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Sat / Jan 16
The name “Fisherman’s Wharf” stems from the Italian fishermen who dominated the neighborhood during the mid-1800s – and the area is still home to San Francisco’s fishing fleet – but boats bursting with the Pacific’s edible bounty are only one reason millions of visitors descend on the area every year.
Tucked along the northeastern edge of the city, Fisherman’s Wharf today is awash in museums, souvenir shops, seafood restaurants, and scenic vistas of the Bay, and routinely ranks as one of the top reasons people visit San Francisco – and one of the top places locals tend to avoid.
On its western edge, a massive Ghirardelli sign looms over the Ghirardelli Square shopping plaza – the 1890s headquarters of the famous Ghirardelli Chocolate Company – where sugar junkies still devour signature sundaes and big bricks of fudge at the official confectionery store.
The San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park entices history buffs with its museum and several restored docked sailing vessels, while die-hard swimmers brave the cold waters – but thankfully not the sharks – in the enclosed Aquatic Park.
Waves of out-of-towners spill eastward to Pier 39, a shopping center built entirely on a pier that teems with arcades, amusement park rides, an aquarium, more souvenir shops, seafood restaurants, and front-row views of the illustrious prison-turned-attraction Alcatraz Island and the magnificent Golden Gate Bridge.
These incredible vistas, however, must compete with the scores of sea lions lounging on the docks and in the waters below, sometimes in groups that exceed one thousand loud and boisterous flippered frolickers.
Nightlife along Fisherman’s Wharf is quiet once the shops are shuttered and the cable cars call it a day, making it a great place for a romantic walk along the endless piers – one of the few free activities available in this part of town.
All Ages / All Types / Burgers
Party Earth Review One of the biggest reasons vacationers come to San Francisco is to see Fisherman’s Wharf, whose twelve million annual visitors put it squarely on top of the heap when it comes to the ... more
The north waterfront running roughly
from Pier 35 on the east to
Van Ness Avenue on the west
San Francisco, CA 94109
All Ages / All Types / Bars / Cafés
Reviewed by Sanam S.
"Pier 39 is probably on most tourist must-do lists, but for good reason! Families, friends, and significant other can all enjoy a fun day at the pier, ..." more
Beach Street & The Embarcadero
San Francisco, CA 94133
30s / 40s / Ambient / Artsy / Casual
Party Earth Review Even San Franciscans who’d rather die than visit the most touristy area in town have a reason to go to Fisherman’s Wharf, at least when they’re on the hunt for bottles of small-production ... more
485 Jefferson Street
San Francisco, CA 94109
30s / 40s / All Ages / Casual / Jeans
Party Earth Review There may be a full bar at The Buena Vista, but the endless procession of tourists who pack into this long-standing Fisherman’s Wharf institution usually stick to Irish coffee. The ... more
2765 Hyde Street
San Francisco, CA 94109
30s / 40s / Bar / Bottle Service / DJ
Party Earth Review Located in tourist-heavy Fisherman’s Wharf, The Parlor is equal parts dance club, sports bar, and classic cocktail lounge. Daily Happy Hours entice preppy young Giants fans from the ... more
2801 Leavenworth Street
San Francisco, CA 94133