First Time Visitor's Guide to Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco
The Hook Fish and Chips Restaurant inside Fisherman's Wharf.
The Hook Fish and Chips Restaurant inside Fisherman's Wharf.
Every time I've had friends and family come and visit San Francisco for the first time, they always want to explore Fisherman's Wharf. This 10 block stretch is filled with sights to see and things to do.
In my opinion some of these attractions are totally fun, and others are worth skipping. Back when I lived in San Francisco, my apartment was actually walking distance to Ghirardelli Square and my weekend workout was to climb those SF hills towards the shore (and maybe pick up a sweet reward at the chocolate factory).
Coming from a gal who has been to this area of San Francisco many times in my life, in this blog post I break down my favorite spots worth visiting.
Fisherman's Wharf Sights to Put on Your Itinerary
Hyde Street Pier
The notable attractions at Hyde Street Pier are the old ship vessels in the bay, very reminiscent of Pirates of the Caribbean. On a clear day you can see both the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz in the backdrop, and it’s a very nice photo spot in general.
Binocular lookout on the dock at Fisherman's Wharf.
View of Alcatraz Island and boat tour in the bay from Fisherman's Wharf dock.
Storefront outside Mulberry and Grand in Fisherman's Wharf.
Floral doorway outside Mulberry and Grand in Fisherman's Wharf.
California mural outside Mulberry and Grand in Fisherman's Wharf.
Ghirardelli Square
The famous San Francisco chocolatier has a whole plaza square dedicated to the love of chocolate. You can walk the plaza and enjoy the views, enjoy very decadent ice cream confections, eat at a restaurant and even do some wine tasting. The best part is that every guest gets a free Ghirardelli chocolate!
Pier 39 Plaza at Fisherman's Wharf.
Cable Car from Powell St to Ghirardelli Square
When my in-laws came to visit San Francisco for the first time, my favorite part of the trip was riding the cable car from Powell St. down to Ghirardelli Square. This particular route on the cable car is the most scenic because you go up some major hills, providing skyline views of the city. You also pass through some quintessential San Francisco neighborhoods with the classic Victorian architecture.
Gennifer Rose - Visitor's Guide to Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco - Pier 39 restaurant dining guide at Fisherman's Wharf.
Iconic crab landmark at Fisherman's Wharf.
Pier 39
I would say the most “touristy” area of Fisherman’s Wharf is Pier 39, but I think everyone should experience it once on your first visit to San Francisco. The main complex contains shops, restaurants, art galleries and carnival-like games and rides.
One unexpected gem of Pier 39 is the large colony of seals that live right off the docks. It’s rare to see such large wild animals living so close to a busy metro area, especially in such large numbers. There’s a viewing area where you can sit and watch them, sometimes they can really put on a show!
Carnival carousel at Fisherman's Wharf.
Seagulls at Fisherman's Wharf.
Aquarium of the Bay
This world-class aquarium is located right at the center of Fisherman’s Wharf. The show-stopper is the 300 foot Shark Reef Tunnel that you can walk through and see the marine life swimming above you. There’s an area for children where they can actually touch leopard sharks, rays and starfish. The vibrant yet delicate jellyfish are also a popular attraction.
Seals in the harbor at Fisherman's Wharf.
Alcatraz Boat Ride & Tour
Arguably the world’s most famous vintage jail sits out on a rock in the San Francisco Bay. Fisherman’s Wharf is the hub to catch your boat tour out to the island. A word of advice, during peak season the tours book out months in advance. Make sure to plan out your reservations accordingly.
Boudin's clam chowder inside a sourdough bread bowl at Fisherman's Wharf.
Enjoying a bowl of clam chowder inside Boudin's restaurant.
Boudin's Sourdough Bowl & Clam Chowder
Probably the most iconic food to come out of San Francisco is the combination of the sourdough bread bowl and clam chowder from Boudin’s Bakery. Located right in Fisherman’s Wharf, you can observe the bread being made behind glass walls - and it’s pretty cool. Boudin’s actually invented sourdough bread over a century ago, and it still remains a favorite for many.
Company's iconic logo outside Boudin's restaurant.
Fine dinning appetizer's menu inside Boudin's restaurant.
Toddler Scout eating lunch inside Boudin's restaurant.
Basket of freshly baked sourdough bread with butter inside Boudin's restaurant.
Boudin's clam chowder inside a sourdough bread bowl and french fries for lunch.
Photo of the seafood lunch menu at Boudin's restaurant.
Museum of 3D Illusions in San Francisco
The Museum of 3D Illusions in San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf is a colorful attraction made with Instagrammer’s in mind. This whimsical museum features over 40 eye-catching 3D illusions which give the effect of “popping off the page” in photography.
Visiting this museum very much reminded me of when we went to Universal Studios as a kid and posed in front of a green-screen. But this is more fun because the murals are so bold and bright in person!
Both Scout and my husband really had a lot of fun playing around at the museum. The best part is that your ticket is actually an all-day pass, so you can come and go throughout the day. There are so many murals to choose from, it can take multiple visits to see them all!
The museum is also very centrally located in Fisherman’s Wharf, just a short walking distance to Pier 39 and Boudin’s.
Shark Jaws mural inside The Museum of 3D Illusions.
Shark Jaws mural inside The Museum of 3D Illusions.
Surfer and waves mural inside The Museum of 3D Illusions.
Surfer and waves mural inside The Museum of 3D Illusions.
Vacation cabana mural inside The Museum of 3D Illusions.
Scout playing with beachball props in front of vacation cabana mural inside The Museum of 3D Illusions.
Interior shots inside The Museum of 3D Illusions in San Francisco.
San Francisco city skyline mural inside The Museum of 3D Illusions.
Flying carpet over Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco city skyline mural inside The Museum of 3D Illusions.
Under the Sea mural inside The Museum of 3D Illusions.
Bubble mural inside The Museum of 3D Illusions.
Golden Gate Bridge mural inside The Museum of 3D Illusions.
San Francisco Love Postcard mural inside The Museum of 3D Illusions.
San Francisco Love Postcard mural inside The Museum of 3D Illusions.
