Pier 39 at Fishermans Wharf in San Francisco

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At San Francisco's Pier 39, Ghirardelli Square, the Cannery and all surrounding area called Fisherman's Wharf, there are numerous shops, restaurants, hotels, museums, everything which even remotely reminds seamen and sea life is concentrated. Pier 39 is only a little part of the Fishermans Wharf. It was built in 1905 as a cargo pier as well as other piers and was refurbished in 1978 thanks to Warren Simmons. Some people think that it is nothing but a giant tourist trap, with lots of souvenir shops, nothing really to see. Well, I would not say so. Just do not get into traps, do not stick to the shops, look around. You will see a lot of very interesting things: real working piers with real old rusty or newly painted fishermans boats, birds, animals, fishermen, ships, great views of the Bay, the Golden Gate Bridge, sailing boats, the city. Our San Francisco Virtual Walking Tour contains 700 pictures of the place. Check it out.

Fishermans Wharf
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Fisherman's wharf view from Coit Tower

Walk along Pier 39
Virtual Tour

Sea lions

Back to San Francisco

There are four best ways to get to Pier 39 and Fisherman's Wharf from Market Street and BART stations. First, take a cable car. Second, take a walk along Columbus Avenue. 20-30 minutes. Third, take a walk along the Embarcadero from the Ferry Building. Check our virtual tour. Fourth, use "Light Rail" from Market street. These are historic streetcars too. The F-Market and Wharves service goes to Fishermans Wharf. Here is the Schedule. It is easy and pleasant trip. www.sfmuni.com

Picture gallery

Pictures here are highly compressed for fast download.

Pier 39.
Fisherman's Wharf area extends from this place to Aquatic Park.
Do you see the overpass? It extends form the parking lot on the left side to Pier 39. Go there.
Views from above are very interesting.
Cable Car at Pier 39


We turned right. Pier 39 starts here.
Pier 39


Lots of souvenir shops.
Souvenir shop at Pier 39


Pier 39. Merry-go-round.
Merry-go-round at Pier 39


It is Angel Island on the right side.
Alcatraz is in central position.
At Pier 39. Gold and Blue Boat to Alcatraz.


This boat takes visitors to Alcatraz Island
Alcatraz and Gold and Blue Boat


Sea Lions. I do not know any other place where there are so many of them.
Sea lions between Pier 39 and Pier 41



We are at Pier 45. World War II submarine USS Pampanito is in front. A real one. Visit it.
Behind there is another WWII ship - SS Jeremiah O'Brien.
Pampanito submarine at Pier 45


Lots of sea food. It is cooked right here.
sea food and crab shops at Fisherman's Wharf


Around the corner - Pacific Ocean
Fishing Boats at Fisherman's Wharf


Fishing-boats. For a ten bucks you can rent a place, be provided with fishing gear, and go.
Fishing Boats at Fisherman's Wharf


The Cannery. Musicians.
Cannery. Musicians


Street performers. This guy is the best. He is a wonderful actor.
Street performer at Fisherman's Wharf


Ghirardelli Square. Can you see the balcony? Great view of the bay is opened from there.
It is the best attraction around here. It is worth the climbing.
Ghirardelli square


Aquatic park ships. Water is COLD. Always.
But nevertheless some people swim, especially on worm winter day - no kidding.
Aquatic park and museum ships in San Francisco


San Francisco Cable Car on Hyde Street is very popular.
It will bring you to famous Lombard street which is in walking distance and father to downtown.
But I would recommend a walk along Columbus avenue.
Cable Car turntable near Ghirardelli


View from Coit Tower of Telegraph Hill district and Fisherman's Wharf.
Pier 39 is on the far right. Alcatraz Island above it.
In the center - Pier 45 where USS Pampanito is located.
Tall building on the far left, that is where Ghirardelli Square is.
To the right - Aquatic park. The San Francisco Maritime Museum is nearby.
Behind - Golden Gate Bridge. Mount Tamalpais dominates horizon.
Fhisherman's Wharf view from Coit Tower


Closer look from Coit Tower at the San Francisco Bay.
Pier 45 is in front.
Good view of Sausalito.
Big Mount Tamalpais is right behind this little town.
Sausalito is hidden from cold winds of Pacific ocean behind another mountain on the left.
Can you see it across the bay? It is a majestic place.
Muir Woods is between those two mountains on the left side of the crest.
Sauslito, Bay View, and Pier 45 from Coit Tower


Fishermans Wharf
Virtual Tour