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Tourists flock to San Francisco’s the famous Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39 area. An important part of San Francisco’s history, Fisherman’s Wharf developed as a result of the influx of people in California due to the gold rush in the 1800s bringing fishermen from Italy.
Today, it still remains an important part of the city’s fishing fleet. In spite of that, the area welcomes tourists year round. Even during the off season, when we were there in early February the wharf still had lots of people wandering around. I would hate to see what it is like during the summer months!
Despite the sun, the air was cold and chilly, with wind coming off the water. Having layers and bundling up is important in San Francisco despite it being in California!
If a seaside boardwalk were to meet Disneyland and have a child, then the result would be Pier 39. At least that’s what it felt like to me.
Plenty of tourist oriented and quirky shops surrounding the Pier. The smell of freshly made waffle cones wafted to my nose.
There’s even a carousel, musical stairs a la the movie Big, and a mirror maze, all very reminiscent of summer fairs and amusement parks. The only thing missing were the shouts from fair operators trying to lure you in to play their games.
Fisherman’s Wharf is less gaudy and flashy, but still very much catered to the tourist. Fishing boats filled the docks. Others offering tours. Seafood vendors and stalls line the streets.
Chain museums abound in the area. Novelty shops beckon you in. However, despite all the cheesiness, the area offers beautiful views of the water towards Alcatraz and the other islands located in the bay.
Everywhere you turn, you’re bound to run into various street entertainers. From the typical magic tricks to circus acts, there’s lots to be entertained by. However, the one you need to watch out for is the “World Famous” Bushman.
My friend and I were walking down the street searching for a place to eat our lunch when out of nowhere, this guy jumps out at us. Jump isn’t exactly the right word because he’s sitting on a milk crate and doesn’t actually move, but he definitely yelled. Onlookers cackled in delight as both my friend and I jerked back startled. The most damning thing is that I had seen him doing this earlier when I was wandering around by myself. Goes to show, it can be so easy to see something and not fully register. Needless to say, we were not amused. I really wonder how he goes about ensuring he doesn’t scare someone with a heart condition. Reportedly the Bushman makes over $60,000 a year scaring people and has been doing it since 1980.
I’m of two minds when it comes to these huge tourist attractions. I feel silly while I’m there, but I would feel even sillier if I didn’t even go. If you have little ones, this is a great place to be. I have fond memories of going here with my parents when I could barely walk (click if you want to see baby me at 9 months). Regardless of your thoughts on tourist trap attractions, take an afternoon and wander around to soak up the fun atmosphere.
Here are a few of my highlights from wandering around Fisherman’s Wharf:
See
The best way to take in the area is on foot. Take some time to wander around and discover the area on your own. If desired, head out on the water for a tour of the Bay, a closer look at the Golden Gate Bridge and to see the city from the water.
Musee Mecanique
Do you love arcade games? Then you need to visit this free museum full of over 300 penny arcade games that are still operational today. It is part museum and part entertainment centre, and is completely free to wander around.
Pier 45 Shed A
Website
Sea Lions
Off to one corner of Pier 39, are a bunch of sea lions that call the Pier 39 K Docks home. Due to the abundance of food in the bay, the lack of predators in the area, and the protection from the elements the docks provide have resulted in a steady population. The nearby Sea Lion Center, run by the Aquarium of the Bay, offers informational and educational presentations through the day.
PIER 39’s K-dock in the West Marina
Website
Eat
There are plenty of restaurants in the area ranging from national chains like Bubba Gump Shrimp Company to independent restaurants like the Buena Vista Café, which I wanted to check out but didn’t have enough time. Being by the water, an overarching theme is the prevalence of seafood, especially fish and chips.
In & Out Burger
If you’re from anywhere that does not have an In & Out, then you’ve got to make a quick stop at this institution. The internet has made a huge fuss about its secret menu and there is a massive following of this fast casual burger chain. I thoroughly enjoyed my burger here, but would probably pass on the fries.
Anchorage Shopping Center
333 Jefferson St
Website
Boudin at the Wharf
When in San Francisco, you need to have clam chowder, or so the thought goes. There’s no better place to do it than at Boudin at the Wharf where your clam chowder comes to you in a delicious sourdough bread bowl. Even if you choose not to eat, a quick wander around the building offers you a glimpse into the bakery where they’ve been making bread since 1849.
160 Jefferson Street
Website
Ghirardelli Ice Cream and Chocolate Shop
Photo: Jim Nix
End your explorations of the Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39 area by walking over to San Francisco’s famous Ghiradelli Chocolates Manufactory in Ghiradelli Square. A purveyor of premium chocolates since 1852, Ghiradelli is the 3rd oldest chocolate company in the US. Enjoy a hot fudge sundae and check out the original chocolate manufacturing equipment at the factory.
Tip: If you want to buy chocolate as a souvenir, head elsewhere to pick up a bag. While it does limit your selection, the prices are much more affordable. I bought mine at Target.
900 North Point Street (corner of Larkin Street)
Website
Have you been to Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco? What are your thoughts on overly touristic attractions?
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You summed it up perfectly with the feeling silly for going but would feel sillier for not. I feel that way about a lot of big tourist sites and try to balance it by looking for hole-in-the-wall places haunted just by locals. But yes, whenever I finally make it to San Fran, I would definitely have to make it to the Fisherman’s Wharf!
That’s true. Gotta balance out all the touristy things with some so off the radar and non touristy. Makes traveling so fun.
I went to the wharf about 11 years ago. I don’t remember much other than the sea lions and that it was very crowded! I was bummed that I didn’t get to go out to Alcatraz. But I guess that means I need to make a return visit!
Well, like most tourist traps…I think you have to go and see for yourself what it’s like. I love Pier 39!
I love San Francisco and Fisherman’s Wharf. Luckily since I’m just “down the road” in San Diego, I get to go there often. One thing I have to respectfully disagree with is In-N-Out. I think it is completely overrated and maybe it is because I’m from Florida, but the burgers are very bland to me. I say there are much better places for burgers. 🙂 Just one opinion.
What a great post. You really covered the area of Fisherman’s Wharf beautifully. And your photos are gorgeous!
Thanks Heather! San Francisco is one of my favourite cities too. I already can’t wait to go back. I don’t disagree with you about In N Out – there definitely are lots of really great burger joints out there, but I like it for its price point. It’s pretty good for what you pay. I’m sure it would lose its appeal if it ever opened up in Vancouver though!
It’s been such a long time since I’ve been to Fisherman’s Wharf. When we finally get around to taking the kids to San Francisco, we would definitely make a point of stopping here. That Musee Mecanique looks like something that would interest them. Have you tried the In-and-Out Fries Animal Style? I think they are rather awesome — probably some of my fave fries ever.
Yes! I’ve had the fries both plain and animal style but I didn’t like them either way. The sauce on top is kinda meh. They lack the crispiness that I like, though I think I can ask for them extra crispy? I’ll have to find out next time 🙂
Sometimes it is difficult to decide if going to a tourist place or not. Most tourist places are famous for a reason and can make a good visit, specially in low season when there is not so many people.
San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf & Pier 39 seems a lively place to spend an afternoon (and go to the chocolate shop, mmm!)
Yea, that’s always my conundrum. It would be silly to go to a city and avoid the most popular tourist attraction because its filled with tourists. At least go once and suck it up 🙂
Even though it’s touristy, I like going there (at least I did years ago)! Having clam chowder in a sourdough bowl is a must for me. I never went to Boudin in SF, but finally had a bowl in the SoCal location and I was underwhelmed. I wonder if it’s better up there. And it always cracks me up that tourists go there to seek out Ghiradelli. You can literally buy those chocolates anywhere in the US, haha.
For some reason I’m always disappointed by clam chowder. Half way through I remember that I don’t even like it! I just have it cause its the thing to do haha. You can get Ghiradelli up here too, but its harder to track down and there’s definitely not as much variety. It’s still a fun gift!
Sounds like you hit all the tourist spots on the Wharf. We were just there taking photos this weekend actually. It is a great place to take visitors.
I remember eating quite a few bowls of chowder when I was last there years ago…. Of course the day wouldn’t be complete without some In-N-Out! Nice post.
In & Out sounds super tasty right now. I wish they would expand! 😀
My first stop in San Francisco is always the wharf where I get a huge sourdough bread bowl overflowing with chili! Yummy! And then I usually head to Ghirardelli for a milkshake. And this is why it’s very good I no longer live in America or have access to those foods 🙂
I wouldn’t mind some soup and sourdough bread right now. So good!
For me, it’s a love-hate-relationship conundrum every time I visit San Francisco. The Wharf is so crowded that I know for sure that I would hate myself after going there… again. On the other hand, it has so many things that I can’t resist revisiting (mostly food related) that I always lose my inner battle between common sense and indulgence.
Haha, this is exactly how I feel! Food is such a motivating factor 🙂
I’m usually not a fan of super touristy places just because of the crowds. However, I always make sure to visit them at least once if I am in the area, as it would be hard not to!
Great pictures. I’ve never been but will have to one day 🙂
So true. Everything is worth visiting at least once and then you can decide if they’re worth subsequent visits.
A must!!! I loved my time there, who cares how cheesy it is, all of that crab soup makes it worth while.