Pier 43 Ferry Arch — Attraction in San Francisco

Historic Fisherman's Wharf

Built in 1914-15 and located between Pier 39 and Pier 45, Pier 43 served for many years as a landing slip for ferry boats and barges that crossed San Francisco Bay carrying railroad freight cars from and to Marin and the North Bay. It also was from here that the ferry carrying prisoners bound for Alcatraz took off.

During World War II, Pier 43 played a crucial role in the war effort. It was used as a departure point for military cargo ships, and troop transports heading to the Pacific Theater. The bustling activity during this time was a stark contrast to its later years of abandonment.

The Pier was then abandoned for many years and survived a fire on July 18, 1998. The headhouse was rehabilitated in 2002-03. Visitors now can walk on a wooden pier alongside the arch and get very close to it from one side.

In addition to its historical significance, Pier 43 is a popular tourist spot today. The nearby Fisherman's Wharf is a vibrant area filled with shops, restaurants, and attractions, making it a must-see destination for anyone visiting...

I celebrated my 🎈birthday 4/22🥳 and treated myself to a staycation in my 🌁city🌃. It was awesome! The captain even gave me a shot out for my birthday🎉🤩💋🙃! Everyone was so nice, and customer service was outstanding⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️! I was amongst a 🛳SF Bay cruise with a lot of international tourists💖, and I loved it🫶🏾🎉🚢. I met a lot of ppl. And it was beautiful viewing the Bay Bridge🌁, Golden Gate Bridge 🌉 , Alcatraz, Sausalito Beautiful Houses On the bay Sausalito boat docks and back into the Pier. This was a spiritual solo relaxing time for myself, and I feel blessed 🙌🏽! I am going to tour Alcatraz next and go to Treasure Island. I just want to be a tourist in my own beautiful city and do the things I did when I was a child growing up here! Thank you to all the staff 💗🫶🏾you all were absolutely amazing 💗🙌🏽! #God1st...

I feel the Pier 43 Ferry Arch is a bit underappreciated. There are plenty of iconic landmarks in San Francisco so this spot does get lost in the shuffle. As the name indicates, this is a historic ferry arch on the aforementioned pier. The pier itself offers a beautiful view of San Francisco Bay and Alcatraz Island.

For me, the pier is reminiscent of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris based on its arch design. I visited this spot during a Pride Month in SF and the arch was lighted in rainbow colors which helped to accentuate its beauty. I think the city should consider lighting it up at night to draw people to this spot. Maybe they can do that for holidays like Christmas, Chinese New Year and Independence Day. I think this spot is better to visit when it is lit or at sunrise/sunset. It just seems to get overshadowed...