Fisherman’s Wharf

Argonaut’s top things to do in Fisherman’s Wharf.

Fisherman’s Wharf is one of San Francisco’s most iconic neighborhoods – and we’re fortunate to call it home. From our quiet corner of the area, guests have access to take a short walk along the boardwalk to Pier 39, hop on the trolley at the nearby Powell-Hyde Street Turnaround, enjoy boutique shopping at Ghirardelli Square, or head over to North Beach, our “Little Italy,” to discover a culinary heaven and fantastic nightlife.

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Fisherman’s Wharf

Fabled Fisherman’s Wharf is one mile long and stretches back decades into the most colorful years of San Francisco’s history. The iconic site was important in the days of tall ships, Barbary Coast roustabouts, and Gold Rush fever.

Popular with sea lions and tourists, Fisherman’s Wharf is full of shops, silly museums, and family fun. Kids love Ripley’s Believe it or Not! Museum, the Hyde Street Pier with its historic clipper ships, the Wax Museum, the Aquarium. and the Hornblower boat tours of the Bay.

Still a working wharf, its vendors sell thousands of tons of fish and shellfish. Take an early morning walk down Fish Alley to see fishermen at work. For maritime-lovers and WWII buffs, the San Francisco Maritime Museum is at the foot of Polk St. and massive USS Pampanito is docked right at Pier 45.

Ghirardelli Square

Temptation lives in San Francisco in the National Historic site Ghirardelli Square, home to the chocolate company dating back to the early 1800s. A short walk from the hotel, you’ll see history that covers more than a century. From the original factory buildings to the shops and restaurants, you’re sure to find great retail and countless ways to consume the famous Ghirardelli Chocolate.

Ghirardelli Square Details >

Hyde Street Cable Cars

The city’s famous cable cars are a must-do when you visit San Francisco.

There are three cable car lines in the city, two of which connect with Fisherman’s Wharf, the Mason-Powell line and the Powell-Hyde line. Both take you past Union Square and up Nob Hill.

Cross over on the Mason-Powell line into North Beach, which is the longest transit line in the world and has been running continuously since 1888.

The Powell-Hyde line is located conveniently just outside the hotel and travels through Russian Hill and past Lombard Street. On the descent towards Fisherman’s Wharf, you’ll get a fantastic view of Alcatraz, Angel Island, Mount Tamalpais, and the Golden Gate Bridge.

Avoid the inevitable wait to board by riding the California Street line, usually used only by locals for commuting. This line will take you through the Financial District, the Battery, into the heart of Chinatown, and up into Nob Hill.

Pier 39

Our Fisherman’s Wharf hotel near Pier 39 makes this popular San Francisco destination incredibly easy to access.

Here, shops, restaurants, boutiques, and more cluster on the pier, and sunset catamaran rides under the Golden Gate Bridge takeoff daily. From your seat at a Pier 39 cafe, views of iconic sites such as the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz are spectacular, as is the people watching.

Don’t miss the crown jewel of Pier 39, the Aquarium of the Bay. Featuring thousands of local sea creatures, this is your chance to go eye to eye with an array of denizens of the deep as you walk through oversized clear tubes that leave you surrounded, literally, by San Francisco’s aquatic residents.

Visit Pier 39 Website >

Maritime National Historic Park

The National Park’s Visitors Center and Interactive Museum is located right within our four walls. Here you can view vintage navigation equipment and experience a sensory “Walk Along the Waterfront” exhibit recreating the sights and sounds of the Wharf’s golden era.

Beyond the Visitors Center, there’s more to explore in the park. Head to Hyde Park Pier where gracious sailing-era ships such as the Balclutha and CA Thayer are moored. There are also ranger-led tours of the park and guided historic walking tours of the waterfront. Or you can simply stroll the quiet paths and picnic on the lawn while taking in the incredible Bay views and breathing in the fresh, briny air.

Visit Maritime National Historic Park Website >

Musée Méchanique

Go back in time and play old-fashioned arcade games with the family. At the Musée Méchanique, located on Pier 45, everyone can play all the coin-operated mechanical musical instruments and antique arcade machines. It’s free to enter, and only costs coins per game.

They have games that date back to famed traveling carnivals of the 1800s as well as modern 20th century machines. Bring your change and your spirit of fun!

Visit Musée Méchanique Website >