A fisherman lives here with the catch of his life
A fisherman lives here with the catch of his life
Updated on November 01, 2021 09:40 AM by Ella Bina
With so much to see and do in San Francisco, how do you choose where to go when you’ve got limited time in this gorgeous city? According to more than 12 million visitors, Fisherman’s Wharf is the place to check out when you come to the city by the bay!
Fisherman’s Wharf, on the northern waterfront, is one of the city’s busiest tourist areas. Souvenir shops and stalls selling crab and clam chowder in sourdough bread bowls appear at every turn, as do postcard views of the bay, Golden Gate and Alcatraz.
Why is Fisherman’s Wharf important?

Other than the delicious seafood and breathtaking views of the bay, the Wharf’s epic role in San Francisco history is at the heart of its popularity.
The area is known today as Fisherman’s Wharf was established about 170 years ago about five blocks inland, near Powell and Francisco streets, then known as Meiggs’ Wharf.
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Not-to-be-missed attractions of Fisherman’s Wharf

Spend a day at PIER 39. This 45-acre waterfront complex boasts 14 full-service restaurants, more than 90 shops and popular attractions, a five-acre waterfront park, and a 300-berth marina.
Check out the unforgettable views of the Golden Gate Bridge and don’t forget to spend time with the California sea lions on K Dock!
Come for the chocolate, stay for the shopping! The square is the birthplace of the famous chocolates that started in San Francisco more than 160 years ago. Ghirardelli is the country’s oldest continuously operating chocolate maker. And yes they give out free samples too…
Aquarium of the Bay

The Aquarium of the Bay provides unforgettable encounters with local marine life that inspire both wonder and conservation. The aquarium assists protection and restoration of San Francisco Bay and its watershed. Aquarium’s augmented reality to interact with projections of marine life.
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Our favorite ride to be!!!

A cable car ride is one of our favorite things to do in Fisherman’s Wharf. Two different cable car lines are serving Fisherman’s Wharf area that you can grab from Union Square. The Powell-Hyde line and the Powell-Manson line are the two different cables.
The Powell-Hyde line drops riders on Hyde and Beach streets (at the Aquatic Park near Ghirardelli Square), while the Powell-Manson line drops visitors on Taylor and Bay Streets (middle of Fisherman’s Wharf area, a few blocks from pier 45 at Taylor and Bay Street).
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How to get there?

Public transportation is the best way to get to and from the Wharf. Depending on where you are staying, you can either take a cable car down to the Western part of the Wharf at Hyde Street pier or you can take a streetcar from Market Street anywhere near downtown.
What to Expect?

The San Francisco fisherman Wharf is one of the busiest tourist sites in San Francisco, so expect crowds at all times of the year. Between visitors taking Alcatraz boat tours, Pier 39, and the other areas of the Wharf, there is always something open and luring people!!!
Be cautious of your belongings at all times in this area as there are known pickpockets and pretty theft rings that work in the tourist areas. If you set your bags on the ground while eating, make sure to wrap your foot in the straps or put it under your chair.
With all advice on things to do in Fisherman’s Wharf, I also shared some tips on how to make your visit to one of the most frequented tourist areas of San Francisco even better.