Fisherman’s Wharf
Fisherman’s Wharf, the district that stretches from Telegraph Hill to Fort Mason, was originally San Francisco’s busy industrial area and fishing port. The wharf has Aquatic Park on one end and Pier 39 on the other, and views of scenic San Francisco Bay and Alcatraz in between. A slow walk along these five blocks takes about 30 minutes. Allow more time for souvenir shopping, stopping at the Fisherman’s Wharf attractions listed below, or if you plan to eat in one of the Fisherman’s Wharf restaurants. While Fisherman’s Wharf supplies only a fraction of the fish served in San Francisco’s restaurants these days, some vintage Monterey Hull fishing boats and modern diesel boats still work from here, and if you get up early enough, you can see the fishermen bringing in their catch.
The boat for Alcatraz leaves from the eastern end of Fisherman’s Wharf. Alcatraz tours sell out a week or more in advance, especially in the summer, so it pays to reserve ahead. Many San Francisco visitors choose to stay at Fisherman’s Wharf to be near the world famous attractions. The Port of San Francisco manages Fisherman’s Wharf including sport and commercial fishing. San Francisco’s fishing fleet docks at the Jefferson Street promenade. Get there early to see the fishermen unloading their catch or come later for the view of the boats.
Fisherman’s Wharf Attractions
Wax Museum, Ripley’s Believe It or Not, USS Pampanito and SS Jeremiah O’Brien, Pier 45, Fish Alley, Cannery Shopping Center,San Francisco Maritime National Historic Park.
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Pier 39
What: A former commercial pier converted into a shopping and dining complex
Where: San Francisco waterfront off The Embarcadero between Grant and Stockton
When: Visit Pier 39 any time of day
Who: Pier 39 appeals mostly to shoppers and souvenir-seekers, but everyone enjoys the sea lions that live beside the pier
How Long: A few minutes to a few hours, depending on how much shopping you do, and whether you hang around for one of the shows.
Tips: Take advantage of the rest rooms at Pier 39, they are free and you may not find one again soon. If you park
Cable Cars
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The history of San Francisco's cable cars goes back to 1869, when Andrew Smith Hallidie, the owner of a wire-rope factory, saw a horse-drawn streetcar slide backwards under its heavy load, causing the death of five horses. This accident, together with his
