Fisherman's Wharf — Attraction in San Francisco

Fisherman’s Wharf San Francisco

The bustle of the wharf is constant with tourists coming to eat crab and clam chowder ,seek souvenirs reminding me of the wharf area in Boston.

Fresh seafood at the restaurants and the colony of Sea-lions will get fresh with a few barks to entertain you.

You will experience views of landmarks like the Cablecar end, Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz as well as Ghirardelli Square the original chocolate factor home which now houses eating places and shopping.

You will find a plethora of things to do at the wharf and with in walking distance.

So many things to do. We did the Wharf, Cablecar, Ghirardelli , Alcatraz , Golden Gate Bridge and the Golden Gate Bridge Park attractions.

Bring some comfortable shoes and be ready to learn and eat along the way.

I’m attaching a couple of the sites we also visited.

San Francisco Cable Car End- at Fisherman’s Wharf While in San Francisco we stayed right on the cable car line close to the turnaround by the wharf.

The cable cars are amazingly well maintained for being close to 150 years old. You can see Alcatraz coming down the hill to the turnaround. The bells and the clack of the car on the rails , watching people enjoy the history was very cool.

The San Francisco cable car turnaround. Cable cars have no reverse causing them to manually be turned around.

A staple adventure in San Francisco !

Ghirardelli Square In our vacation to San Francisco we had the pleasure of staying by the cable car turn a 15 minute walk to Ghirardelli Square.

The site is the original location which is over 170 years old. It now is making chocolate bar again in the location along with the nut roasting that’s been done there for years.

Enjoyed a couple candy bars and ice cream.

A must visit.

Clean well lit facility.

So cool to see it back in operation.

Alcatraz National Park ( know as the Rock )is most recognized as the federal prison who was designed for the notorious criminals like Al Capone, George “Machine Gun” Kelley, and Robert “The Birdman” Stroud.

Alcatraz is located in San Francisco Bay about a mile the mainland.

From 1934 until 1963 it housed criminals. Alcatraz Island is open for public visitors. Alcatraz receives more than one million visitors every year. Take the guided tour to see the old prison cells and learn history of Alcatraz Island.

As a lover of history our trip was fascinating. Seeing the locations and hearing the facts in the tour transport you back to the 1930’s and 1940’s when Alcatraz was one of the most feared places that a criminal could end up serving time.

If you are in San Francisco on vacation or business take a day and visit Alcatraz. Pick up a...

Fisherman’s Wharf is one of San Francisco’s most iconic and lively neighborhoods, offering a blend of history, seafood, and stunning waterfront views. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a local, there’s always something to enjoy at the Wharf.

Pros:

• Atmosphere: The vibrant atmosphere at Fisherman’s Wharf is one of its biggest draws. The area is bustling with street performers, vendors, and tourists, making it a lively spot to explore. The maritime charm, with views of fishing boats, seals lounging on docks, and Alcatraz in the distance, adds to its appeal. • Seafood: If you’re a seafood lover, Fisherman’s Wharf is a must-visit. The fresh clam chowder served in sourdough bread bowls is a classic, and there are plenty of seafood restaurants and stalls offering everything from crab legs to fish and chips. • Attractions: There’s plenty to see and do, from visiting the historic ships at Hyde Street Pier to exploring the quirky Musée Mécanique, an antique arcade. The famous Pier 39 is also nearby, where you can watch the sea lions or take a ferry to Alcatraz. • Shopping and Souvenirs: The Wharf is filled with shops selling souvenirs, local art, and San Francisco-themed items. It’s a great place to pick up gifts or memorabilia from your trip.

Cons:

• Tourist Crowds: Fisherman’s Wharf is a major tourist destination, which means it can get extremely crowded, especially during peak travel seasons. This can make it challenging to navigate the area and may detract from the experience. • High Prices: As with many tourist-heavy areas, prices at Fisherman’s Wharf can be steep, particularly for food and souvenirs. It’s easy to spend more than you planned if you’re not careful. • Touristy Feel: While the Wharf’s touristy vibe is part of its charm, some might find it a bit overwhelming or inauthentic compared to other parts of the city. It’s a place to visit, but perhaps not one to linger if you’re seeking a more local experience.

In conclusion, Fisherman’s Wharf is a vibrant and essential stop on any San Francisco itinerary. Whether you’re indulging in fresh seafood, enjoying the sights and sounds of the waterfront, or taking in the local attractions, it offers a quintessential San Francisco experience. Just be prepared for the crowds and tourist prices, and you’ll have a great time exploring this historic...

On August 30, 2025, my husband and I attended Sunset Sip and Paint Night at the Crab Wheel Plaza from 5-7 p.m. and it was our first time painting there so we were excited to experience this together. We arrived at the Fisherman's Wharf at 4:15 p.m. and paid for parking on site for $60, which was ridiculous! We went and grabbed a snack nearby before checking in to our session and noticed they were setting tables. When we finally entered at 5 p.m. they had a cute wine glass with 2 wine tickets in each glass to redeem at the bar, a souvenir blanket and were still setting up with easels, canvas, taped down reference sheet which looked completely different than what I thought I had signed up for! We didn't start painting until 30 after, but people were still in line for their wine and mic sound wasn't working until several attempts later. For the price we paid for the event it wasn't too bad, considering the bartender was very generous with the pour, and the souvenirs that came with it. The instructor, Yijun Ge, was very lively, and seemed sweet, BUT, she could've done a better job at instructing or acknowleding her particpants if they didn't have paint, palette, brush, etc. A couple people didn't have their paper paint palette and the guests at our table didn't have all of the primary colors we needed on our palette, which left us waiting, and made it annoying for us to follow along. The others who had all their primary colors were able to follow along, which made the whole experience, inequitable. The uncontrollable external stimulants that affected our feelings were loud motorcycles and low riders driving through with loud music blaring when what was advertised on the event details were to have people come out, paint, and relax! We were far from that, that day. Nice attempt though! I'll be sure to attend the ones indoors...