Hotels in Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco

Once a fleet of hundreds of fishing boats called the Wharf home, helping to land fish to feed a growing city. Today, Fisherman's Wharf plays host to 12 million tourists a year. They come here to be entertained by attractions that range from waxworks and submarines to wild sea lions and the infamous Alcatraz. And, of course, they also come to sample the fresh seafood delicacies still being harvested from the Pacific.

Hotels in Fisherman's Wharf

With such a large numbers of tourists to cater for, this neighborhood has plenty of hotels. Squeezed between the harbor-front and Bay Street, accommodation in Fisherman's Wharf covers a wide spectrum. Some hotels, like the Fairmont Heritage Place, offer premium 5-star luxury and stunning harbor views. Other boutique hotels, such as the Hotel Zephyr, are smaller, serving up a quirky styling alongside their Bay vistas. Still others, standing further back from the sea, can promise affordable rates alongside good service and a certain charm. An example of such hotel in Fisherman's Wharf is the San Remo, which simply oozes quaint Victorian charm.

Things to see in Fisherman's Wharf

Pier 39 is the lively focal point of the Wharf's nautical attractions. It is home to seafood restaurants, street performers, fascinating stores, and marinas packed with boats. It also has its very own colony of sea lions which haul themselves onto the one-time berths of the city's fishing fleet. The Aquarium of the Bay is here too, complete with a walk-though submarine tunnel and ponds for interacting with all sorts of marine creatures. Themed attractions abound along the Wharf's waterfront: the Wax Museum at Fisherman's Wharf, with its 250 waxwork models; the packaged quirkiness of Ripley's Believe It Or Not! Museum; and the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, telling the tale of sea travel. Here you 'clamber aboard' a square rigged sailboat, a steam ferryboat or a schooner used for hauling timber. Lastly, don't forget Fish Alley, where the few remaining fishermen of the Wharf still land their catch daily.

Good for Families

Those with kids will definitely enjoy a stay at one of Fisherman's Wharf's family-friendly hotels. There are kid-friendly hotels close by to suit all tastes and budgets, and plenty to keep everyone entertained. The themed attractions, of course, provide a chance for entertaining and educating the little ones. There's even a small beach at the Aquatic Park, when the weather is sunny. Parents will appreciate the opportunity to try out seafood delicacies at the Wharf's restaurants, including the famous clam chowder. And, of course cruises beckon for the more adventurous, whether across the Bay, or over to the brooding menace of Alcatraz.

How to get to Fisherman's Wharf

Those coming by car to Fisherman's Wharf have a choice of routes: the Golden Gate Bridge from the north; the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge from the east; or the 101 highway from the south. But be aware that parking is limited here. Those flying in will need to catch the Pittsburg/Baypoint BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) to Powell Street from the airport. Then you should take the Powell-Hyde Cable Car into to the Wharf area. Once you're settled in, the district is easy to walk, but who would miss the chance to travel in Fisherman's Wharf on an historic Streetcar.