Tucked away at the northern coast of
San Francisco, Fisherman's Wharf is a novel neighborhood in the big city. The place looks and feels like a small coastal town, with more yachts than buildings in the area. You'd hardly feel you're still in a major metropolis like San Francisco when you stroll through its piers, though the crowds will undoubtedly bring you back to reality. So why is it such a popular and prominent neighborhood in the city? Fisherman's Wharf is as much a famous tourist attraction as it is a local district. There's a lot to see, do, and even eat here, which never fails to lure in locals and tourists alike.
Where is Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco?
Fisherman's Wharf lies along the northern coast of San Francisco, right by the bay. Located north of Bay Street, the place is even a fair distance away from the city's other, equally prominent waterfront districts. But don't let its coastal area fool you! Fisherman's Wharf remains one of
San Francisco's central neighborhoods, especially since it's not too far from the city center itself, Union Square. With only about a mile between Fisherman's Wharf and Union Square, it's easy enough for anyone to get to the city center and back from here.
Is it Safe in Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco?
Despite how high
San Francisco's crime rates tend to get, Fisherman's Wharf remains generally safe. It helps that since it's a fairly popular tourist attraction, the area gets a lot of traffic. This is the type of liveliness and crowdedness that helps keep dangerous characters away, especially during the day. You do have to be wary of scammers, though, and at night, the coast does get a little sketchy, but overall, you'll be fine here. As long as you take the necessary safety precautions, especially after dark, then there's virtually nothing to worry about.
What's The Vibe in Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco?
Similar to San Francisco's other waterfront districts, Fisherman's Wharf livens up the northern coast with its bright tourist attractions, awesome eateries, and all sorts of waterfront fun. It's a commercial hub as it is an entertainment district, providing enough space for local businesses to thrive and survive. Family-friendly spots like Ghirardelli Square and the SkyStar Observation Wheel make it a place for all ages, arguably even more so than the city's more popular areas. Hence, it's no wonder many people who've
moved to San Francisco, specifically families, have no trouble settling down here.
Is it Expensive in Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco?
“Pricey” is a more accurate description of Fisherman's Wharf.
San Francisco's living costs are generally high, so there's no denying that even this neighborhood is far from cheap, but it's still not enough to be truly considered expensive. Go to affluent areas like Union Square or Pacific Heights to know what expensive areas are truly like, and you'll see that even Fisherman's Wharf will come out looking more affordable. Even more so, since the average rent here is only about $2,500.00 per month, considerably lower than the city-wide average of around $3,400.00 per month.
What to See in Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco
When you see that classic helm named “Fisherman's Wharf,” you'll know you're in the neighborhood of the same name. This is one of the many notable sights to see in this coastal district, practically serving as the area's symbol altogether. As for the neighborhood's mascot, the seals in Pier 39 undoubtedly take up that position. These cute sea lions sit and sleep on the wooden piers of the waterfront district, drawing in locals and tourists alike with their bright, rubbery skin and adorable barks. And if you want to see more marine life in the Bay Area, go to the Aquarium of the Bay nearby!
What to Do in Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco
While the entire city is considered “bayside,” Fisherman's Wharf truly offers the lively, coastal lifestyle in the Bay Area. Waterfront activities and attractions define the neighborhood, from its serene bay views to its myriad of seafood restaurants. You can catch a glimpse of Pier 39's famous seals or see more marine life at the Aquarium by The Bay, helping to feel closer to the bay without getting into the water yourself. And if you're up for a little history, learn all about this historic dock by going to the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park.
The Best Restaurants in Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco
What's so special about San Francisco as a foodie destination is that it has certain neighborhoods that highlight specific cuisines. Chinatown boasts flavorful Chinese food, Japantown serves authentic Japanese dishes and delicacies, and even the Mission District champions Latin-American cuisine. As for Fisherman's Wharf, one of the city's many waterfront districts, sumptuous seafood is the name of the game here. Chowder's on Beach Street to Crab House or Fog Harbor Fish House at Pier 39, you can indulge in the Bay Area's finest seafood here. What's not to love?
Enjoy any or all of the finest eateries in Fisherman’s Wharf:
- Cafe de Casa on Beach Street
- Chowder's on Beach Street
- Crab House at Pier 39 on Beach Street
- Surisan on Beach Street
- Pier Market Seafood Restaurant on 39 Pier
- Fog Harbor Fish House on 39 Pier
- Scoma's Restaurant on Al Scoma Way
- Cioppino's on Jefferson Street
- The Buena Vista on Hyde Street
- Franciscan Crab Restaurant on Pier 43
What to Know About Renting in Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco
As already mentioned, Fisherman's Wharf has fairly affordable rent compared to the rest of the city. While the average rent in San Francisco is generally around $3,400.00 per month, it's only about $2,500.00 per month in this waterfront neighborhood. This alone makes it one of the most affordable parts of the Bay Area, which is becoming more notoriously expensive as time goes by. And though this $2,500.00 per month mostly applies to the smaller
luxury apartments to rent in San Francisco, the difference in prices is still enough for many to consider settling down in Fisherman's Wharf.
Escape to the north of San Francisco to discover Fisherman's Wharf, one of the city's finest neighborhoods. This waterfront area has a lot to offer to both locals and tourists alike, so much so that you’ll never get bored here!
