How to See Alcatraz Island When You Visit San Francisco
A prison isn’t usually a tourist destination, but Alcatraz Island in San Francisco is a major exception. Touring the historic former penitentiary is…
Fisherman’s Wharf Walking Tour With Optional SkyStar or Bay Cruise
Discover rich history and scenic spots on SF’s famous waterfront
$39
€34
£30
C$55
A$59
-
Local experts
Personal stories and insider travel tips -
Top-rated
Thousands of reviews averaging 4.9 stars -
Worry-free booking
Flexible scheduling and refunds
$39
€34
£30
C$55
A$59
<p>$29 per child</p>
$39
€34
£30
C$55
A$59
-
Local experts
Personal stories and insider travel tips -
Top-rated
Thousands of reviews averaging 4.9 stars -
Worry-free booking
Flexible scheduling and refunds
Fisherman’s Wharf tour highlights
- Discover one of the most famous waterfront districts in the world with a local who knows its secrets.
- Learn about the 49ers, Ghirardelli chocolate, the Barbary Coast, and much more.
- Enjoy views of the bay and Golden Gate Bridge as your guide tells you about Alcatraz Island.
- Get recommendations on the best treats to try here, like fresh sourdough and Dungeness crab.
- Upgrade to soar 150 feet in the air on the new SkyStar with panoramic views of the harbor.
- Add on a bay cruise to see the Golden Gate Bridge and more from the water.
What you'll do
It’s hard to imagine the vibrant city of San Francisco as the sleepy village it once was before the gold rush of 1849, but our Fisherman’s Wharf walking tour will paint a picture of the history behind the area’s transformation and help you understand what’s wonderful ...
It’s hard to imagine the vibrant city of San Francisco as the sleepy village it once was before the gold rush of 1849, but our Fisherman’s Wharf walking tour will paint a picture of the history behind the area’s transformation and help you understand what’s wonderful about this bayside district today.
We’ll start at Aquatic Park on the northern waterfront, an amazing scenic viewpoint to take your first picture-perfect photos of the day. Take in the stunning views of the bay and Golden Gate Bridge as you listen to your local tour guide share the history of the infamous Alcatraz Island.
From there, you’ll be treated to Ghirardelli Square — not the chocolate, but the iconic chocolate factory turned shopping and dining destination. Learn the delicious origin story of the Italian chocolatier, Domenico Ghirardelli, and be sure to snag some of those famous chocolate squares.
As we stroll along the (often) fog-lined waterfront of Fisherman’s Wharf, visit the seafood restaurants and stalls selling everything from fresh Dungeness crab to sourdough. Ask your tour guide for recommendations!
Our walking tour will take us along part of the historic Barbary Coast Trail and some of the waterfront’s picturesque piers. Snap a selfie with the adorable sea lions that overrun Pier 39 in the background, and prepare to be mesmerized by the historic ships docked at Hyde Street Pier.
We’ll finish the guided portion of our tour at San Francisco’s beautiful Embarcadero Promenade, famous for its spectacular sites and art deco streetcars. Upgrade to add on a SkyStar ticket, and ride the observation wheel three times for amazing views of the city from 150 feet up. Or opt to see the city from the water on a one-hour bay cruise (audio guide included) for spectacular photo ops of the waterfront, the Golden Gate Bridge, and more.
Fisherman’s Wharf itinerary
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Aquatic Park
A scenic viewpoint of Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge, and more
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Ghirardelli Square
Known for its iconic chocolate factory turned shopping and dining destination
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Fisherman's Wharf Waterfront
Full of seafood restaurants, souvenir shops, and sometimes even street performers
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Barbary Coast Trail
A trip back in time through San Francisco’s history
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Pier 39
Where sea lions bask in the sun on floating docks
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Hyde Street Pier
Featuring ships from SF’s maritime past
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Embarcadero Promenade
San Francisco’s prettiest promenade with spectacular waterfront views and art deco streetcars
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Optional upgrade: SkyStar Wheel
A ride in your own glass-enclosed gondola, 150 feet in the air
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Optional upgrade: Bay Cruise
Featuring skyline views, history, and a scenic cruise under the Golden Gate Bridge
Plan your trip
Bay cruise upgrade
This upgrade includes a bay cruise with spectacular views of the Golden Gate Bridge, skyline, and more. Your guide will help you find your boat.
Accessibility
This tour is accessible for strollers and wheelchairs.
Refund policy
We offer a 100% refund up to 24 hours before the start time.
Reviews
Perfect day
Kenan did a wonderful job explaining San Francisco history and was also very funny.
Fantastic tour with a local
If you’re visiting Fisherman’s Wharf, you need to take this tour. I particularly liked our guide's stories of Italians’ role in the Gold Rush.
10/10
Great experience! Learned so much history and information about the area. Definitely an experience to remember.
Good experience on walking tour
Our tour guide was very nice and made great recommendations on places to eat! It was interesting to hear about the city!
Fisherman’s Wharf Walking Tour
Sharlene was a great tour guide, giving us the history of the area where we visited.
Great excursion
John's tour was great! Very knowledgeable, informative, and entertaining! Beautiful day in San Francisco.
10/5 star review!
Phenomenal tour guide! His deep knowledge, engaging storytelling, and enthusiasm made our Fisherman’s Wharf tour unforgettable.
Fabulous, fun intro to Fisherman’s Wharf!
Sharlene’s family stories about local businesses & landmarks were great. Especially enjoyed the Musée Méchanique.
Really good tour
ust the right length. Enough information to keep you interested but not too long that you get bored. Highly recommend.
Best Alcatraz tour prelude
Jamie was extremely personable and entertaining. I definitely recommend this tour as a prelude to your Alcatraz visit.
Great experience
Robert was a great guide. My family (3 of us) really appreciated his insights. Would recommend to anyone visiting Fisherman’s Wharf.
Meeting point
Where we meet
Beach St & Hyde St, San Francisco, CA 94109, USA
Open map
We’ll meet at the Fisherman’s Wharf sign, across the street from the Buena Vista Cafe, which is located at 2765 Hyde St. Your guide will be holding an orange sign with “ExperienceFirst” written on it.
Fisherman’s Wharf Walking Tour FAQs
How much walking is there?
Our tour of Fisherman’s Wharf includes a mile of walking at a moderate pace. If mobility is an issue, please arrange for a private tour.
Is this tour accessible?
Yes, this tour, the SkyStar Wheel, and the cruise are accessible for strollers and wheelchairs.
What is the rescheduling policy?
We understand plans change. We offer a 100% refund or the option to reschedule up to 24 hours prior to your tour start time. Within 24 hours of your tour, we would have incurred hard costs and therefore cannot allow rescheduling or cancellation without costs.
When should I get there?
Plan to show up 15 minutes early. The tour starts promptly, and you may not be able to catch up if you arrive late.
What if it rains?
Our tours run rain or shine. If there’s extreme weather and we have to cancel, you’ll get a full refund.
Are gratuities included?
Tips aren’t included but are always appreciated by our guides. If you think your guide did an outstanding job, a tip is a great way to show that.
Do you have gift certificates?
Yes! If you want to give the gift of San Francisco (or any of our destinations) to someone else, you can purchase a tour gift card. Our gift cards are good for any of our tours, and they never expire.
SF travel guides
How to See Alcatraz Island When You Visit San Francisco
How Fisherman’s Wharf Became Famous — And What To See Today
Every major city has a designated “tourist zone” that visitors love but locals tend to avoid, and in San Francisco, it’s Fisherman’s Wharf…
