thursday 10am–4pm Friday, Saturday 10am–5pm Please check website for early closure notifications.

Reviewed By Paradice06 - Seattle, United States

Sea lions are so cute! My wife and I spent over 30 minutes taking photos and videos of these beautiful creatures. They are a must see when in the bay area.

5. George Sterling Park

2299 Hyde St, San Francisco, CA 94109
Excellent
0%
Good
100%
Satisfactory
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Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 1 reviews

George Sterling Park

6. Aquarium of the Bay

Embarcadero & Beach St Pier 39, San Francisco, CA 94133 +1 415-623-5300 [email protected] http://www.aquariumofthebay.org
Excellent
23%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
33%
Poor
10%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

3.5 based on 1,647 reviews

Aquarium of the Bay

Discover the beauty and diversity of Northern California aquatic life at Aquarium of the Bay. Located on the historic San Francisco waterfront at PIER 39, the Aquarium is home to more than 20,000 marine animals including sleek sharks and rays, secretive octopus, hypnotic jellyfish, sparkling anchovies, frolicking river otters, and many more.

Reviewed By lindasask48 - Saskatoon, Canada

Went late in the day unfortunately missing the scheduled talks. Ran into a guide in the walk through tunnel who was very informative. The small displays of different varieties of jellyfish were just beautiful and the antics of the sea otters could be watched for a longtime. Since they close at 6 PM, I would suggest you plan to go for at least 2-3 hours. All very fascinating especially for those of us who do not live near an ocean.

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