Things to Do in SF at the Wharf

The Wharf’s many attractions, adventures, and activities cater to various interests. Some of the most fun and popular options include (and are by no means limited to):

• PIER 39: With a vibrant atmosphere and tons of things to do, PIER 39 lets you watch playful sea lions, explore unique shops, and savor fresh seafood with stunning views of the Bay. With family-friendly attractions, street performances, and an ideal location next to some iconic landmarks, PIER 39 is an essential stop for anyone who wants a waterfront experience jam-packed with fun.
   
• Alcatraz Tours: A visit to the infamous Alcatraz Island offers an intriguing glimpse into its notorious history as one of the roughest federal penitentiaries to ever exist in the U.S. Accessible by ferry, Alcatraz tours will take you through legendary, infamous tales of the prison’s well-known inmates, daring escape attempts, and more.
   
• Ghirardelli Square: Once the site of the renowned Ghirardelli Chocolate Factory, this historic square is now home to boutiques, wine-tasting rooms, and the original Ghirardelli Ice Cream and Chocolate Shop, where visitors can indulge in decadent sundaes and rich chocolate treats.
   
• SkyStar Wheel: Standing at 150 feet, the SkyStar Wheel offers panoramic views of San Francisco's skyline and waterfront. Each climate-controlled gondola provides a comfortable and scenic ride, making it a popular SF attraction for families and couples.
   
• Bike and Segway Tours: Exploring Fisherman's Wharf and surrounding areas on a bike or segway can be an ideal way to cover more ground, enjoy the fresh air, and make the most of any San Francisco tour. These guided tours often include routes to world-famous sites, like the Golden Gate Bridge, along with insightful commentary about the City's history and landmarks.
   
• Bay Cruises: Embarking on a bay cruise can give you breathtaking views of some of the most iconic SF landmarks. These cruises offer unique perspectives of the City skyline and the Bay's natural beauty. They can also involve fun activities, like sailing, wine tasting, dinner, and more.
   
• Whale Watching Excursions: Seasonal whale watching tours depart from Fisherman's Wharf, offering the chance to observe majestic marine mammals in their natural habitat. These excursions are both educational and thrilling, making them a favorite among nature enthusiasts, families, and many others.

These and other things to do at the Wharf can make for a truly fun-filled day, weekend, or longer visit, giving you a wonderful taste of the City’s unique charm and enduring magic. 

They’re also some of the reasons why many visitors and locals make it a point to spend time at the Wharf — and why Fisherman’s Wharf has been a top destination in San Francisco for over a century.
 

There are always exciting, fun, and free things to do at Fisherman’s Wharf! Some of free favorites include (and are not limited to):

• Sea Lions at PIER 39: Playful sea lions have made PIER 39's K-Dock their home for decades, delighting visitors with their spirited antics and distinctive barks. Observing these charismatic marine mammals up close and in the “wild” can be a truly amusing, enjoyable, and memorable part of any visit to the Wharf.
   
• Umbrella Alley: Inspired and wonderfully imaginative, Umbrella Alley features colorful murals and whimsical umbrella art installations that can be perfect for Instagram-worthy photos. This interactive alleyway is a creative hotspot that breathes life into local art, with regular updates to its installation. So, one visit to Umbrella Alley is never enough for true art lovers! 
   
• The Truhlsen-Marmor Museum of the Eye: Offering a fascinating journey into the science and history of vision, The Truhlsen-Marmor Museum of the Eye is home to engaging exhibits on everything from eye anatomy to groundbreaking medical innovations. Perfect for curious minds of all ages, this free museum at Fisherman’s Wharf provides a unique blend of education and discovery that can be as enlightening as it is mesmerizing and mind-bending.

Ready to show the kiddos in your life the time of their lives? If so, here are some perfect options for things to do with kids at Fisherman’s Wharf in SF: 

• Aquarium of the Bay: Explore the underwater world of the deep blue sea at Aquarium of the Bay, where kids can walk through mesmerizing glass tunnels surrounded by over 20,000 sea creatures, including sharks and jellyfish. This hands-on experience also features touch pools where little ones can safely interact with sea stars and bat rays, making it interactive, educational, and thrilling.
   
• Cartoon Art Museum: Here, kids can immerse themselves in the whimsical world of comics, cartoons, and animation, diving into interactive exhibits and workshops designed to inspire creativity. With playful displays of beloved characters and behind-the-scenes insights, the Cartoon Art Museum is a charming blend of laughter, history, and so much more, with a little something for the whole family.
   
• Ripley’s Believe It or Not!: Explore the weird and wonderful at Ripley’s Believe It or Not!, where kids can marvel at mind-blowing optical illusions, bizarre artifacts, and engaging exhibits. This memorable adventure can spark curiosity and awe with its mix of oddities and eccentric items from around the globe.
   
• Musée Mécanique: Step back in time at Musée Mécanique, a treasure trove of vintage arcade games and mechanical marvels. In the digital age of virtual reality and artificial intelligence, kids will love trying out old-school games and coin-operated contraptions, taking in a nostalgic and fun hands-on experience unlike anything else.

Want to enjoy a fun day or night in the City with friends, a date, or work colleagues? If you’re looking for a great time and more options for things to do, then you’ll want your plans to involve the Wharf! 

Some cool things for young adults at the Wharf are: 

• GoCar Tours: GoCar Tours are an exhilarating, unconventional way for young adults (and others) to explore San Francisco, with GPS-guided, zippy little cars that give you a narrated tour as you drive. This is a fun mix of adventure and sightseeing, perfect for those who enjoy exploring the City at their own pace.
   
• Escapology: Put your logic, problem-solving, and teamwork skills to the test at Escapology, a themed escape room experience with immersive challenges. Designed with intriguing concepts, puzzles, and “mysteries,” Escapology is a thrilling activity that can bring groups together to deliver one-of-a-kind experiences.
   
• Anchorage Square Shopping: This vibrant shopping hub is filled with trendy stores, hip dining spots, and tons of entertainment options, making it a great hangout spot for young adults.
   
• Red and White San Francisco Bay Cruises: These Bay Cruises offers breathtaking views of the City’s most famous landmarks, including the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz, from the water. Equal parts serene and exhilarating, Red and White SF Bay Cruises can be perfect for young adults looking new adventure and experiences.

When the sunsets, an evening at the Wharf can be absolutely sublime, especially when it includes:

• Waterfront dinner and/or drinks: Treat yourself to an excellent meal that’s nothing short of first-class — or that offers the flawlessly cozy experience you may be craving. From lively pubs and charming restaurants to chic dining spots and world-class seafood, Fisherman’s Wharf is where you can savor some of the best dinner and drinks in the City.
   
• SkyStar Wheel: Romantic and thrilling all at once, the SkyStar Wheel offers an unbeatable nighttime experience complete with stunning San Francisco views of the sparkling City skyline and a star-lit Bay. The glowing Ferris wheel can be a magnificent way to end the day, take a break from walking around, or kick off your magical evening at the Wharf.
   
• A sunset bay cruise: Sail around the Bay for 90 minutes at sunset on a spacious catamaran that will take you by the Golden Gate Bridge. Offered through Adventure Cat Sailing Charters, this sunset Bay sail can be a romantic, serene, and enchanting way to see the City at dusk while experiencing the Bay as the sun dips below the horizon, painting the water in divine shades of gold and pink.
   
• Wine tasting: Enjoy an elegant night out with wine tasting at one of Fisherman’s Wharf’s chic wine bars or tasting rooms, where you and your party can experience local California wines in a relaxed, sophisticated setting. This can be a superb option for wine enthusiasts, as well as large or small groups and anyone looking to unwind in style.