The Perfect Day in Fisherman's Wharf: A Guide to Make the Most Out of Your Day in this Famous SF District

The famed Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco is a must see for all first-time visitors. Yes, the neighborhood is touristy, but that's only because there are so many things to do here. 

Are you not sure where to start your journey? Below you will find an itinerary for what I consider "The Perfect Day in Fisherman's Wharf".

While you can't visit everything in a day, this journey allows you to hit many of the hot spots without having to backtrack through the neighborhood.

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1. 10 am, Shop & Sample Chocolates at Ghirardelli Square

Walk one block west to visit Ghirardelli Square. This historic building once housed the Ghirardelli Chocolate Factory. Even though the factory moved out long ago, you can spend some time walking around this famous square shopping and even sampling some of its famous chocolates at no charge.

You could spend at least an hour here just strolling through each store. 

Learn more about what there is to see and do at Ghirardelli Square.

2. 11:30 am, Grab Brunch and an Irish Coffee at Buena Vista Cafe

Now it's time to walk a block east to the Buena Vista Cafe! 

This spot has an amazing selection of dishes and they are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily.

They feature everything from benedicts to seafood to burgers. Don't forget to order one of their tasty Irish Coffees too!

>> More great places to eat in Fisherman's Wharf

3. 1 pm, Learn About the History of Fisherman's Wharf at the Visitor Center

After your tasty brunch at Buena Vista Cafe, walk down the hill to the Visitor Center. It's on the corner of Jefferson and Powell Streets. This free museum walks you through the history of Fisherman's Wharf. 

With pictures, videos and other interactive displays, you will learn all about how this area got its name, its first inhabitants and how those both shaped the Fisherman's Wharf we know and love today.

4. 2:30 pm, Soak in the Sights on a Cruise Around the SF Bay

Once you've had a chance to digest your lunch, it's time for a bay cruise! Stroll over to Pier 43 where you will find the Red and White Ferry Fleet. Buy a ticket for the 3 pm cruise and get in line. 

You can also buy your ticket in advance and exchange your voucher for a ticket (find advanced tickets here). At 3 pm, you will hop aboard your 60-minute bay cruise for an unforgettable adventure on the SF Bay.

Note: If you prefer to skip the Visitor Center, you can also jump aboard the 1:45 pm or 2:15 pm cruise and then continue on with this itinerary. It will give you more time at your last two stops.

Here are a few additional cruises around the SF Bay you might enjoy.

5. 4 pm, Check Out the Musee Mecanique

Once you are done with lunch, head over to Pier 45 to check out the Musee Mecanique. It's free to enter and is home to hundreds of mechanical machines and arcade games.

You can watch other play or grab some coins and play yourself! 

I love checking out the games from the late 1800s and early 1900s. My personal favorites include Laughing Sal and the Toothpick Fantasy! 

>> Find out more about what there is to see and do here

6. 5 pm, Relax and Enjoy Your Evening at Pier 39

The rest of the evening, you are free to explore Pier 39. This remodeled fishing pier features dozens of shops, restaurants and several fun activities.

I recommend visiting the San Francisco sea lions, sampling some beers, and walking through the Magowan's Infinite Mirror Maze.

You can also grab dinner here. If you are traveling with kids, then you should check out the Wipeout Bar and Grill where they have great burgers and outdoor seating.

If you want something a little nicer, then head upstairs to Neptune Waterfront Bar and Grill where you will get some of the best views of the bay (and maybe even catch the sunset). 

The shops on Pier 39 stay open until at least 8 pm (even later during the summer and on weekends). Most of the restaurants stay open until at least 10 pm (sometimes even later in the summer and on weekends). 

Find out more about Pier 39. 

How to Get to the Starting Point from Union Square

The easiest way to get here from Union Square is to take the Powell/Hyde cable car from Union Square. 

Don't pick it up at the beginning of the line at the Powell Street cable car turnaround point. Instead, pick it up at the corner of Powell and Post Streets (grab the one going uphill). By picking it up here, you will avoid the long lines at the cable car turnaround just a few blocks away.

>> Additional tips on how to get from Fisherman's Wharf to districts around SF

Fisherman's Wharf Hotel Recommendations

Are you interested in staying in Fisherman's Wharf? This is the second most popular neighborhood for visitors to stay during their visit. Many of the hotels are just a block or two from the action, so you can always stop by your hotel to recharge during the day. 

It's perfect if you plan on spending most of your time in this neighborhood. You also have several public transportation options to get you to other parts of the city. Before you book, make sure you check out my Fisherman's Wharf Hotel recommendations to find the hotel that is right for you!

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