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Fisherman's wharf, San Francisco

Pier 39, San Francisco, California

Description

Fisherman's Wharf is a touristy and commercial waterfront neighbourhood in the north of San Francisco. The name comes from the (mostly Italian) fishermen population that was staying there in the second half of the 19th century and many fishing boats are still based there. Pier 39 is probably the best known location and several attractions such as Ghirardelli Square or the Musée Mécanique are located there whilst USS Pampanito and SS Jeremiah O'Brien are docked at Pier 45. The neighbourhood is also well known for its many seafood restaurants.

Access & Transport

The light rail L-OWL and F stop at Pier 39 - 45 and so does bus #39. The ferry service from/to Sausalito, Tiburon and Angel Island at Pier 41.

Instructions & Recommendations

The neighbourhood is walking distance to the crooked street section of Lombard St, Coit Tower and the pier from where the Alcatraz cruises leave.

Meta review

For most tourists to the city, this is one of the places to check out. Reviews are far from being unanimous though, most visitors do enjoy the seafood restaurant (seafood chowder is ubiquitous) and views over the Bay, Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge and the sealions (!) but, beyond that, there is little to see unless you pay and the attractions tend to be a little expensive, just like the shopping. Recent reviews also note that business clearly has been battered by the pandemic and, at the time of this review update, there isn't quite the pre-2020 buzz.

Environmental & Social

Not developed for tourists originally (repurposed) - we deem this neutral on both E&S counts

Conclusion

Worth a quick look, even if not planning to enter any attraction, mostly for the fishing boats, the sealions and the seafood (if that is of interest). Nothing intrinsically impressive otherwise

Key positive

Good views, including over the sealions enjoying the sun

Key negative

Very commercial feel and expensive food & attractions

Suitability

No restrictions

About this Rating

TYPE

Onsite

RESEARCHED IN

Updated in July 2023

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit

av. transport time:0h 20m

est. visit time:1h 20m

Sunlight based

Sunrise / early morningOk

MorningOk

Lunch timeOk

AfternoonOk

Sunset / eveningOk

Night – bef. midnightOk

Night – aft. midnightNo

Pricing
Free

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