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Fisherman's Wharf of San Francisco
San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf has many unique, interesting and fun attractions that can only be found in the legendary City by the Bay. There is truly something for everyone to enjoy.
While some attractions have a fee, there are a number of free attractions to enjoy as you walk through our Wharf neighborhood. You can see the world famous sea lions at PIER 39, or visit the Maritime Museum (scheduled to reopen late 2009). Take a stroll through Aquatic Park and enjoy the breathtaking views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz.

The early bird gets the fresh catch of the day is very true at Fisherman's Wharf. Go to Fish Alley at the crack of dawn and check out the freshest seafood as it literally is transported from the fishing boats to vendors and wholesalers at throughout the Wharf.

Following is a list of Fisherman's Wharf attractions. Because Fisherman's Wharf has so much to see and do, visitors are recommended to plan accordingly (spread your visit over multiple days, or stay in a Fisherman's Wharf area hotel). You can also purchase tickets to many Fisherman's Wharf attractions in advance here.

Amusing America & Musee Mechanique
Address: Pier 45
Cross Street(s): At Taylor Street
Phone: (415) 346-2000
Web: www.museemechanique.org
Amusing America is the story of participatory commercial amusements in American cities - San Francisco in particular - and how they changed American life. This free attraction at Fisherman’s Wharf invites residents and visitors to take a roller coaster ride into history. From the Gilded Age of the 1800’s and ’90s to World War II new entertainment like world’s fairs, amusement parks, Ferris wheels, dance pavilions, arcades and swimming baths changed the way Americans lived. The Musee Mechanique is one of the world’s largest privately owned collections of mechanically operated musical instruments and antique arcade machines, featuring everything from turn of the century hand-cranked music boxes to modern video arcade games.
Days / Hours of Operation: Amusing America is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. The Musee Mechanique is open weekdays from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.


Aquarium of the Bay
Location: PIER 39
Address: PIER 39
Cross Street(s): At The Embarcadero at Beach Street
Phone: 415-623-5300
Phone 2: 1-888-732-3483
Web: www.aquariumofthebay.com
With 300 ft. of crystal clear underwater tunnels filled with sharks, rays, jelly fish and more than 20,000 other aquatic creatures, visiting Aquarium of the Bay is like skin diving without getting wet. Three touch pools invite visitors to touch sharks, rays and sea stars, while fascinating displays showcase the rich aquatic life that lies below the surface of the San Francisco Bay and its surrounding waters. Everyday is filled with exciting special events – from shark feedings to story hours to nature talks. Both entertaining and educational, Aquarium of the Bay provides a unique window to the Bay’s diverse ecosystems, inspiring preservation of this wonderful natural resource.
Days / Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Summer hours are 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Closed December 25th.
Directions: Aquarium of the Bay is located on Fisherman's Wharf adjacent to PIER 39. Parking is available at the PIER 39 parking garage one block away from the Aquarium. The garage is open 24-hours a day, seven days a week. Aquarium of the Bay does not validate parking, however, visitors who dine at one of PIER 39's full-service restaurants receive one hour free validated parking at lunch and two hours free validated parking after 6 pm for dinner. For more information visit our website.

Boudin Museum and Bakery Tour
Address: 160 Jefferson Street
Cross Street(s): Between Mason and Taylor Streets
Phone: 415-928-1849
Web: www.boudinbakery.com
Learn more about the rich history of Boudin and San Francisco. Our Museum & Bakery Tour invites you to witness history in the baking. Stroll through our collection of historic and interactive exhibits as you observe the bakery in action from the museum’s floor-to-ceiling window walls and glass-walled catwalk.
Days / Hours of Operation: Open Monday, and Wednesday through Friday from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m, and weekends from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.


Frequent Flyers
Address: PIER 39
Cross Street(s): At Beach Street and The Embarcadero
Phone: 415-981-6300
Come try Frequent Flyers - a fun-filled bungee trampoline for all ages. Participants can safely jump up to 20 feet in the air and try their hand at some aerial acrobatics. Jumpers must be at least 30 pounds and under 230 pounds. Admission is $10 per session. For further information, call 415-981-6300.
Days / Hours of Operation: Hours of operation vary by season. Please call for details.
Directions: PIER 39 has convenient visitor parking in the PIER 39 Garage, located directly across the street from the Entrance Plaza.


Hyde Street Pier
Address: Foot of Hyde Street
Cross Street(s): At Jefferson Street
Phone: 415-447-5000
Web: www.nps.gov/safr/
Located at the west end of San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf, this National Park includes the fleet of national historic landmark vessels at Hyde Street Pier, a free visitor center, a free maritime museum, and a library/research facility. For an admission fee, visitors can board the fleet of turn-of-the-century historic ships. The Park offers educational, music and craft programs for all ages, and provides unique opportunities for learning more about the nation's maritime heritage.  Enjoy hands-on exhibits, waysides, videos and tours.  Pier access is free, and offers breathtaking views of the San Francisco Bay and Golden Gate Bridge.
Days / Hours of Operation: Open daily, year-round, 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (October 16-May 30) and 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (Memorial Day-October 15). Closed: New Year's Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day.
Directions: Please visit our website for directions and other visitor information.


Red and White Fleet
Address: Pier 43 1/2
Cross Street(s): At Taylor Street
Phone: 415-673-2900
Web: www.redandwhite.com
Founded in 1892, the family-owned Red and White Fleet is legendary for its exciting San Francisco Cruises™. The company is committed to environmental sustainability, supporting community education, the preservation of San Francisco’s unique history– and offering a fun and spectacular experience to visitors from around the world. Sail aboard the 1-hour Golden Gate Bay Cruise under the Golden Gate and around Alcatraz – San Francisco’s only cruise in 8 languages. Discover San Francisco’s unique Natural History, Architecture, and Native American Culture aboard the 90-minute SF Explorer Cruise. Or, enjoy spectacular sunset views and a hearty appetizer buffet by Boudin in a relaxed twilight atmosphere on the 2-hour California Sunset Cruise.
Days / Hours of Operation: Golden Gate Bay Cruise®: 8-14 daily sailings starting at 10:00 AM
ASF Explorer Cruise: Wed-Sun, from May 21-August 31 @ 3:30 PM
California Sunset Cruise: Evenings from April to October.

For more information please visit www.redandwhite.com
Directions: 

The Red and White Fleet is located at Pier 43 ½ on Fisherman’s Wharf, adjacent to Boudin and the Franciscan Restaurant. Parking is available within one block, at the end of Taylor Street. The Red and White Fleet does not validate parking. MUNI’s F-Line streetcar stops at Jefferson & Taylor. The Taylor Street Cable Car Terminus is only blocks away.
Pier 43 1/2  is convenient to Fisherman's Wharf parking lots and public transit. For more information, please visit the Parking or Public Transit pages.


Ripley's Believe It or Not!
Address: 175 Jefferson St.
Cross Street(s): Between Mason and Taylor
Phone: 415-771- 6188
E-Mail: sanfran@ripleys.com
Web: www.ripleysf.com
Two floors and over 10,000 square feet filled with the strange, the unusual, and the unbelievable! See in person the incredible "Believe It or Nots" you've read about in the Ripley books and cartoons and seen on television.
Days / Hours of Operation: Mid June - Labor Day Sunday through Thursday 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. Rest of the year Sunday through Thursday 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.
Directions: Transportation to and from Ripley's Believe It or Not! in Fisherman’s Wharf is available by both public transit (MUNI lines: 10, 15, 19, 30, 47, 49, the historic F Line street cars and the world famous Powell-Hyde and Powell-Mason cable car lines), ferry, taxi or automobile. For parking information please click here.


Riptide Arcade
Address: PIER 39
Cross Street(s): At Beach Street and The Embarcadero
Phone: 415-981-6300
E-Mail: info@riptidearcade.com
Web: riptidearcade.com/main.html
Riptide Arcade, the largest games arcade in San Francisco, is an action-packed family entertainment center that features more than 100 of the latest cutting-edge video games, virtual reality units, popular novelty games and traditional favorites such as an old-west style shooting gallery. The award-winning prize redemption center is packed with great incentive prizes to satisfy all ages. No matter what skill level, there’s fun for everyone in store at Riptide Arcade. Riptide Arcade is a unique venue to host a memorable event. Purchase of tokens required.
Days / Hours of Operation: Open daily. Hours of operation vary by day of week and season. Please check the Riptide Arcade website for details.
Directions: PIER 39 has convenient visitor parking in the PIER 39 Garage, located directly across the street from the Entrance Plaza.


San Francisco Carousel
Address: PIER 39
Cross Street(s): At Beach Street and The Embarcadero
The San Francisco Carousel, handcrafted in Italy, is intricately hand-painted and depicts famous San Francisco landmarks, including the Golden Gate Bridge, Coit Tower, Chinatown, Lombard Street, Alcatraz and the popular California sea lions at PIER 39. It is the only carousel in the country that has artistic renderings of its home city. Eighteen hundred twinkling lights illuminate this carousel, which features classic moving horses, rocking chariots, spinning tubs and swings. Throughout the ride, patrons hear traditional organ music and see PIER 39’s bustling promenade. The carousel is located on the first level at the Bay end of PIER 39. Cost per ride is $3.00.
Days / Hours of Operation: Open daily. Hours of operation vary by season. Please check the PIER 39 website for details.
Directions: PIER 39 has convenient visitor parking in the PIER 39 Garage, located directly across the street from the Entrance Plaza.

Sea Lions
Address: PIER 39, West Marina
Phone: 415-289-SEAL
Web: www.pier39.com/Attractions/index.htm#SeaLions
The sea lions camped out in PIER 39's West Marina have been endearingly coined, "Sea Lebrities." These boisterous barking pinnipeds started arriving in droves, taking over the docks in January 1990 shortly after the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake. At first they numbered from 10-50, but due to a plentiful herring supply, available dock space and the marina’s protected environment, the population grew to more than 300 within a few months. Each winter, the population can increase up to 900 sea lions, most of which are male. During the summer months, the sea lions migrate south to the Channel Islands for breeding season, but in recent years a small group stays year-round at PIER 39's K-Dock. More information and interactive exhibits are available on Level 2 of PIER 39 at The Marine Mammal Center’s Interpretive Center and Gift Store.
Days / Hours of Operation: Hours vary by day of week and season. Please visit PIER 39 for current information.
Directions: Parking is conveniently located in the PIER 39 Garage directly across from the Entrance Plaza. For directions, please click here. PIER 39 is convenient to several public transit options, including the F Line and Muni bus routes #19, #15, #39.

The Wax Museum at Fisherman's Wharf
Location: The Wax Museum Building
Address: 145 Jefferson St.
Cross Street(s): Between Mason and Taylor
Phone: 415-439-4305
Phone 2: 800-439-4305
Web: www.waxmuseum.com
The Wax Museum at Fisherman’s Wharf features more than 240 life-like wax personalities in 50 all new scenes, many enhanced with informative narrations. Great attention has been given to the artistic lighting, realistic props and backdrops. Guests view all aspects of life as they wander through the Hall of Religion, Chamber of Horrors, King Tut’s Tomb, Palace of Living Art, Gallery of Stars and much, much more. Sports Heroes, Royalty, Master Artisans, United States Presidents, Pulitzer Prize winning Scientists and Humanitarians offer something of interest and enjoyment for everyone. Open 365 days a year, the museum shares its newly constructed 100,000 square foot building with other exciting retail venues, such as Rainforest Cafe, Inc., A Wild Place To Eat And Shop.
Days / Hours of Operation: Daily 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Open everyday of the year....rain or shine! Call for special holiday hours: 415-202-0402
Directions: Transportation to and from the Fisherman’s Wharf area is available by both public transit (MUNI lines: 10, 15, 19, 30, 47, 49, the historic F Line street cars and the world famous Powell-Hyde and Powell-Mason cable car lines), ferry, taxi or automobile. For Fisherman's Wharf parking info please click here.


Theatre 39
Location: PIER 39
Address: PIER 39, Second Level
Cross Street(s): At Beach Street and The Embarcadero
Phone: 415-433-3939
E-Mail: sfboxoffice@yahoo.com
Web: www.theatre39-sf.com/index.html
Theatre 39 opened to the San Francisco Bay Area and Fisherman’s Wharf Community in April of 2005.
Days / Hours of Operation: Box Office Hours are Sunday, Monday and Tuesday 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Wednesday through Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Directions: Parking is conveniently located in the PIER 39 Garage directly across from the Entrance Plaza. For directions, please visit the PIER 39 website. PIER 39 is convenient to several public transit options, including the F Line and Muni bus routes #19, #15, #39.

USS Pampanito
Address: Pier 45
Cross Street(s): At East side of Shed A
Phone: 415-561-6662
Web: www.maritime.org
USS Pampanito (SS-383) is a World War II Balao class Fleet submarine museum and memorial that is open for visitors daily at San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf. Pampanito made six patrols in the Pacific during World War II during which she sank six Japanese ships and damaged four others.
Days / Hours of Operation: October 14 until May 23: Sunday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.  Friday and Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
May 24 until October 13: 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m every day except Wednesday. Wednesdays, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Closed: New Years Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day.
Directions: Please visit our website for directions.


Wharf Pass
Address: 165 Jefferson Street
Cross Street(s): Between Mason and Taylor
Phone: 415-440-4474
Phone 2: 866-550-4474
Web: www.wharfpass.com
For ONE LOW PRICE, enjoy: * Your Choice of the Best Fisherman's Wharf Attractions * A Popular Sightseeing Hop On Hop Off Tour of San Francisco * A San Francisco Bay Cruise Under the Golden Gate Bridge * Additional Discounts at 35 Wharf Area Shopping, Dining, Activity and Tour Destinations. Save even more! * With Wharf Pass You Save Up To $29.00 on the Attractions, Cruises and Tours Plus More With the Other 35 Valuable Discounts. It’s easy! Present your Wharf Pass at each attraction or tour and you're in. Beginning the day you first use your Wharf Pass, you have three days to visit each attraction once. That's six of twelve attractions to see over the course of three days – what a value!
Directions: Please click here for a list of Wharf Pass ticket sales locations in San Francisco. Wharf Pass is also available to order online, with easy print at home tickets!  Please click here to purchase.


 

Historic Ships

Sea Lions

World-Famous Wax Museum

 

 

 
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