Fisherman’s Wharf Walking Tour With SkyStar Wheel

History, flavors, and breathtaking views on a picturesque waterfront

$53 per adult

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  • Local experts
    Personal stories and insider travel tips
  • Top-rated
    Thousands of reviews averaging 4.9 stars
  • Worry-free booking
    Flexible scheduling and refunds

$53 per adult

$53 per adult

review-star
  • Local experts
    Personal stories and insider travel tips
  • Top-rated
    Thousands of reviews averaging 4.9 stars
  • Worry-free booking
    Flexible scheduling and refunds

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.
  • Soar 150 feet in the air on the new SkyStar with panoramic views of the city and harbor.

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. Use the SkyStar ticket included with your tour to ride the observation wheel three times and get amazing snapshots of the city from 150 feet up.

Itinerary

  • Aquatic Park

    A scenic viewpoint of Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge, and more

  • Ghirardelli Square

    Known for its iconic chocolate factory turned shopping and dining destination

  • Waterfront

    Featuring food stalls with clam chowder, Dungeness crab, and sourdough

  • Barbary Coast Trail

    A portion of the historic trail that was once a red-light district

  • Pier 39

    For sea lions and historic ships

  • Hyde Street Pier

    Featuring ships from SF’s maritime past

  • Embarcadero Promenade

    Filled with amusement piers, art deco streetcars, and restaurants

  • Alcatraz

    Self-guided tour of the island and historic prison with roundtrip cruise tickets included

Plan your trip

Tour ending point

This tour ends at the SkyStar Wheel.

Refund policy

We offer a 100% refund up to 24 hours before the start time.

Meeting point

Meet your ExperienceFirst guide on the corner across the street from the Buena Vista Cafe, which is located at 2765 Hyde St.

FAQs

How much walking is there?

This tour covers about a mile of walking at a leisurely pace. If mobility is an issue, please arrange for a private tour.

Is this tour accessible?

Yes, this tour and the SkyStar Wheel 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.