Almost as soon as you step off the ferry from Sausalito, you can feel that you have been transported to almost the same place as sailors and pioneers from long ago when they arrived themselves in the Bay Area. Visiting Fishermans Wharf in San Francisco is one of the absolute must-do and must-see adventures for visitors to the area, and is home to some of the freshest seafood in the area, shopping, entertainment, museums, and much more.
One of the most visited tourist attractions on the west coast, Fishermans Wharf is a relaxed and spread out area that offers visitors their choice of activities, foods, and fun for an afternoon or an entire day. Perfect for children of all ages, and for the curious and fun-loving adults in the group as well, Fishermans Wharf is a truly San Francisco Bay Area experience!
A Brief History of Fishermans Wharf
Fishermans Wharf has long been a part of the culture and dynamic of the city of San Francisco and of the Bay Area at large. As the main dock and waterfront area dating back to the Gold Rush, Fishermans Wharf has long been a center for all things maritime, fishing, and seafood. Because of proximity and the connection with boating and fishing industries, there have long been direct routes and ties between Sausalito and the Wharf area.
In the 1970’s and 1980’s, Fishermans Wharf underwent a significant renovation and expansion and has become one of the most visited and enjoyed tourist centers on the western coast of the United States. Although shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues were added, Fishermans Wharf is still home to much of the commercial fishing that uses the San Francisco Bay as its home base.
Visit Fishermans Wharf
From the street performers covered in elaborate costumes and paint performing unique dance, music, and other acts to the famous sea lions ion the harbor, there are visual items of interest at nearly every turn. Find yourself a fresh bowl of clam chowder in a San Francisco Sourdough bread bowl and wander around the area to take in the sights, or settle in at any of the famous restaurants that line the water.
For those looking for shops and gift stores to visit, take a look at Pier 39, The Cannery, or the shops lining the blocks leading away from the Wharf area. You’ll find the perfect San Francisco souvenir or a unique memento of your visit.
With Ripley’s Believe it or Not Museum, the Wax Museum, The Aquarium of the Bay, and more all within very short and easy walks of one another, many visitors spend the entire day on the wharf moving from one attraction to the next. There are certainly no shortage of things to do, see, and eat around Fishermans Wharf and you are sure to have a great time!
Things to See and Do Near Fishermans Wharf:
• Pier 39
• The Cannery Shops
• Ghirardelli Square
• San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park
• Aquarium of the Bay
• Ripley’s Believe it or Not Museum
• The Wax Museum
• The Famous Harbor Seals & Sea Lions
• Forbes Island
• Aquatic Park
Visiting Fishermans Wharf is almost a mandatory item on the checklist of those visiting the Bay Area, and everyone should visit at least once. Take the scenic and quick ferry ride over the water from Sausalito, then hop back on and ride back across when you are through and relax back in your Sausalito accommodations!
Fishermans Wharf Planning Information:
Fisherman’s Wharf
Coupons, guides, shop directory, etc.
Pier 47
San Francisco, CA 94133
www.fishermanswharf.com
Fishermans Wharf Merchants Association
Merchant information, history, etc.
47 Pier Suite 2
San Francisco, CA 94133
www.fishermanswharf.org
Ferries from Sausalito to Fishermans Wharf:
See our full Ferries section for routes, schedules, and times.
Blue and Gold Fleet
Serving Sausalito, San Francisco, Tiburon, Vallejo, Oakland, Alameda, San Francisco Giants games, and more.
Pier 41
Marine Terminal
San Francisco, CA 94133
(415)705-5429
Mon-Fri 9:00am-4:00pm
Sat-Sun 9:00am-4:30pm
www.blueandgoldfleet.com
Fares: Adult $10.50, Children (5-12)$6.25, Seniors $6.25, Children Under 5 Free
Golden Gate Ferry
Serving Sausalito, Larkspur, San Francisco, and San Francisco Giants games
Golden Gate Transit
101 East Sir Francis Drake Blvd.
Larkspur, CA 94939
(415)455-2000
www.goldengateferry.org
Fares: Adult $9.25, Youth (6-18)/Seniors $4.50, Children Under 5 Free |
