Best Hotels in Fisherman’s Wharf, San Francisco
Did you even go to San Francisco without spending time in Fisherman’s Wharf? From nautically themed suites to classic mainstays, we’ll get you the hotel you want in Fisherman’s Wharf.
Known for its postcard views of the bay and endless bread bowls full of clam chowder, Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco is beyond iconic. Whether you’re checking out the sea lions, hopping on a boat to Alcatraz, biting into a warm loaf of sourdough at Boudin or just basking in the seaside air, we have the hotels you need in Fisherman’s Wharf.
Why We Love Fisherman’s Wharf
From the fresh seafood to the classic San Francisco vibes, here are just a few reasons why we love Fisherman’s Wharf:
- Classic hotels: Instead of staying in the midst of the skyscrapers, why not plant yourself right by the water? From a modern mainstay complete with a heated pool to a low-key staple with all the basics, a Fisherman’s Wharf hotel is ready and waiting for your arrival in San Francisco.
- All aboard: When you’re by the bay, you gotta get on a boat. It’s the only way to really see San Francisco. Plus, cruising under the Golden Gate Bridge is quite an experience. Whether you take a sailboat, a tour boat or an excursion to Alcatraz, the views from the water are unbeatable.
- Chow down: The food options in Fisherman’s Wharf are unprecedented. Score the freshest Dungeness crab served steaming hot at the outdoor stands or slurp up chowder at one of the many restaurants. Peep the “mother” of sourdough at Boudin’s bread factory and savor a slice (or loaf). For dessert, you can tootle down to Ghirardelli Square for everyone’s fave — chocolate.
- Family first: Fisherman’s Wharf is the ultimate playground for the whole family. Concentrated attractions will keep the kids entertained for hours. Visit the sea lions at Pier 39, giggle at exhibits at Ripley’s and Madame Tussauds, check out the fish at the Aquarium of the Bay and visit the nearby Exploratorium for science fun.
- Transit city: Fisherman’s Wharf has impossibly close access to the F train which runs down Market Street all the way to the Castro. Stops along the way include the Ferry Building, Embarcadero, Financial District, Powell Street and Civic Center.
Places to Stay in Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco
If you're looking for accommodations in Fisherman's Wharf, you won't have to look very far. This tourist-friendly neighborhood offers a range of lodging options for every kind of traveler, from stylish boutique hotels with spectacular skyline views to homey budget hotels near top attractions. You'll also have your choice of hotels near Fisherman's Wharf in colorful neighboring communities.
Each neighborhood in San Francisco feels like a world of its own with something unique to offer. Here are a few neighborhoods near Fisherman's Wharf to check out — or check in:
- Marina District: The Marina District is a picturesque waterfront community that's home to affluent families and young professionals. Just a short distance away from Fisherman's Wharf, you could spend a day exploring the attractions, shops and restaurants in the Marina District. Here you can wander around the marvelous Greco-Roman architecture at the Palace of Fine Arts, listen to the music of the Wave Organ during high tide or shop boutiques on Chestnut Street. You'll find a great selection of comfortable mid-range and value hotels along Lombard Street, conveniently located just minutes from Fisherman's Wharf.
- Cow Hollow: Cow Hollow is a trendy, walkable neighborhood located just south of the Marina District. The area was once home to San Francisco's milk suppliers but is now alive with galleries, unique gift shops, chic boutiques, ethnic eateries and more. While here, you might dig into Belgian waffles at Belga for brunch, stroll down Union Street to tour the historic McElroy Octagon House and take a rest in the small but scenic Allyne Park. There are plenty of basic but cozy hotel options in Cow Hollow.
- North Beach: North Beach is San Francisco's Little Italy and one of the most historic sections of the city. North Beach is perfect for visitors who want to be close to Fisherman's Wharf as well as delicious Italian restaurants, cafes and bakeries. Here you can stop at Victoria Pastry for delectable homemade Italian pastries, relax in historic Washington Square or head to Telegraph Hill to take in panoramic views atop Coit Tower. You'll find everything from pleasant and affordable hotel options to funky digs in this part of town, all just a cannoli toss away from Fisherman's Wharf.
- Chinatown: If you want a lot of culture and history while visiting Fisherman's Wharf, consider staying near Chinatown. Although Chinatown is a popular tourist destination, you'll still be immersed in culture when you explore its colorful lantern-adorned streets. Here you can shop for treasures along Grant Avenue, try egg custard tarts at Golden Gate Bakery or eat your way to dim sum paradise at Hang Ah Dim Sum Tea House. You'll have a choice of sleek luxury hotels perfect for business travelers and comfy budget hotels all in the Fisherman's Wharf area.
Where to Eat in Fisherman's Wharf
San Francisco is the place to be when it comes to innovative eats. There are also city staples you gotta try, such as Dungeness crab, sourdough bread and Irish coffee, which you'll have no trouble finding in Fisherman's Wharf. After you've eaten in Fisherman's Wharf, it'll be hard to look at frozen seafood the same way again. Here are a few well-loved spots to try some of the city's most iconic dishes:
- The Buena Vista Cafe: Located in a building that was a boarding house until 1916, the Buena Vista is the place to go for world-famous Irish coffee. Using the original recipe that put this joint on the map, the Buena Vista invites you to taste their famous concoction of whiskey, coffee, sugar and heavy cream. Why not enjoy your treat with bacon dipped in Ghirardelli chocolate or a Dungeness crab omelet?
- Scoma's: Locals and tourists agree — Scoma's is the place to go for seafood in Fisherman's Wharf. Who wouldn't want to eat at a restaurant that puts seafood on your plate right from their pier? For over 50 years, Scoma's has been dedicated to supporting local fishers and serving fresh and delicious seafood to customers. In fact, you can watch boats drop off the daily catch — you can't get fresher than that! Try classics like Dungeness crab cocktail or their old-school crab Louis salad, and enjoy the view.
- Boudin Bakery: It would almost be a crime to go to Fisherman's Wharf for the first time and not eat at Boudin Bakery. Boudin's is the oldest continuously running business in the city and the birthplace of San Francisco sourdough. Their use of locally-grown ingredients gives their sourdough a taste and texture unlike anywhere in the world. This is the top spot to get creamy clam chowder served in a classic sourdough bread bowl. Consider getting freshly baked bread to go so you can savor the flavors in the comfort of your hotel room.
- The Codmother: Looking for yummy hand-cut fries and melt-in-your-mouth Alaskan cod? The Codmother is waiting for you on Beach Street. This fish and chips food truck is the place to go for some of the best Baja fish tacos in the city. Try their fries plain or loaded with garlic, cheddar cheese and Baja sauce. If you have room left for dessert, indulge in a deep-fried Oreo — we won't tell!
- Gary Danko: Want to take your date to an upscale restaurant in Fisherman's Wharf, but aren't sure which one to choose? We recommend Gary Danko for award-winning French cuisine. Here you can enjoy luxurious dishes like seared sea scallops or roasted quail, and an unforgettable baked chocolate soufflé for dessert. You'll also get to feast in a comfortable yet elegant dining room creatively decorated with flowers and art.
- Ghirardelli Square: Attention all chocolate lovers — a trip to Fisherman's Wharf is about to make your dreams come true. If you stop at Ghirardelli's, that is. In Fisherman's Wharf, you'll find the original Ghirardelli Ice Cream and Chocolate Shop where you can watch a historic chocolate-making process, build your own sundae with decadent flavors and toppings, and shop an assortment of Ghirardelli's chocolates. This is the place to go for a diet-destroying specialty sundae, shake or dipped waffle cone.
If you've already tried Boudin Bakery and other popular spots, you might be on the lookout for something more low-key. Here are a few places to dine like a local:
- Taqueria El Farolito: Taqueria El Farolito is a no-frills Mexican restaurant that serves up tasty and authentic tacos, quesadillas, burritos and other classic comfort foods. If you're craving a burrito packed with fresh ingredients, don't be afraid to get in line — we hear it moves along quickly.
- DeLise Dessert Cafe: If you're too hungry to wait for the catch of the day, head to DeLise Dessert Cafe on Bay Street. At DeLise, you'll find yummy freshly baked cookies, bars and cupcakes with fun flavors like green tea with red bean filling. You can also fill up on made-to-order sandwiches or cool down with exotic-flavored frozen desserts.
- In-N-Out Burger: Who would want a burger in a town called Fisherman's Wharf, you say? The locals. And tourists, too. But that's because it's just so good. In-N-Out Burger is California's first drive-thru burger stand and has stuck around since 1948. They offer a pretty basic menu — burgers, fries and shakes. The toasted buns, all-natural beef patties and secret spread make their burgers stand out to tourists and locals alike.
Things to Do in Fisherman's Wharf
There really is something for everyone in Fisherman's Wharf, whether you're a family looking to entertain the kids, a business traveler with a severe seafood craving, or an out-of-towner looking for killer bayside views. Here are some of the most popular attractions in Fisherman's Wharf where you're bound to find something you'll enjoy, even if you're a local:
- Pier 39: Pier 39 is where people go to eat, shop and be entertained. It's also where tourists and locals go to check out sea lions at K-Dock. You'll find all kinds of attractions here such as the hand painted San Francisco Carousel, Aquarium of the Bay and Magowan's Infinite Mirror Maze. Whether you're taking in views of the Golden Gate Bridge or snapping shots of your adorable sea lion friends, Pier 39 is a must-see.
- Musée Mécanique: Where can you see one of the world's largest collections of antique arcade machines and mechanical musical instruments? Musée Mécanique invites you to step right up and giggle with Laffing Sal from the 1930s, test your strength with the Arm Wrestler, or play a round of classic Skee-Ball. Whether you're new in town or grew up in the area, Musée Mécanique is an irresistible trip back in time.
- Madame Tussauds: It would be hard not to have fun at Madame Tussauds. Stop in the Fisherman's Wharf location and show friends who you ran into on your journey. Think they'll believe you when you share a pic of Lady Gaga orJohn Travolta? There's only one way to find out.
- Alcatraz Island: Head to Alcatraz Landing at Pier 33 and catch a cruise to one of the most legendary prisons in the world. Once you reach Alcatraz Island, you'll get to explore the prison at your own pace, as well as the surrounding area which is now a sanctuary for seabirds. This National Historic Landmark and once-home of infamous gangster Al Capone is another must-see for anyone traveling to Fisherman's Wharf.
- Pier 45: While families will want to head to Pier 39 for fun entertainment options, history buffs will want to hurry over to Pier 45 to explore warships. Here you can step inside the USS Pampanito, a World War II submarine that sank six ships, or the SS Jeremiah O'Brien, which is a still-active historically accurate Liberty ship.
Have you already hit the top tourist spots in Fisherman's Wharf and are looking for something new? We don't think Laffing Sal will start crying if you walk past Musée Mécanique this time around. Here are a few underrated gems in Fisherman's Wharf you definitely don't want to skip:
- San Francisco Maritime National Historic Park: Take a break from the bustle of Pier 39 and head to San Francisco Maritime National Historic Park for a history lesson. Enjoy the salty sea breeze as you explore the historic vessels at Hyde Street Pier, or stroll the Aquatic Park Pier which stretches 1,400 feet over San Francisco Bay. Make sure to visit the Maritime Museum, located in the Aquatic Park Bathhouse, to complete your experience.
- Fort Mason: Fort Mason, which is one of the oldest military bases in the city, offers paved trails and grassy hills perfect for picnics, relaxing with friends and enjoying views of the San Francisco skyline. Take a self-guided history walk to check out historic buildings and learn more about Fort Mason.
- Museo Italo Americano: Established in 1978, the Museo Italo Americano was the first museum in the country dedicated exclusively to Italian-American and Italian art and culture. Stop in to view the small but inspiring permanent collection of paintings, sculptures, photos and other works, or check out their events schedule for upcoming lectures, films and other special gatherings.
Where to Find the Best Hotels in Fisherman’s Wharf, San Francisco
Fisherman's Wharf is a popular destination because there's so much to love about this waterfront gem. Who wouldn't want memories of barking seals, sweeping views and glistening bowls of clam chowder? Also, you'll have no trouble finding hotels in the Fisherman's Wharf area or right in the neighborhood. Whether you're looking for comfortable, cheap hotels with a seaside vibe or high-end suite hotels with all the amenities, Fisherman's Wharf has a room for you.
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