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

By Katie Sagal
Published: July 18, 2024

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.

Katie Sagal
Go City Travel Expert

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Flowers in bloom on a sunny day in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco
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San Francisco in July

July sees San Francisco’s tourist season get into full swing, with schools on vacation planet-wide and the city’s fine weather and funky festivals drawing in the crowds from here, there and everywhere. It’s peak season and therefore the priciest time of year to visit, but a trip to San Francisco in July still has much to recommend it. Visiting San Francisco in July Average Temperature: 54–66°F • Average Rainfall: 0 days/mth • Average Sunshine: 10 hours/day Umbrellaphobes, rejoice! July is one of San Francisco’s driest months with an average of, um, zero days’ rainfall, meaning the chances of being poked in the eye by an unruly golf umbrella or – worse still – looking on helplessly as the cable car pulls away with your precious bumbershoot still on board, are close to non-existent. What you can expect is mild weather with plenty of sunshine, tempered by occasional fresh sea winds and a healthy dose of the Bay area’s famous fogs. It’s why the locals often refer to this time of year as ‘no sky July’. But don’t let that put you off! Sure, San Francisco may not be the place to get that perfect California summer tan, but those all-enveloping mists have their own curious charm, and the city’s great parks and museums, abundance of July festivals and all-round party atmosphere more than make up for any minor weather-related downsides. Top tip: the Golden City is deep into tourist season in July, so make sure to book your hotels and Airbnb accommodation well in advance to secure the best rates possible. Things to do in July No trip to San Francisco at any time of year would be complete without setting foot on the world’s most photographed bridge. It’s worth doing this two ways in July. First: choose a clear day to take a walk the Golden Gate’s entire length, starting in the Presidio and finishing with lunch in downtown Sausalito. As you stroll across this rust-red icon (the bridge’s official color is actually ‘international orange’, fact fans) you’ll enjoy sweeping views of the Bay and the rolling waves of the vast Pacific, meaning ace selfie opportunities galore. For a truly otherworldly experience, keep an eye on local forecasts and pay the bridge a second visit when it's shrouded in dense fog. You won’t be able to see much, but ghostly close-up snaps of the bridge’s soaring towers will make you the envy of all your friends. Pro-tip: you can also simulate this experience in the interactive Fog Bridge exhibit at the Exploratorium, a fantastic museum of arts and sciences on the Embarcadero. The bridge’s big green namesake, Golden Gate Park, lies a few miles south, sprawling west from the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood to the sands of Ocean Beach, itself a lovely spot for sunbathing (when not foggy) and surfing – professionals only though, please; the riptides here are notoriously dangerous. Back in the park, there are plenty of activities to keep you occupied for an entire July day. Visit the Japanese Tea Garden for a gentle stroll along paths that meander past koi ponds, bonsai groves and impressive bronze statues. Look out for the impressive five-tiered pagoda and pause for a refreshing jasmine tea and a moment of zen in the pavilion. Golden Gate Park is also home to two of San Francisco’s finest museums. The vast California Academy of the Sciences is home to a huge natural history museum, an aquarium, a rainforest and a planetarium, while the de Young Museum showcases fine art from the US and beyond, all housed in a striking copper-clad building with a 144-foot observation tower boating 360-degree views of the park, as well as downtown San Francisco, the Bay and the Marin headlands. What’s on in July? Fourth of July Fireworks July is a great time to visit San Francisco if you’re into fireworks, great live music and... running. Sounds like a strange combination, but hear us out. First up, those fireworks. Fourth of July is cause for celebration across the States, and San Francisco is no exception. The city puts on two major displays in Fisherman’s Wharf, with the event at Pier 39 being the biggest and best. There’s live music along the waterfront until, at the appointed hour, the spectacular display commences, with hundreds of colorful fireworks set off from a series of barges in the Bay. This event is free, so don’t miss it! Fillmore Jazz Festival One of the biggest free jazz festivals on the west coast, the Fillmore Jazz Festival showcases local and international talent on two main outdoor stages. There’s great street food too, as well as smaller live music events in and around Fillmore’s legendary clubs and theaters. This part of town is synonymous with great jazz music – in its heyday it attracted acts of near-mythical status including John Coltrane, Miles Davis, Billie Holiday and Charlie Parker – so you just know the acts performing at this festival are going to be outstanding. And, like the best jazz, the shows are completely free. Catch a Baseball Game July is a great time to catch the San Francisco Giants in action at the Oracle Park stadium in SoMa, with the Major League Baseball season in full swing. Catch them against the New York Yankees, Chicago White Sox, Pittsburgh Pirates and, if you’re lucky, their arch rivals the Los Angeles Dodgers. And, if bats and balls don’t float your boat, perhaps a bit of opera will: the stadium also hosts live simulcasts of performances from the famous War Memorial Opera House, throughout summer. The San Francisco Marathon You’ll need to apply well in advance if you want to take part in this one but, if you’re a runner, it’s a great way to see many of the city’s attractions at sunrise while getting some extra miles in. The race starts and ends at the Embarcadero, taking in many of the city’s big attractions, including Fisherman's Wharf, Coit Tower, the Presidio and the mural-filled Mission district. It even crosses the Golden Gate Bridge (hence the early start to allow the bridge to reopen to regular pedestrians by 9AM). You can also take it down a notch by entering the half marathon or 5 and 10k events, while braver souls limber up for the challenging ultra-marathon: double the distance at a thigh-numbing 52.4 miles. Phew! Save on attractions in San Francisco Save on admission to San Francisco attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram and Facebook for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
Alcatraz Island in San Francisco
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San Francisco in May

With spring drawing to an end ready to usher in San Francisco’s busy summer season, May is a fine time to visit the Golden City, thanks to its mild climate and the kicking off in earnest of the city’s colorful festival season. If it’s pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and affordable accommodation you’re after, May in the Bay could well be for you. Visiting San Francisco in May Average Temperature: 51–64°F • Average Rainfall: 3 days/mth • Average Sunshine: 10 hours/day Daytime temperatures in May reach average highs in the mid-60s, meaning it's still cool enough to explore the city on foot. So the chances of looking like you’ve just stepped off a treadmill in those essential hilltop selfies are vastly reduced. There’s also little or no need to remember to pack an umbrella. April showers having apparently purged the clouds of their cargo for the foreseeable future, you can expect a mere three days of rain on average in May. Better yet, hotel prices have yet to rise for peak season and it’s another month before the tourist hordes descend, meaning shorter queuing times at the big attractions. What more can we say to convince you to spend May in San Francisco? Read on... Things to do in May Of course no visit to the Golden City would be complete without seeing the bucket-list attractions. The Golden Gate Bridge will be at the top of most itineraries and May is as good a time as any to visit. Better, perhaps, as the summer fogs are yet to roll in and shroud it. Top tip: wrap up warm if you’re planning to stroll out to the middle of the bridge for those picture-perfect Bay views – it can be breezy and teeth-chatteringly chilly up here at the best of times, so stick on your thermals and a fleece. Or two. Bay cruises are another great way to get a different perspective on the famous San Francisco skyline, and May’s clear blue skies will make for some fine photo opportunities. Most cruises will take in the Pier 39 sea lion colony, the historic waterfront, the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz. You can also just get straight to the notorious island penitentiary, should you so desire, with a cruise and tour of the facility. Those rolling historic landmarks that are San Francisco’s painted wooden cable cars can get really busy, and we mean sardines-in-a-can busy, in summer. You’ll likely still find queues in May, but nothing like during peak season. It’s worth the short wait to travel in style, as the bell rings out and your carriage rattles over the San Francisco hills, affording splendid views of the Bay, loopy Lombard Street and the ultra-luxe hotels in swanky Nob Hill, depending which of the three lines you take. And if the weather gets a little too cool for your liking, duck into any number of world-class museums around the city. Art museums including SFMOMA in the heart of downtown and the striking, copper-clad de Young in Golden Gate Park are among the best in the country. Golden Gate Park is also where you’ll find the California Academy of the Sciences which contains – beneath its living rooftop – a planetarium, an aquarium, a rainforest dome and a huge natural history museum. Embarcadero icon the Exploratorium is the place for interactive art and science exhibits: step into a tornado, get lost in the fog and see the San Francisco skyline modeled from thousands of tiny toothpicks. What’s on in May? Memorial Weekend May sees San Francisco’s festival season crank up a gear as Mother’s Day and Memorial Weekend give locals all the excuse they need to celebrate. Memorial Weekend is the biggie, with a major ceremony at the National Cemetery in the Presidio to honor and remember America’s veterans. Expect a reflective but celebratory tone that includes music, parades, speeches and a 21-gun salute. Down in the trendy Mission district, it’s all kicking off as the two-day Carnaval Festival rolls into town. This riot of color and sound celebrates the arts and traditions of Latin America and the Caribbean through lively street performances, flamboyant costumes and some of the best street food this side of the Mexican border. Beer and cannabis gardens help you stay mellow and there is, of course, a grand parade through the streets. Cinco de Mayo Also held in The Mission (we’re sensing a pattern here), the Cinco de Mayo festival celebrates Mexican and Central American culture and is held annually on – as the name suggests – the 5th of May. Families bring picnics and deckchairs to immerse themselves in the action in and around Valencia Street, where food vendors hawk spicy treats and live bands get the party started with mariachi, salsa, merengue music and more. There are costumed dancers, artists, magicians and street performers galore, and even a petting zoo to keep the kids entertained. Bay to Breakers Bay to Breakers is a 12k fun run that usually takes place on the third Sunday of May. Weaving its way east to west from the Embarcadero to Ocean Beach, it takes in nine of the city’s neighborhoods. Fun-loving San Franciscans have gamely established a tradition for donning fancy dress during the race, which means you can expect to see overgrown chickens, shambling pantomime horses and huge conga-lines in which teams of 13 or more runners tether themselves together for the duration of the race. In other words: it’s great fun. Get involved yourself: it includes many fun sections like Golden Gate Park, where you might even get to spot the resident buffalo. On the other hand, Hayes Street Hill is an absolute beast that rises over 200 feet above sea level and will challenge even the most seasoned runner. If all that sounds a bit much, you can always just find a nice spot on the sidelines and enjoy all of the fun with none of the exertion. Save on attractions in San Francisco Save on admission to San Francisco attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram and Facebook for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
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Things to Do in San Francisco in Summer

Arguably the best time to visit, San Francisco in summer is full of fun and festivities. From superb museums to street fairs, grab your sunglasses and head on down.
Katie Sagal

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