Guide to Fisherman's Wharf Area in San Francisco

Aquarium of the Bay

Stingray

Fisherman's Wharf is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the San Francisco area. Fisherman's Wharf is home to hundreds of shops and restaurants, family-friendly attractions, restaurants, and more. In addition, many sightseeing cruises depart from this area. Whether you are simply taking a relaxing stroll along the pier, exploring the attractions, or spending the afternoon shopping or dining in the area, take some time on your trip to San Francisco to explore all that Fisherman's Wharf has to offer.

The famous Ghirardelli Square Shopping and Dining District sits in Fisherman's Wharf and has been known for decades for its world-class chocolates and cocoa treats. With a stroll through Ghirardelli Square, you will find many chocolate shops, street cafes, and retail boutiques such as ElizabethW, Helpers Bazaar, Lola of North Beach, and more. Some of the many dining options at Ghirardelli Square include Lori's Diner, Wattle Creek Winery, Crown and Crumpet, Ana Mandara, and others.

Your family will love exploring the underwater landscapes and creatures on display at the Aquarium of the Bay at Fisherman's Wharf. From the underwater, see-through tunnel to dozens of large aquariums filled with aquatic creatures from around the globe, you will be amazed by the wide variety of animals on display. Altogether, this aquarium is home to more than 23,000 unique species, living together in harmony in beautifully designed habitats. You can spend hours watching the graceful movements of such creatures as sharks, octopus, various fish, and others. The aquarium also provides you with an interactive experience, giving you a chance to touch live bat rays, leopard sharks, and a variety of tide pool animals.

Stand face to face with some of your favorite stars and celebrities from yesterday and today with a tour of the Wax Museum at Fisherman's Wharf. For over 35 years, this museum has given visitors the chance to spend time with such lookalikes as  King Tutankhamen, Galileo Galilei and William Shakespeare. You will be starstruck by the amazing figures of Julia Roberts, Clark Gable, Mel Gibson, Joe Montana, Lance Armstrong, and more. There are also characters from some of Hollywood's scariest flicks of all time including Werewolf, Leatherface, Electrocution Victim and Freddy Kruger.

The Taste of San Francisco Tour gives you a convenient way to enjoy the tastes of San Francisco. This five hour guided tour takes  you on a food-tasting extravaganza, visiting restaurants in Fisherman's Wharf, North Beach, Chinatown, Mission, and Russian Hill. This tour is a wonderful way to enjoy the many tastes of Fisherman's Wharf as well as other popular eateries throughout the city. Throughout the tour, you will enjoy interesting narration, making the tour fun and lively.

There are a number of tours departing from Fisherman's Wharf as well. From Pier 39, you can take a One Hour Golden Gate Bay Cruise. This narrated cruise takes you under the Golden Gate Bridge, and to such sights as Fort Mason, North Beach, Hyde Street Pier, and the San Francisco Maritime National Park.

You can enjoy all that Fisherman's Wharf has to offer throughout your getaway when you stay at one of the many hotels in the area. There are a number of fabulous hotels located within walking distance of the Radisson Fisherman's Wharf, the Best Western Tuscan Inn at Fisherman's Wharf, Sheraton Fisherman's Wharf, the Holiday Inn Express Fisherman's Wharf, and the Hyatt at Fisherman's Wharf.

Experience all that the Fisherman's Wharf area has to offer on your trip to San Francisco!