Sightseeing, Dining and More In Fisherman's Wharf

Pier 39

From amazing views and a sea of sea lions to clam chowder bread bowls and California wines, your visit to the area starts at PIER 39. Kick off your visit by exploring two levels of dining, entertainment, shopping and attractions - including Hard Rock Cafe, 7D Experience, Fog Harbor Fish House, sailing options and much more - all surrounded by unbeatable views of the city and the bay.

Alcatraz Cruises

Alcatraz is a must-see for everyone and especially first-time visitors. Aptly named Alcatraz Cruises, the National Park Service concessionaire operates visits to Alcatraz. Visitors can tour the eerie old cellblocks and listen to recorded memories of former prisoners and guards. The night tour is especially spooky. Be sure to book reservations well in advance of your visit to San Francisco.

Ghirardelli Square

With shops, wineries and award-winning restaurants, Ghirardelli Square is a premier San Francisco destination. Enjoy spectacular views of the Golden Gate Bridge to Alcatraz, landscaped gardens, one-of-a-kind shopping and, of course, the famous Ghirardelli Chocolate.

Aquarium of The Bay

Walk through clear tunnels to experience the underwater world of just some of the aquarium's 20,000 marine animals, including leopard sharks, bat rays, and giant sea bass swimming overhead. Make sure to catch the river otters at play and the giant Pacific octopus on view, too. You can purchase an Aquarium of the Bay ticket as part of a CityPASS attraction pass to save on other attractions as well.

Buena Vista Cafe

Across Jefferson Street from the Hyde Street cable car turnaround, grab lunch or a pick-me-up at the always-popular Buena Vista, which introduced Irish coffee to America back in the 1950s.

Scoma's

There are plenty of choices for dinner around Fisherman’s Wharf, but Scoma’s is a local tradition famous for fresh seafood and its classic feel.

Boudin at the Wharf

Two-story flagship building allows visitors to observe the bakery in action. Learn how their famous sourdough French bread is made and why it cannot be baked anywhere else on earth. Make sure to consider the upstairs Bistro for chowder in a bread bowl and more.

Blue and Gold

Breathing the salt air, riding the tides, sailing under the noble Golden Gate Bridge and feasting your eyes on the hills and city skyline are a fun way to spend an hour or more. Blue & Gold offers scenic cruises, as well as ferry service to Marin County. You can purchase a Blue & Gold cruise as part of a CityPASS attraction pass to save on other attractions as well.

San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park

At the end of the Hyde Street Pier, jutting into San Francisco Bay, historic ships such as the 1895 schooner C.A. Thayer, the 1890 steam ferryboat Eureka and the 1886 square-rigger Balclutha highlight a collection of vintage watercraft. An open-sided boat repair shop on the pier gives visitors a good look at repair and restoration work, free of charge.

Madame Tussauds

Get closer to your favorite stars and icons than ever before! Step onto the court and shoot hoops with Steph Curry or jam on stage with Jimi Hendrix to experience the full “Spirit of San Francisco.” Strike a pose with Beyonce and sparkle center stage with Adele, or get behind the camera with Steven Spielberg at the world-famous wax museum's outpost on the wharf.

Museum of 3D illusions

Let your imaginations run wild at the Museum of 3D Illusions. Hang from a San Francisco skyscraper, become a professional surfer, and survive a lava eruption! The 40+ optical illusions make for great photo oportunities are at every corner of the museum.

Cartoon Art Museum

This museum houses nearly 7,000 original pieces of cartoon art, including comic books, graphic novels, anime, political cartoons, and much more at its new location in Fisherman's Wharf. Visitors of all ages can view original cartoon art at exhibitions and screenings, produce their own comics and animation in classes and workshops, and mix and mingle with professional and aspiring cartoonists.

Red and White Fleet

Cruises on and around San Francisco Bay are perpetually popular. See the sights and amazing skyline views with Red and White, which offers cruises with recorded narration in 16 languages.

Cioppino's

With dozens of dinner choices around Fisherman’s Wharf, Cioppino’s is a crowd favorite for locals and visitors alike. This family owned restaurant has been operating for over 100 years and is famous for its Cioppino – a seafood lover’s dream!

San Francisco Brewing CO.

"San Francisco-inspired" pub food with an outdoor beer garden in Ghirardelli Square. Sample one, or two, of their small batch beer while enjoying interactive games or live TV sports.