Summer through fall is an ideal time at the Wharf! 

From the California sun and perfectly cool breezes to stunning City views and tons of exciting attractions, Fisherman’s Wharf is unlike any other San Francisco destination from the summer to fall. It’s also the perfect place to take in some of the City’s most iconic gems, enjoy new adventures, and create lasting memories.

Fisherman's Wharf in Fall & SummerHere’s why, highlighting what summer to fall at Fisherman’s Wharf is like, with more on:

If you’re ready to get to the Wharf this summer, fall, or after, you can find everything you need here, including visitor tips, driving directions, parking information, maps, and more.

How Long Does Summer & Fall Last at the Wharf?

Summer to fall at the Wharf lasts about half the year, meaning there’s plenty of time to enjoy some of San Francisco’s best attractions with the best weather! 

View of Golden Gate Bridge from SkyStar WheelKicking off on Memorial Day, the last Monday of May, summer at the Wharf extends through June, July, and August, seamlessly transitioning into a fairly warm fall season, with exceptional weather through September, October, and often into November too 

In fact, with our mild and temperate climate, Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco tends to have daytime temperatures in the 70℃ range, plus or minus roughly 5℃, from summer through fall.

That’s one reason why the Wharf is a go-to destination for free, family, and outdoor fun from summer to fall and beyond. 

6 Free Things to Do from Summer to Fall at Fisherman's Wharf

Summer through fall at Fisherman’s Wharf doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg! You can visit Fisherman’s Wharf for FREE, reveling in the magic of the Wharf without spending a dime. 

Here are some fun, free things to do at Fisherman’s Wharf from summer through fall.

 

Pier Party at the Wharf1. Check Out the Pier Party at the Wharf.

Listen to vibrant sounds, exciting musical acts, and upbeat tunes as part of our outdoor summertime concert series — the Pier Party at the Wharf!

Every Saturday from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., the Pier Party at the Wharf gets down with live music on our revamped stage, with al fresco seating, a dance floor, and a gorgeous waterside view, all surrounded by the charm and unique vibe of the Wharf.

Come, sit, dance, and enjoy the music for FREE every Saturday through the end of October.

To check out the musical acts lined up for upcoming Saturdays, click here.

 

 

Kids play arcade games at Musee Mechanique2. Visit Musée Mécanique.

Another free thing to do at Fisherman’s Wharf in summer and fall is visit Musée Mécanique.

This wonderful collection features 300+ antique arcade games and musical instruments that are all fully functional, including animations, coin-operated pianos, antique slot machines, and so much more.

Offering a captivating trip back in time, Musée Mécanique can be a delightful way to connect to the past and go back to a pre-internet age when at-home video gaming simply wasn’t an option. 

 

3. Stop by Truhlsen-Marmor Museum of the Eye®.

Explore how you view the world and dive into the mind-blowing science of sight at the American Academy of Ophthalmology Truhlsen-Marmor Museum of the Eye®. 

As the only FREE museum worldwide that’s dedicated to the scientific study of vision, the Truhlsen-Marmor Museum of the Eye® features historical artifacts, thoughtful exhibits, and eye-opening displays that uncover what we know about the eyes and sight and how that knowledge evolved over time.

Located on the corner of Beach Street and Hyde Street (across from where the cable cars turn around), the Truhlsen-Marmor Museum of the Eye® has extended hours during the summertime, opening at 10 a.m. and closing at 4:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays (it’s closed Mondays and Tuesdays).

 

Sea Lions on Pier 394. Watch the Sea Lions at PIER 39.

Stop by to see the sea lions hanging out at PIER 39’s West Marina (K-Dock), and stay to watch these intelligent, adorable creatures sunbathe, play, and charm the passersby.

While there are usually sea lions around the Wharf all year, there tend to be far more — like ~150 to 600 of them — at the Wharf starting late summer to early fall (and lasting until spring).

It’s 100% FREE to visit, observe, and appreciate the sea lions around Fisherman's Wharf, and many guests make it a point to capture some photos of this iconic part of the City’s waterfront.   

 

5. Stroll Along the Waterfront.

Walk along the waterfront and check out the local shops and eateries, as well as unmatched views of Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the hustle and bustle of Fisherman’s Wharf. As you take a leisurely stroll by the waterfront, you’ll likely see skilled street performers and other opportunities for FREE fun, like free art galleries, museums, and live performances (mentioned above and below).

 

6. Dive into Fleet Week.

Honoring the men and women who make up the U.S. Armed Forces, Fleet Week is an annual event and beloved tradition at the Wharf, with several free activities for 7 consecutive days in early to mid-October. 

In 2024, San Francisco Fleet Week will run from Oct. 7th to 14th, featuring tons of exciting and totally FREE events and activities, including: 

  • Fleet WeekA “Honor Our Fallen” Concert, along with neighborhood concerts performed by Navy bands (Destroyers, 32nd Street Brass Band, and more) and Marine Corps bands (the Marine Corps Ceremonial Band, Diamondbacks, and more). 

  • Ship tours and a parade of ships

  • K9 hero demonstrations and meet-and-greets

  • Thoughtful veterans’ art exhibits

  • And so much more.

Usually coinciding with Italian Heritage Week at the Wharf, San Francisco Fleet Week is a wonderful time to connect with a sense of national pride while enjoying an array of free things to do at Fisherman’s Wharf!

8 Things to Do with Family at Fisherman's Wharf in the Summer & Fall

Summertime with kids and family is just better at the Wharf! That’s because there’s no shortage of thrilling things to do with family at Fisherman’s Wharf, from entertainment and activities to food, shopping, and more. 

Here’s why Fisherman’s Wharf can be one of the best places to spend time with kids and family — and what to do with a group of all ages at the Wharf during the summer or fall.

 

Aquarium of the Bay, San Francisco1. Visit Aquarium of the Bay.

Dive into the beauty of the ocean and underwater life when you visit the Aquarium of the Bay. Home to upwards of 24,000 sea creatures, the Aquarium has extensive exhibits, featuring sharks, sting rays, octopi, jellyfish, tidepools, tunnel exhibits, and so much more. 

Whether you stop by the Aquarium to see your favorite marine animals or you're looking for something that's both fun and educational to do with kids at the Wharf, the Aquarium of the Bay is a must-stop, must-see destination for many families visiting the Wharf (during the summer, fall, and all year long!).

 

Little Embarcadero & SkyStar2. Ride the SkyStar.

Step onto one of the newest crown jewels in San Francisco — the SkyStar Observation Wheel.

Soaring more than 150 feet above the Wharf, SkyStar is the ultimate place to take in stunning City views in the comfort of a fully enclosed gondola. 

No reservations are needed for a general admission ride, which typically lasts ~10 to 12 minutes.

If you’d like the VIP SkyStar experience, then, it’s recommended that you book in advance and plan for a ~20-minute ride. While daytime rides can be enjoyable with sun or rain, nighttime in the SkyStar lets you take in the glittering City lights in marvelous new ways.

 

 

Fleet Week Air Show Photo3. Take in the SF Fleet Week Air Show.

As a marquee event during San Francisco Fleet Week (SFFW), the SFFW Air Show is nothing short of spectacular, with fully choreographed flights featuring the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, United 777, the U.S. Air Force F-22 Demo Team, and so much more.

This waterfront event is a huge draw for family fun, promising thrilling acts that can be wildly entertaining for viewers of all ages. In 2024, the San Francisco Fleet Week Air Show will run from Oct. 11th to 13th. Click here to buy tickets.

 

4. Test Your “Escape” Skills.

Put your thinking caps on and put your ingenuity to the test when you visit Escapology by the Wharf. Offering real-life escape experiences, Escapology has themed escape rooms that bring groups together for puzzle-solving fun. 

With multiple themes available and zero specialized knowledge required, Escapology can be a fun place for both small and large groups. All escape rooms are roughly 60 minutes, and it’s possible to book ahead to ensure you get the theme you prefer. 

 

Cable Car5. Ride the Cable Cars.

Nothing says San Francisco like its world-famous Cable Cars, and riding on these from summer to fall can be a refreshing, relaxing way to see the City and get around (on the cheap!).

At Fisherman’s Wharf, you can hop on one of two lines that travel from Fisherman's Wharf to Powell and Market Streets in Union Square. That includes the:

  1. Powell-Hyde line, which is on Hyde and Beach Streets (Aquatic Park near Ghirardelli Square)

  2. Powell-Mason line, which is on Taylor and Bay Streets in the middle of the Wharf (just a few blocks from Pier 45 at Taylor and Bay Street). 

If you plan on riding the Cable Cars multiple times, you may want to get a “day pass,” so you don’t have to buy individual tickets for each ride.

 

6. Take a City Bike Tour.

Book a bike tour for the family, renting bicycles to ride across the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito. This family-friendly bike ride tour of SF can be unforgettable while providing a great way to be active with family, sightsee, and enjoy the gorgeous weather in the City from summer to fall.

 

ITSUGAR Flagship Store Fisherman's Wharf7. Stop for Sugar.

Satisfy any sweet tooth with the ultimate sugar stops at the Wharf, including: 

  • It’sugar: Take a “humourous escape from everyday life” in this specialty candy store near the Wharf. Self-dubbed a “retailtainer,” It’sugar has countless “absurd sugar innovations” that can bring pure joy and endless smiles to young children, teens, and adults of any age who are kids at heart.
     

  • Ghirardelli Square: Just outside of Fisherman’s Wharf is Ghirardelli Square, including the Ghirardelli Chocolate Manufactory & Soda Fountain. Pick up fancy chocolates, order from the ice cream soda bar, and find out how this icon of chocolate and San Francisco evolved since the 1800s.

 

8. Visit Umbrella Alley.

Mural at Umbrella Alley in Fisherman's WharfDelightful for visitors of all ages, Umbrella Alley is a vibrant, interactive “gallery,” featuring street art, murals, and other exhibits from local artists.

With countless opportunities for one-of-a-kind photo ops, Umbrella Alley puts imagination, creativity, and playfulness center stage for a museum that’s as inspired and interesting as it is fun and fascinating.

Some of the most popular attractions at Umbrella Alley include the “California Dreaming” mural, the “Greetings from San Francisco” postcard-style mural, and the “Summer of Love Monarch Butterfly” mural.

Summer & Fall Date Night at Fisherman's Wharf

Dates come with a little more magic at the Wharf. That’s especially true during the summer and fall when you can get to know your date during a lovely evening and over some of the most charming offerings that the City has to offer. 

Here are some of the best date night spots at the Wharf during summer and fall.

 

Scoma's Dungeness Crab Dish1. Dinner at Scoma's Restaurant

Start a romantic evening with a lovely meal at one of the waterfront restaurants at the Wharf. While there are several dining options for low-key meals to fancier dates, some great options for date night dinner at the Wharf include Cioppino's, Abacá, and Crab House.

 

2. A Ride on the SkyStar Observation Wheel

Before or after you dine at the Wharf, a ride on the SkyStar can be intimate, exciting, and uniquely memorable all at the same time. If you’re looking to really wow your date, consider: 

  • A sunset ride on SkyStar 

  • A VIP experience, with a more upscale gondola and a longer ride (20 minutes versus the standard 10-min. general admission ride)

  • A ride after dark to take in the sparkling lights of the City

 

Subpar Mini Golf in Ghirardelli Square3. Subpar Mini Golf

Dial up the fun and add a little competition to your date when you go to Subpar Miniature Golf by the Wharf.

With nighttime “glow golf,” City-themed holes, and an on-site arcade, Subpar Miniature Golf can be an incredible date night all by itself or before or after your dating adventures at the Wharf.

Please note that reservations are generally recommended for this 18-hole mini golf course.

 

4. Bay Cruises

Annual Boat Parade: Lovely Martha in Fisherman's Wharf San FranciscoBook a bay cruise that departs from the Wharf and delight in breathtaking views of the City on your next date.

Depending on your interests and what time your date is, you could book a bay cruise that includes: 

  • Whale watching

  • Sunsets and waterfront tours

  • Wine tasting and/or dinner

  • Other specialty experiences 

Pro Tip: Ask if your date gets seasick before taking them on a boat cruise of the Bay (or bring Dramamine!).

 

Wine Tasting on the Bay Toast5. Wine Tasting 

Sip on fine wines and enjoy the tastes of many California vintages on your next date!

While you wine taste on a boat tour, you and your date can also relish wine tasting at many of the fine dining establishments in the Wharf, including the Winery Collective Tasting Room.

Wine selections are routinely rotated, so you can make this a regular date night spot in the summertime and all year.

An Ideal Summer & Fall Itinerary for Fisherman's Wharf

Not sure how to spend a summer or fall day at the Wharf? 

No problem, we have you covered! 

Here’s a fun-filled itinerary you can use to make the absolute most of your time visiting the Wharf during the summer or fall (Pro tip: If you want to start your day with fewer crowds, get going at around 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.).

 

Waterfront BakeryYour Summer or Fall Morning at the Wharf

  1. Have breakfast at Boudin Bakery, enjoying your favorite coffee and pastry while watching the Wharf come alive as the day gets going.

  2. Stroll along the waterfront to PIER 39, and watch the sea lions for a bit.

  3. Explore the Aquarium of the Bay for an engaging marine life experience.

 

 

Midday & Afternoon at the Wharf During Summer & Fall

  1. View of shopping and dining at Pier 39Take a bike tour across the Golden Gate Bridge or enjoy a bay cruise to see the City from the water.

  2. Have lunch at one of the fabulous restaurants at the Wharf.

  3. Stop by the Pier Party at the Wharf (Tuesdays through Sundays) and/or visit some of the many museums in the area, including the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, Musée Mécanique, and many more.

  4. Tour the historic Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary, exploring the old cell blocks and learning about famous criminals and escapees. Listening tours and self-guided tours are available.

  5. Stop by the Wharf’s many shops to pick up a gift, browse local wares, and find a souvenir.

 

Blue and Gold Fleet - HolidaySummer & Fall Nights at Fisherman’s Wharf

  1. Kick off your evening with wine tasting at the Winery Collective.

  2. Dine at one of the Wharf’s many restaurants, taking in sunset views and some of the best seafood in San Francisco.

  3. End the night with a sunset cruise around the bay or a ride on SkyStar Observation Wheel.

Fisherman's Wharf: The Best Place to Enjoy Your Summer & Fall

Fisherman's Wharf Sign on Jefferson and TaylorSummer and fall at Fisherman’s Wharf are vibrant, bustling, and FULL of totally exciting, wonderful adventures no matter who you’re with and what you like to do. 

Starting late May and extending through early November, summer to fall at the Wharf can be the perfect backdrop for unique thrills, unforgettable experiences, and memories to last a lifetime. 

Whether you’re starting, extending, or wrapping up the summer or fall season at Fisherman’s Wharf, you’re in for the ultimate fun!