12 Things To Do In Fisherman's Wharf

Fisherman’s Wharf is packed with classic San Francisco experiences, and during our 7-day trip, we made it a point to explore them all. From touring Alcatraz to sipping Irish Coffee at The Buena Vista, we visited every stop on this list and actually ate at these places too. Here’s what we did, ranked from the biggest must-dos to the more casual stops you can fit in if you have extra time.

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Table Of Contents

1. Tour Alcatraz Island

Inside view of Alcatraz prison cells with barred doors and walkways, a historic site near Fisherman’s Wharf — Image Credit: Bae Area and Beyond

Alcatraz is easily the #1 must-do in San Francisco. The ferry ride sets the tone with incredible bay views, but the real highlight is the self-guided audio tour through the prison cells, it’s way more powerful than being herded around in a group. Plan at least 2-3 hours because there’s so much to see, from the haunting cellblocks to surprisingly pretty gardens and the noisy bird sanctuary (fair warning: it can smell in spots). Rangers and staff are welcoming, and tickets sell out quickly, so book ahead on the official site.

2. Watch Sea Lions at Pier 39

Group of sea lions lounging on wooden docks at Pier 39 in Fisherman’s Wharf with a crane and waterfront in the distance — Image Credit: Bae Area and Beyond

The sea lions at Pier 39 are one of the most fun and free attractions in San Francisco. Since 1990, these noisy and playful animals have made the floating docks their home, and watching them never gets old. You’ll see them barking, napping, splashing into the water, and shoving each other around for the best sunbathing spots. It’s chaotic and hilarious at the same time.

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3. Ride the Cable Car

San Francisco cable car carrying passengers uphill near Fisherman’s Wharf on a sunny day — Image Credit: Bae Area and Beyond

Riding a San Francisco cable car is one of those touristy things that’s completely worth it. The Powell-Hyde line is the top pick for its sweeping views of the bay and those famous steep hills, and the whole ride feels like stepping back in time. To make it easy, grab tickets through the MUNI app or load a Clipper Card on your phone. Be sure to check out the cable car turntable at the end of the line, it’s still operated by hand and fun to watch. This ride is more than just transportation; it’s a classic San Francisco experience that’s been part of the city’s history for over 150 years.

4. Sip Irish Coffee at The Buena Vista

A glass of Irish Coffee served at The Buena Vista, the historic café recognized as one of the Best Spots to eat in San Francisco. — Image Credit: Bae Area and Beyond

The Buena Vista is a San Francisco landmark and the birthplace of Irish Coffee in the US. Watching the bartenders line up steaming glasses and top them with cream is half the fun, it’s like a mini show with every order. The drink is strong, smooth, and perfectly balanced. If you can, grab a seat at the bar for the full experience, or enjoy the views of the bay from a table. Beyond the coffee, the food is solid too, clam chowder in a bread bowl is a local favorite. This spot feels classic without being overly touristy.

5. Eat a Sourdough Bread Bowl at Boudin Bakery

A sourdough bread bowl filled with creamy clam chowder at Boudin Bakery, one of the Best Spots to eat in San Francisco. — Image Credit: Bae Area and Beyond

Boudin Bakery is a San Francisco icon, famous for its sourdough bread bowls filled with hot, creamy chowder. The starter they use has been alive for over 100 years, which gives the bread its signature tangy flavor. Beyond the chowder, you’ll find sandwiches, pastries, and even fun bread shapes on display, it’s as much about the experience as the food. The Jefferson St location is always busy, but lines move quickly, and you can watch bakers shaping loaves through the demo windows while you wait.

6. Play Vintage Games at Musée Mécanique

Entrance to Musée Mécanique arcade at Fisherman’s Wharf with red and white painted doors and a free admission sign — Image Credit: Bae Area and Beyond

Musée Mécanique is one of San Francisco’s quirkiest hidden gems. Entry is free, and inside you’ll find 300+ vintage arcade machines, fortune tellers, and mechanical oddities that run on quarters. Some are laugh-out-loud funny, others are downright creepy. You’ll spot everything from old fortune-telling automatons to vintage photo booths and even a steam-powered motorcycle. The mix of old and new games makes it feel less like a museum and more like a giant playground for all ages.

7. Hop on the Big Bus Tour

Big Bus Tour office at Fisherman’s Wharf with signs for hop-on hop-off tours and a ferris wheel peeking in the background — Image Credit: Bae Area and Beyond

The Big Bus Tour is perfect if you want to see San Francisco’s top spots without wearing out your legs. The hop-on, hop-off setup makes it easy to explore at your own pace, with stops at big landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge, Painted Ladies, and Ferry Building. You can ride the whole loop for city views and history, or grab a 48-hour pass to split it up and even take the sunset tour out to Treasure Island. It does get windy on the open top (especially through Golden Gate Bridge), so bring a hoodie. The buses run often, so you’ll wait for 15-20 minutes max.

8. Browse Souvenirs at Pier 39

Pier 39 shopping area at Fisherman’s Wharf with people walking by stores, including Hard Rock Cafe and souvenir shops — Image Credit: Bae Area and Beyond

Pier 39 is packed with souvenir shops that are equal parts cheesy and fun. You’ll find everything from crab-shaped magnets and Golden Gate Bridge snow globes to cable car mugs and quirky T-shirts. There are over 50 little stores to poke around in, including a famous shop just for left-handers. Plus, shopping here comes with bonus views of the bay, Alcatraz, and the bridges, so even if you don’t buy much, it’s worth the wander.

9. Snap a Pic at the Fisherman’s Wharf Sign

Famous Fisherman’s Wharf sign shaped like a ship wheel with a vintage green streetcar passing by on a cloudy day — Image Credit: Bae Area and Beyond

The Fisherman’s Wharf sign is one of San Francisco’s most photographed landmarks and a quick, classic stop. The big wooden ship wheel with a crab in the center is instantly recognizable and makes for a great shot to mark your visit. It’s right at the entrance to the Wharf, surrounded by seafood vendors and souvenir shops.

10. Find the Harry Potter Chamber of Secrets Door on Leavenworth St

Decorative residential doors on Leavenworth Street near Fisherman’s Wharf, one featuring a serpent design and another with a dragon figure — Image Credit: Bae Area and Beyond

The Harry Potter “Chamber of Secrets” door on Leavenworth St is a quirky little stop for Potter fans. It’s just a residential door with some really cool metalwork, including a serpent design that feels straight out of the books. There’s no line, no fee, and no big attraction; it’s simply a fun photo op if you’re nearby. The homeowners are fine with people snapping pictures as long as you’re respectful and don’t disturb them.

11. Grab a Bite at New Thai Elephant

Authentic Thai dishes including green curry, pork belly, and rice at New Thai Elephant, featured among the Best Spots to eat in San Francisco. — Image Credit: Bae Area and Beyond

New Thai Elephant is a cozy, no-frills spot that serves up solid Thai food with friendly service. Dishes like crispy pork belly with basil, red curry, and Pad See Ew come out flavorful and well-cooked, and the Thai iced tea (served with a cute bear-shaped ice mold) is a favorite. Portions are generous, prices are reasonable, and the place is filled with murals and elephant touches on the walls.

12. Learn about Maritime History at Maritime Museum

The Maritime Museum is a small but fascinating stop at Aquatic Park, and the best part, it’s free. Inside, you’ll find beautiful 1930s murals and exhibits that bring San Francisco’s seafaring past to life. Check out the display on Kenichi Horie’s solo voyage across the Pacific. While the historic ships are temporarily off-site due to pier construction, the museum itself is still worth a visit.

12 Things To Do In Fisherman’s Wharf