10+ Things to Do at Fisherman’s Wharf During Your Trip to San Francisco

By Katie Sagal

San Francisco is a cultural mecca, filled with art and inspiration at every turn. It’s the perfect vacation destination for couples and families with diverse interests, too, because there truly is something for everyone in the City by the Bay. You can explore unique museums, relax on sightseeing cruises, and discover something new on a tour – all without leaving the popular neighborhood of Fisherman’s Wharf! If you’re looking for things to do at Fisherman’s Wharf and nearby areas during your trip to San Francisco, check out our list of the best local activities and attractions, including...

  • Hop On Hop Off Sightseeing Tour
  • Golden Gate Bay Cruise
  • Aquarium of the Bay
  • Angel Island Round Trip Ferry
  • Madame Tussauds San Francisco
  • Bike Rentals
  • And more!

Save on Fisherman’s Wharf Attraction Admission

Admission to many of these top San Francisco attractions and activities and more are included on the Go San Francisco® Card. Choose as you go from many top attractions and save up to 60% on combined admission vs. paying at the gate. See all available passes, attractions & prices – Learn more.

Escape From the Rock Cruise

Image of Boat, Vehicle, Water, Waterfront, Ferry, Person, Spend 90 exciting minutes on a journey around the country’s most intimidating former prison: Alcatraz Island. Recently voted the top site in America, Alcatraz is filled with stories both thrilling and chilling. Hear all about daring escape plans and the daily lives of prisoners who once inhabited this eerie isle on a fully-narrated cruise – complete with full sound effects! Getting In: Escape From the Rock tickets are included with the Go San Francisco® Card.

Bridge 2 Bridge Cruise

Image of Adult, Male, Man, Person, Sail under the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and the impressive Bay Bridge on this comprehensive cruise. This exciting 90-minute excursion will escort passengers by major landmarks and attractions, including Alcatraz Island, the Ferry Building, and even AT&T Park. It's actually the only cruise that escorts you under both bridges, so this cruise is a nice unique option. Getting In: Bridge 2 Bridge Cruise tickets are included with the Go San Francisco® Card.

Golden Gate Bay Cruise

Image of Boat, Vehicle, Flag, Person, A shorter but no less interesting cruise option out of Fisherman’s Wharf is the Golden Gate Bay Cruise. Enjoy an hour filled with informative narration about important local sights and sounds, with chances to see top attractions like Angel Island State Park, Alcatraz Island, and of course, the Golden Gate Bridge. When you return to port, be sure to keep an eye out for the USS Pampanito (see below for more on that) and the famous Pier 39 sea lions. Getting In: Golden Gate Bay Cruise tickets are included with the Go San Francisco® Card.

Aquarium of the Bay

Image of Animal, Sea Life, Jellyfish, Animal lovers won’t want to miss this delightful aquarium with a specific focus on the marine life of the San Francisco Bay. Walk through their amazing glass tunnels for a chance to see 20,000 aquatic critters, from petite moon jellies to large sevengill sharks. Kids will especially love the Touch the Bay exhibit! Especially popular exhibits include the jellyfish tank in "Go With the Flow" and the four playful river otters that call the Aquarium home. Getting In: Aquarium of the Bay tickets are included with the Go San Francisco® Card.

Angel Island Round Trip Ferry

Image of Nature, Outdoors, Scenery, Neighborhood, Water, Waterfront, Newfoundland, Sea, City, Spend some time on Angel Island, one of the top historical attractions in the Bay Area. The island itself is a California Historical Landmark because of its eclectic history, featuring at various points in time military installations and an immigration center. A visit here also provides unparalleled views of the San Francisco skyline. Getting In: Angel Island Ferry tickets are included with the Go San Francisco® Card.

USS Pampanito

Image of Adult, Male, Man, Person, Boy, Teen, Female, Woman, Light, Electronics, A World War II veteran, this Balao class submarine is today a National Historic Landmark. Enjoy a pre-recorded tour (via headset) that escorts you throughout the ship and highlights each distinct area with fun information. Because this is an historic vessel still undergoing preservation, you'll also get to learn about plans for the future memorial site. Getting In: USS Pampanito tickets are included with the Go San Francisco® Card.

Ripley’s Believe it or Not! San Francisco

Image of Light, Head to Ripley’s for the weirdest experience of your vacation. With dozens of hands-on exhibits and intriguing artifacts, Ripley’s Believe it or Not! is a fun and fascinating place for kids of all ages to explore. Some highlights include duct tape art, wire sculptures, a mummified foot from Egypt, and much more. Adults will particularly love their Toy/Candy Factory, which features all your nostalgic childhood favs. Getting In: Ripley’s Believe it or Not! San Francisco tickets are included with the Go San Francisco® Card.

The San Francisco Dungeon

Image of Cup, Hat, Adult, Female, Person, Woman, Male, Man, Bride, Costume, Group Performance, Photography, Portrait, Enjoy seeing the dirty details of San Francisco’s shadier side brought to life in a fun and campy way at this attraction. Begin your adventure with a sudden, exhilarating drop down into the attraction. Then, you'll enjoy a 60-minute boat ride that escorts you through the city's dark past. The San Francisco Dungeon also features a number of live theatrical performers who re-enact local top local stories about historical gold mining, old San Francisco gangs, ghosts of Alcatraz, and much more. It's more fun than scary, so it's perfectly kid-appropriate, too. Getting In: San Francisco Dungeon tickets are included with the Go San Francisco® Card.

Hop On Hop Off Sightseeing Bus Tour

The best way to explore San Francisco begins right in Fisherman’s Wharf with a hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus tour. Learn all about top local landmarks and sites with 20+ stops in Chinatown, Union Square, the Financial District, North Beach, and more. It couldn’t be easier to customize your own trip with the ability to hop on and off, too! Getting In: Hop On Hop Off San Francisco Bus Tour by Big Bus admission is included with the Go San Francisco® Card.

Madame Tussauds San Francisco

Image of Accessories, Belt, Adult, Female, Person, Woman, People, Male, Man, Necklace, Laptop, Hat, Head, Face, Happy, With seven different themed galleries and dozens of wax figures, Madame Tussauds San Francisco is filled with lifelike recreations of actors, musicians, athletes, historical figures, and much more. Be sure to check out the “Spirit of San Francisco” exhibit, which showcases the city’s most significant cultural and historic moments. Getting In: Madame Tussauds San Francisco tickets are included with the Go San Francisco® Card.

All-Day Comfort Bike Rental

Image of Neighborhood, Helmet, Shoe, Adult, Female, Person, Woman, Girl, Teen, Bicycle, Vehicle, Car, City, Cycling, Suburb, Handbag, Explore San Francisco on two wheels with a bike rental from Blazing Saddles. This is a very bike-friendly culture, so expect many scenic paths throughout the city streets and along the waterfront – although you should also be prepared for some pretty hilly rides! Take advantage of a chance to enjoy the great outdoors and get a little exercise on your vacation, all while touring this gorgeous city. Getting In: San Francisco bike rentals by Blazing Saddles are included with the Go San Francisco® Card.

Musée Mécanique

Image of If you love exploring the quirkier side of San Francisco – and trust us, there’s plenty of that to go around – then a can’t-miss attraction is the Musée Mécanique. This delightful little museum features a significant collection of privately owned mechanical musical instruments, figurines, and arcade games – all still in perfect working condition! Getting In: Admission to the Musée Mécanique is free!

Activities Departing from Fisherman’s WharfFull Day Wine Country Tour

Image of Adult, Female, Person, Woman, Male, Man, Monitor, Alcohol, Beverage, Liquor, Wine, Embark on a day trip out to California wine country with a convenient bus trip that picks up and drops off right on Fisherman’s Wharf. Head out to Napa and Sonoma, where you’ll tour several of the region’s best wineries. Enjoy tours and tastings at each stop, and purchase a bottle (or two!) of your favorites. You’ll learn all about California wine culture, too. Getting In: Napa and Sonoma Wine Country Tour tickets are an included attraction option with the Go San Francisco® Card Build Your Own Pass.

Embarcadero & Nearby AttractionsExploratorium

Image of Boy, Child, Male, Person, Light, Kids will absolutely love the chance to spend an afternoon at San Francisco’s most interactive institution designed just for them – the Exploratorium! With hundreds of interactive exhibits that range from massive art installations to tiny tinkering opportunities, they'll never run out of things to enjoy. Be sure to check out their rotating special exhibits as well! Getting In: Exploratorium tickets are included with the Go San Francisco® Card.

City Lights Booksellers & Publishers

Visit one of the most iconic literary landmarks in all of San Francisco – City Lights Booksellers & Publishers. With roots stretching back to the Beat Era, this venue is steeped in history. City Lights offers three stories of amazing literature than spans every conceivable genre, so you’re bound to found something to love among these books. Getting In: Entry to City Lights Booksellers & Publishers is free.

The San Francisco Maritime Museum

Located in the charming Aquatic Park Bathhouse Building, the Maritime Museum features a wide variety of art and artifacts that reflects on the maritime culture of San Francisco and around the world. It’s the perfect place for anyone interested in maritime history, with its impressive collections of historic maps and photographs, engineer’s drawings, small craft, and so much more. Getting In: Admission to the San Francisco Maritime Museum is free.

Remember to Save on Attraction Admission

So there are our top recommendations for things to do at Fisherman’s Wharf and surrounding areas during your trip to San Francisco. Don’t forget – many of these great attraction options and more are included on the Go San Francisco® Card, which helps you save up to 60% on combined admission vs. paying at the gate. We hope you consider adding a few of these fun options to your San Francisco vacation plans.

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Bird's eye view of the San Francisco's Lombard Street
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San Francisco in October

Few US cities thrive quite like San Francisco in October. While many other popular destinations begin to simmer down from their summertime peak, the Bay Area continues to enjoy an idyllic fall climate and a plethora of exciting cultural events taking place throughout the month. If you’re looking for a great destination this fall, San Francisco is hard to beat. Visiting San Francisco in October Average Temperature: 54 - 68°F • Average Rainfall: 4 days/mth • Average Sunshine: 9 hours/day Though fall may technically count as San Francisco’s second shoulder season of the year, following the larger waves of tourists throughout summer, that certainly doesn’t mean it’s quiet in October. In fact, fall is easily the city’s second busiest season, maintaining much of its summertime buzz and bustle. With that, you'll want to be sure to book hotels, activities and venues in advance if you want to avoid any potential disappointments. Unlike many similar destinations which thrive on the summertime climate, San Francisco gets some of its best weather during fall. Temperatures typically range between mild and fairly warm throughout October, with some fairly regular sunshine adding to the idyllic conditions for exploring the city streets. Things to do in October Chances are that if you’re visiting San Francisco, you’ll want to explore some of the Bay Area’s most lauded sights. Take a stroll beneath the crimson beams of the Golden Gate Bridge, and snap some classy photos of the Victorian Painted Ladies lining Alamo Square Park. Though you can certainly explore much of the city on foot, one of the best ways to get around San Francisco is atop a Hop-On, Hop Off Bus Tour. Operating a central route passing by many of the city’s top sights, the tour offers visitors a convenient way to explore the Bay Area, accompanied by optional audio commentary in a selection of major languages. Another popular destination is Fisherman’s Wharf, an impressive waterfront complex popular for its brimming selection of unique activities, intriguing stores and delicious eateries. Explore the outlets of the Pier 39 shopping center, admire the impressive celebrity wax figures at Madame Tussauds, and snap some photos of the playful colony of barking sea lions that frequent the area. History buffs visiting the Golden City will be no stranger to Alcatraz Prison, whose chilling cells, once home to some of the nation’s most notorious criminals, now sit open for the public to explore. For a slice of something a little more tame, the California Historical Society and the Contemporary Jewish Museum offer some truly valuable insights into various aspects of San Francisco’s history. If you’re keen to make the most of the often more idyllic weather throughout fall, why not take the chance to take a stroll through the wide-open green space and gardens of Golden Gate Park, or settle down for a picnic with a view over the city skyline at Mission Dolores Park? Be sure to check out the beautiful displays of the Botanical Garden and Conservatory of Flowers, too. For a truly exquisite view over San Francisco’s gorgeous skyline, head to the beautiful art-deco Coit Tower for unobstructed panoramic views right down into the Bay. Alternatively, the Twin Peaks summit makes for a brilliant romantic spot to catch the sunset and spend an evening beneath the stars. What’s On in October Fleet Week Thousands of onlookers flock to Fisherman’s Wharf each October to catch the hotly-anticipated Fleet Week Air Show. Featuring the US Navy Blue Angels alongside a host of other iconic aircraft, both military and commercial, the air show takes place several days throughout the week as the procession of aircraft takes over the skies over the Bay. Accompanying the show are a variety of similar events and activities, including a particularly popular program of special ship tours along the Bay. Visitors can set themselves up on the waterfront to enjoy the Parade of Ships or hop on a cruise to watch the Blue Angels perform up close. Film Festivals The Bay Area is no stranger to its fair share of film festivals held throughout the year, and October is no exception. For a little over a week, the United Nations Association Film Festival takes place across a variety of venues throughout San Francisco, screening a huge program of documentaries covering some of the most pressing issues from around the world, typically centered around an annual theme. Among the most powerful and profound genres of film are short movies, capable of exploring often complex themes in depth within very short time constraints. The SF International Festival of Short Films aims to celebrate exactly that. Over the course of a weekend, this film festival features a variety of screenings from across the world and across a host of different themes. Those with a keen interest in Japanese culture should make their way to Japantown where, for a little over a week in October, visitors can catch the Japan Film Festival of San Francisco. The event offers a great opportunity to explore Japanese culture and features a variety of cultural events, activities and panels highlighting various aspects of modern Japanese pop culture. Litquake Held over several weeks in October, San Francisco’s longest-running literary festival brings great reads and underrated authors to the limelight in celebration of the world of literature. Litquake comprises a vast program of events, workshops, panels and readings held throughout a variety of venues, from bookstores to bars, allowing avid readers to engage with authors and fellow literary nerds alike. Hardly Strictly Bluegrass For a weekend in October, Golden Gate Park transforms into the grounds of the huge and uniquely free Hardly Strictly Bluegrass music festival. Hosting some of the biggest names in the Bluegrass genre, the event draws in thousands of cult followers and new visitors alike, many attracted by the largely untamed and independent character afforded by its entirely non-commercial nature. Urban Art Market The Urban Art Market stands as America’s largest outdoor design festival, with various branching events taking place across the country. Each event centers around sustainable design, community building and supporting local and independent artists. Head to San Francisco’s market in October if you’re keen to explore some responsible fashion, home decor and various other types of independent art products. Halloween You’d be hard-pushed to find a destination in the US that doesn’t go all out for Halloween, and San Francisco certainly won’t be the first to break that trend. Throughout October, the city becomes adorned with all manner of spooky decor, and various venues host their own Halloween parties, activities and events on or around October 31. Keep an eye out for party cruises along the Bay for that true San Francisco Halloween experience!
Robert Heaney
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Getting Around San Francisco - How to Get Around San Francisco for Tourists

Heading to the City by the Bay? We put together a go-to guide packed with information for getting around San Francisco and beyond, including getting to and from the airport. Downtown San Francisco is easy to navigate. It’s compact and fairly walkable, with multiple easy-to-use public transit options. However, due to its windy, hilly streets and pricy parking, driving around San Francisco is not recommended unless you plan on traveling outside the city itself. Even still, the area’s regional rail system is affordable and very accessible, making it a great alternative to driving. Planning to see lots of San Francisco attractions? Check out the pass for San Francisco by Go City® – the more you do, the more you save. Around the City with Muni Muni's F-Line The historic trolley cars of the F-line are vintage electric rail cars which serve the City’s main artery, Market Street, and its grand waterfront boulevard, the Embarcadero. These amazing trolleys will take visitors to popular tourist attractions like Fisherman’s Wharf, the Embarcadero, the Ferry Building, and Market Street, just a short walk from Union Square and SOMA district. Historic Cable Cars Much like the F-line street cars, Cable Cars are a big part of San Francisco’s transportation history. Today there are 3 cable car lines still working: Powell-Mason Line, Powell-Hyde Line, and the California Street Line. The Cable Car Turnaround (located on Powell Street) is actually an attraction in itself, so even if you aren't riding the Cable Cars, it's worth some time to stroll over there and watch them for a bit. Walking & Biking Taxis & Ride Share Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tours You can also opt for a Hop On Hop Off Big Bus San Francisco Tour to see the sites at your own pace. Please note, the hop-on hop-off sightseeing tour is a great way to get acquainted with the city, but should not be relied on as a mode of transportation. Outside the City Bay Area Rapid Transit or BART links the downtown area with the peninsula to the south, including SFO International Airport, and with the East Bay including Berkeley and Oakland. Visit bart.gov for the most current information. Parking As you might expect in a compact and busy urban center like San Francisco, parking is difficult to find and expensive. Garages charge steep fees for daily parking and street parking enforcement is tough. And remember, if you end up parking on a hill, be sure to use your parking brake! Getting To San Francisco By Plane San Francisco is actually serviced by a number of area airports. The primary airport is San Francisco International, but Oakland International in the East Bay and San Jose International, just an hour north of San Francisco, are good options as well. Oakland and San Jose offer more discount airfares, but SFO offers more international flights. Both San Francisco International and Oakland are connected to downtown via the BART system. It’s a brief walk or quick shuttle ride to the BART station from SFO, and a short train ride to the Coliseum BART station from Oakland. If you’re coming into San Jose, hop on the Caltrain, which links up with the BART system at Millbrae. By Train Several Amtrak routes serve the Bay Area, including the California Zephyr, the Coast Starlight, the Capitol Corridor, and the San Joaquins. Trains arrive in Emeryville (a small city on the bay adjacent to San Fran) or Jack London Square Station (in Oakland). Again, Caltrain and BART are also regional rail options if you’re coming from the area. By Bus Buses are a little tricky, as there is no centralized bus depot in San Francisco. They are predominantly used by locals or those visiting from the surrounding towns, so if you’re staying elsewhere in California and are just popping down to San Francisco, they may be a good choice. Some options you might consider include the Bolt Bus, Greyhound, California Shuttle Bus, or Megabus (many of which are national companies with good reputations). For someone truly unfamiliar with the area, however, we recommend sticking with the rail options.
Katie Sagal
Side-on view of the Golden Gate Bridge spanning The Bay
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San Francisco in March

San Francisco in March marks the coming of spring with a month of generally mild and often sunny – if not windy – weather, making for the first of many periods ideal for exploring the unique nooks and crannies of this oh-so-photogenic city. If you’re looking to beat the crowds and don’t mind battling with the windchill and rain, March is the time to visit! Visiting San Francisco in March Average Temperature: 48 - 61°F • Average Rainfall: 10 days/mth • Average Sunshine: 9 hours/day With spring on the way, the Golden City prepares to usher in its first shoulder season of the year, with somewhat of an upcurve in tourists expected throughout the season. Though you may find the city slightly busier than during the winter months, you should have no trouble still finding some great off-peak hotel deals throughout the month, as long as you book sufficiently in advance. The transition from winter to spring may not be so evident in San Francisco’s weather in March. Throughout the month, temperatures remain somewhere between cool and pleasantly mild, with just enough regular sunshine to grab those ideal photo ops. Just be sure to wrap up against the inevitable windchill and pack an umbrella for the likelihood of at least two days of rainfall per week. Things to do in March Few trips to San Francisco would be complete without touring some of the city’s top landmarks. Topping the list are, of course, the crimson beams of the Golden Gate Bridge, followed swiftly behind by the Victorian Painted Ladies stationed along the eastern side of Alamo Square Park. With the Golden City as sprawling as it is, you’ll likely want to find a way to explore without wearing out your feet too quickly. The iconic San Francisco Cable Cars can certainly see you some of the way, but nothing beats a Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus Tour for getting you around the city’s top attractions comfortably and conveniently, with optional audio commentary in a selection of languages to boot. History buffs visiting San Francisco in March will be no stranger to Alcatraz, famously the former site of many of America’s most notorious criminals, and now open for visitors to explore its chilling halls and the surrounding hostile landscape. If you’re looking for something a little on the tamer side, though, then the California Historical Society and the Contemporary Jewish Museum each offer valuable insights into the local cultures and history of both San Francisco and California as a whole. If you’re looking for somewhere exciting to sink a few hours, then Fisherman’s Wharf should be just the ticket. Among this waterfront complex you’ll find the classic Musée Méchanique penny arcade and the popular Pier 39 shopping center, alongside a variety of charming restaurants, stores and cultural hotspots. Come at the right time and you may even come across the famous colony of playful, barking sea lions catching some rays in a huddle on the corner of the pier. With the weather turning generally milder throughout March, you may be keen to spend a few hours exploring some of San Francisco’s serene green spaces. The lakes, gardens and trails of Golden Gate Park are undoubtedly the most popular, while Mission Dolores Park serves as a fantastic picnic spot with idyllic views over the city skyline. Be sure to explore the nearby Conservatory of Flowers and the Botanical Garden, too, to see what March has in bloom. The Golden City’s undulating landscape, impressive skyline and stunning Bay make for some incredible photo ops, but never more so than when you can capture them all together. For some truly exquisite viewpoints, head to the beautiful art-deco Coit Tower for unobstructed panoramic views right down into the Bay. Alternatively, the Twin Peaks summit makes for a brilliant romantic spot to catch the sunset and sit beneath the stars for an evening. Both families and the curious traveler alike are bound to enjoy the likes of the California Academy of Sciences, impressively housing a planetarium, aquarium, natural history museum and indoor rainforest under one massive roof. If that doesn’t quite scratch that itch, then the interactive science exhibits of the Exploratorium should do the trick – just be sure to visit later in the day if you’d prefer to miss the regular school groups. What’s On in March Berlin & Beyond Film Festival Somewhat of a more niche offering for film buffs visiting San Francisco in March, Berlin & Beyond serves as a gateway for the public to see and experience the German-speaking world of cinema. For roughly a week in March, the festival organizes an extensive program of screenings from Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and beyond. Exploring the history, art, cultures and progress of these German-speaking regions, screenings take the form of everything from independent short films to impressive feature films and documentaries. The festival celebrates prominent filmmakers and screen talents from across the German-speaking world, sharing their work with an annual audience of over 7,000 keen film-goers. Saint Patrick’s Day Though few Irishmen would care to admit it, the USA is largely credited with pioneering St. Patrick’s Day celebrations as we know them today, with records as far back as the early 1600s placing St. Augustine in Florida as the potential birthplace of the modern Ireland-centered drinking party. And the nation has only doubled down on the festivities ever since! San Francisco is no stranger to its fair share of hearty Irish fun, making it one of the prime places to be as March 17 rolls around. You’ll find no shortage of parties, pub crawls, cultural festivals and family-friendly activities throughout the city as thousands of locals and visitors go green for St. Patty’s. The city also hosts its annual St. Patrick’s Day parade and block party the weekend beforehand, often giving the keenest of revelers the chance to party all over again! Red Cross Gala If you plan on being in San Francisco in March and enjoy any excuse to dress up, you’ll want to grab yourself a ticket to the annual American Red Cross Gala. Held each year to recognize and honor those in the Bay Area that have made a positive impact to help the American Red Cross, this popular fundraising event takes place in San Francisco’s impressive City Hall. Accompanied by the subsequent After Party, the gala promises an evening of cocktails, refreshments, live music, dancing and a general air of merriment.
Robert Heaney

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