San Francisco is bustling with activity, and at the center of the buzz for locals and tourists alike is Fisherman’s Wharf. With so many fun activities, exquisite dining experiences, and plenty of unique shopping attractions all set against the backdrop of breezy coastal California, there is truly something for everyone to enjoy.
Take a look at some of our favorite Fisherman’s Wharf tourist attractions, and begin planning your own golden adventures to the City by the Bay.
Wacky Museums Galore
Some of the most fun and iconic tourist attractions of Fisherman’s Wharf are the museums. San Francisco may be home to preeminent museums for art, history, and culture, but what makes Fisherman’s Wharf shine are the ones that focus on the goofy, the spooky, and the downright bizarre, like Ripley’s Believe It or Not and toy-focused Musée Mécanique.
Take in Some History
For all the fun, games, and weird trivia, there is plenty to enjoy for those who want to add some educational experiences to their family trips. Visit the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, along with exploring the WWII-era submarine, the USS Pampanito, and hopping aboard the SS Jeremiah O’Brien. Don’t worry, we wouldn’t leave out one of the most iconic San Francisco tourist attractions- Alcatraz. Boats depart for the island near Fisherman’s Wharf, so you’re not too far from one of the coolest landmarks of the city.
Shopping for Everyone
The shopping itself is pure entertainment, and another reason that Fisherman’s Wharf is a prime tourist attraction, particularly at Pier 39. It’s a great place to stock up on souvenirs, as well as peruse book stores, and enjoy craftwork like jewelry, art, and local snacks for the road.
Enticing Nearby Attractions
While we’re on the subject of completely tempting ways to spend allowance money: chocolate! Stop at the Ghirardelli building at Ghirardelli Square, the origin of the world-renowned chocolate. While stocking up on chocolate merch, peruse historic chocolate-making machinery while marveling at the largest flowing chocolate wall in North America.
“Sea” the Lions
If you or your kids have ever seen amazing footage of sea lions basking and playing on a dock, chances are you’ve seen the most interesting living tourist attractions of Fisherman’s Wharf. Just remember to admire them from a distance.
If you’d like to see more aquatic wildlife, we recommend visiting the Aquarium of the Bay. This aquarium is a Smithsonian affiliate that showcases amazing sea life while providing a rich educational experience and promoting conservation.
Dining at Fog Harbor at Pier 39
Fog Harbor provides another perfect way to relax and enjoy the view of playful sea lions from your restaurant window while digging into some amazing food. For adults and older kids, choose from world-class dining that shows why it is a worthy tourist attraction at Fisherman’s Wharf. Some must-try dishes include:
- Cioppino, a seafood stew that originated right at Fisherman’s Wharf
- Clam chowder in sourdough bread bowls
- Dungeness crab dishes
- Delicious surf-and-turf combinations
In addition to a kid-friendly menu, we also offer some more standard dishes for everyone to enjoy, like hearty sourdough bread, tasty desserts, fish and chips, and more.
Chart Your Own Course
There is plenty more to take in when you visit Pier 39, but we also know that variety is just as important to enjoying a vacation as it is to crafting a great menu. Whether you discover it by rentable bike or get inspired atop the Skystar Wheel, go where your heart takes you, knowing that you’ll be making some wonderful memories together at any of the tourist attractions that make Fisherman’s Wharf so remarkable.
