San Francisco
San Francisco Sightseeing: Pier 39 & Fisherman's Wharf – A Bayfront Adventure
Nestled along the shimmering shores of San Francisco Bay, Pier 39 and Fisherman’s Wharf stand as two of the city’s most iconic and vibrant destinations.
Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned local, this bustling waterfront district offers an irresistible mix of history, culture, marine life, shopping, and delicious eats, all wrapped in postcard-perfect views of Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the ever-changing waters of the bay.
Why Visit Pier 39 & Fisherman’s Wharf?
Fisherman’s Wharf began as a working fishing port in the 19th century, where Italian immigrants brought their seafaring traditions and fresh-caught seafood to the city. Today, it’s transformed into a lively tourist hub while still honoring its maritime roots. Just steps away, Pier 39, opened in 1978, has become the crown jewel of the area, home to sea lions, street performers, boutique shops, and some of the best clam chowder in California.
It’s not just about sightseeing, it’s about experiencing San Francisco at its most playful, scenic, and flavorful.
Must-See Attractions
1. The Famous Sea Lions at Pier 39
Since 1989, hundreds of California sea lions have made the docks at Pier 39 their seasonal home. No one knows exactly why they chose this spot (maybe the warm sun, abundant fish, or just good vibes!), but they’ve become the unofficial mascots of the pier.
Fun Fact: The sea lions were first spotted here after the Loma Prieta earthquake—scientists believe shifting ocean temperatures may have driven them closer to shore!
Best viewing spots: K-Dock (east side of Pier 39) and the outdoor observation decks. Arrive early for front-row barking action!
2. Aquarium of the Bay
Located right under the historic Embarcadero, this eco-friendly aquarium showcases over 600 species native to the San Francisco Bay. Walk through glass tunnels surrounded by sharks, rays, and schools of glittering fish.
Fun Fact: The aquarium recycles 100% of its water using a natural filtration system—no chemicals needed!
3. Musée Mécanique
Step into a time capsule of vintage arcade games and mechanical marvels! This free-to-enter museum houses over 300 antique penny arcade machines, including fortune tellers, animatronic shows, and even a 1920s “Laffing Sal” that cackles eerily as you pass.
Quirky Tip: Try the "Ballyhoo" ball-toss game from 1931, it’s harder than it looks!
4. Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium
If you love the bizarre, this is your spot. Featuring shrunken heads, upside-down rooms, and mind-bending illusions, it’s equal parts fun and freaky.
Photo Op: Pose in the rotating vortex tunnel or lie on the Ames Room illusion wall where size defies logic!
Foodie Favorites
You can’t leave without trying:
- Sourdough Bread Bowls with Clam Chowder – Originating in San Francisco, this creamy delight served in a crispy bread bowl is a must. Try it at Boudin Bakery (the original since 1849!) where you can watch bakers hand-roll dough through viewing windows.
- Dungeness Crab – In season (roughly November–June), sample fresh crab cocktails or garlic crab at wharf-side restaurants like Alioto’s or Crab Louie’s.
- Irish Coffee at the Buena Vista Cafe – Just a short walk uphill, this café claims to have introduced Irish coffee to America in 1952. Watch bartenders expertly layer hot coffee, whiskey, sugar, and fluffy cream.
Fun Fact: The Buena Vista serves over 2,000 Irish coffees a day during peak season!
Quirky Things to Do & See
- Street Performers Galore: From fire jugglers to human statues painted in gold, the energy on Pier 39 is electric. Don’t be surprised if a mime follows you for three piers!
- Ride the Historic Cable Car: Hop on at the Powell-Hyde line terminus near Aquatic Park. The clanging bell and steep climb offer a thrilling ride with jaw-dropping views.
Pro Tip: Buy a Muni Passport for unlimited rides on cable cars, buses, and the F-Market streetcar.
- Visit the USS Pampanito: A real WWII submarine open for tours. Kids (and adults!) love crawling through tight corridors and imagining life beneath the waves.
- Look for Hidden Art: Keep an eye out for colorful tile mosaics embedded in sidewalks, tribute plaques to fishermen, and the giant red crab sculpture near the entrance to Pier 39.
Photography Hotspots
- Sunset at Pier 39: Capture the orange glow reflecting off the bay with Alcatraz Island in the distance.
- From the Ferry Building: Walk east along the Embarcadero for a panoramic shot of Pier 39’s neon signs and sailboats.
- Cable Car Selfie: Strike a pose as the cable car rounds the corner near Ghirardelli Square.
Tourism Tips
✅ Best Time to Visit: Weekday mornings are less crowded. Summer fog is common ("Karl the Fog" is real!), so bring layers, even in July!
Getting Here:
- Use public transit (Muni buses, F-Market streetcar, or cable car).
- Rideshares drop off near the Hyatt at Fisherman’s Wharf.
- Avoid driving, parking is scarce and expensive.
Skip-the-Line Tips: Book Aquarium of the Bay tickets online. Consider the CityPASS for bundled attraction savings.
Shopping Alert: Pick up sea lion plush toys, local art, or sourdough starters at Pier 39 shops. Look for “San Francisco” sweatshirts, they make great souvenirs!
Facilities Note: Restrooms are available at Pier 39 (near the sea lion viewing area) and the Ferry Building.
Final Fun Facts
- The sea lions at Pier 39 don’t pay rent, but they do eat about 50 tons of fish per year!
- Fisherman’s Wharf was once called "Meiggs Wharf," named after a shady developer who built it in the 1850s.
- Ghirardelli Square, adjacent to the wharf, was originally a cocoa factory, now it’s full of chocolate heaven.
- Pier 39 is not actually pier number 39 in chronological order, it was renumbered for marketing appeal!
Whether you’re feeding seagulls (not recommended!), laughing at sea lion slapstick, or sipping chowder with a view, Pier 39 and Fisherman’s Wharf deliver unforgettable moments in one of America’s most beloved cities. Come for the sights, stay for the sourdough, and let the bay breeze carry you into adventure.
Welcome to San Francisco, where the sea lions have the best seats in the house!
Fishermans Wharf Famous For A Reason
San Francisco: Fisherman's Wharf is one of the most famous of destinations for visitors of San Francisco, California, and with good reason. There is so much to see and do in Fisherman's Wharf that you could quite easily plan an entire trip to Frisco and only leave the Wharf as you are leaving the city. The Wharf offers more than 2,500 hotel rooms, several restaurants, and an almost endless amount of shopping, history, culture, and attractions.
Fishermans Wharf
Anyone would be hard pressed not to find something fun to do in Fisherman's Wharf. If you are interested in the sea faring culture and history of the Fisherman's Wharf, take the Port Walk, which is a walking tour that you can take at your own pace while learning about the history of Fisherman's Wharf through the various signs located along the tour.
You can also tour the USS Pampanito, which was a WWII submarine, or the SS Jeremiah O'Brien, which is the last unaltered Liberty ship that is operational. Both of these can be found on Pier 45.
If you find yourself a little hungry, perhaps it's time to check out the many restaurants that the Wharf has to offer or simply to stroll on over to Ghirardelli Square. With its rich history of chocolate and chocolate making, no pun intended, this square is now home to some lovely little shops and for chocolates, clothing, souvenirs, and jewelry. Really, who could ask for more in a shopping center? Fisherman's wharf has a lot to offer in the way of family entertainment.
Check out Pier 39 The pier is located at the edge of the Fisherman's Wharf district and is close to North Beach, Chinatown, and the Embarcadero. The area is easily accessible via the historic F Market streetcars. From the pier one can see Angel Island, Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the Bay Bridge.
Blue and Gold Fleet's bay cruises leave from Pier 39. Pier 39 was first developed by entrepreneur Warren Simmons and opened October 4, 1978. There is the San Francisco Carousel, which children of all ages will love.
The two-story carousel is one of the pier's more dominant features, although it is not directly visible from the street and sits towards the end of the pier. In fact, there are so many things to do at Pier 39 you could almost make a vacation here alone. Don't leave though without checking out the sea lions. I can't really mention Fisherman's Wharf, Pier 39, and families without bringing to attention the fact that the Aquarium of the Bay is a great place for family entertainment. The aquarium is a great way for you and your family to spend the day.
Not only is this a fun excursion that your children will probably remember long after you've gone back to the real world of your day-to-day lives, but it is also an educational experience that is cleverly disguised as fun.
Your children will learn about all kinds of marine life, while having a great time and never know what really hit them. This is one of those times when it is great to be a parent and you can pat yourself on the back for providing an educational experience that they are enjoying.
Even better, they never have to know. Last but not least, there really isn't enough that I can say about the fantastic shopping and dining experiences that are available all along Fisherman's Wharf. There are so many shopping areas at Fisherman's Wharf that it is hard to keep them all separate in your mind.
If the history, the culture, and the fun aren't enough to convince you, then perhaps the food should speak for itself. All you have to do is show up with your appetite; your nose will lead the way for everything else.
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