Fisherman’s Wharf
Zoe’s top things to do in Fisherman’s Wharf.
For those looking for activities near Fisherman’s Wharf, you can’t get much closer than Hotel Zoe. Step outside the front doors and you’ll find yourself in the middle of all things emblematic of San Francisco. Hop on a cable car, explore the bohemian charm of North Beach, take a stroll along the Pier 39 boardwalk, or take the ferry to Alcatraz Island. All the top activities in San Francisco are at your feet.
Fisherman’s Wharf
Fabled Fisherman’s Wharf is one mile long and stretches back decades into the most colorful years of San Francisco’s history. The iconic site was important in the days of tall ships, Barbary Coast roustabouts, and Gold Rush fever.
Popular with sea lions and tourists, Fisherman’s Wharf is full of shops, silly museums, and family fun. Kids love Ripley’s Believe it or Not! Museum, the Hyde Street Pier with its historic clipper ships, the Wax Museum, the Aquarium. and the Hornblower boat tours of the Bay.
Still a working wharf, its vendors sell thousands of tons of fish and shellfish. Take an early morning walk down Fish Alley to see fishermen at work. For maritime-lovers and WWII buffs, the San Francisco Maritime Museum is at the foot of Polk St. and the massive USS Pampanito is docked right at Pier 45.
Hyde Street Cable Cars
The city’s famous cable cars are a must-do when you visit San Francisco.
There are three cable car lines in the city, two of which connect with Fisherman’s Wharf, the Mason-Powell line and the Powell-Hyde line. Both take you past Union Square and up Nob Hill.
Cross over on the Mason-Powell line into North Beach, which is the longest transit line in the world and has been running continuously since 1888.
The Powell-Hyde line is located conveniently just outside the hotel and travels through Russian Hill and past Lombard Street. On the descent towards Fisherman’s Wharf, you’ll get a fantastic view of Alcatraz, Angel Island, Mount Tamalpais, and the Golden Gate Bridge.
Avoid the inevitable wait to board by riding the California Street line, usually used only by locals for commuting. This line will take you through the Financial District, the Battery, into the heart of Chinatown, and up into Nob Hill.
Pier 39
Our Fisherman’s Wharf hotel near Pier 39 makes this popular San Francisco destination incredibly easy to access.
Here, shops, restaurants, boutiques, and more cluster on the pier, and sunset catamaran rides under the Golden Gate Bridge takeoff daily. From your seat at a Pier 39 cafe, views of iconic sites such as the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz are spectacular, as is the people watching.
Don’t miss the crown jewel of Pier 39, the Aquarium of the Bay. Featuring thousands of local sea creatures, this is your chance to go eye to eye with an array of denizens of the deep as you walk through oversized clear tubes that leave you surrounded, literally, by San Francisco’s aquatic residents.
SF Maritime National Historic Park
The National Park’s Visitors Center and Interactive Museum is located just a short stroll away from our San Francisco boutique hotel. At the Maritime National Historical Museum, you can view vintage navigation equipment, experience a sensory “Walk Along the Waterfront” exhibit recreating the sights and sound of the wharf’s Golden Era, and much more.
If you have dreamt of going back in time to raise sails on an historic schooner and sing sea shanties, you can do that in the park. Or walk over to Hyde Park Pier, where majestic ships such as the Balclutha and CA Thayer are moored. There are also ranger-led tours of the park and guided historic walking tours of the waterfront, or simply stroll the quiet paths while taking in the incredible Bay views.
Ghirardelli Square
Temptation lives in San Francisco in the National Historic site Ghirardelli Square, home to the chocolate company dating back to the early 1800s. A short walk from the hotel, you’ll see history that covers more than a century. From the original factory buildings to the shops and restaurants, you’re sure to find great retail and countless ways to consume the famous Ghirardelli Chocolate.
Musée Méchanique
If you’re fascinated by old-fashioned penny-arcade games, now is your chance to get hands-on. The Musée Méchanique, located on Fisherman’s Wharf at Pier 45, allows you to play the coin-operated mechanical musical instruments and antique arcade machines – all you need are some coins! They have games dating all the way back to the 1800’s famed traveling carnivals as well as those that are more modern, from the 20th century. Bring your change and your spirit of fun; the museum is a fun interlude on Fisherman’s Wharf. Entry is free.
San Francisco Dungeon
The San Francisco Dungeon brings to life the authentic tales of the Bay Area’s dark history through theatrical actors, special effects, gripping storytelling, and 360° sets. The hysterically horrible engaging stories will take you through nine live shows as you experience reenacted scenes from the colorful Gold Rush era to authentic tales about the Barbary Coast criminal gangs, Alcatraz, Shanghai Kelly, and more. It’s the ultimate live action expedition to see, hear, smell, and feel the experience of early San Francisco as you move from show to show guided by our professional actors. Be prepared for hilarious fun – and a few mild scares.
Madame Tussauds San Francisco
Madame Tussauds has brought their unique blend of glitz and glamour to their popular San Francisco location. Get ready to photograph and pose with your favorite A-listers, challenge sports legends, hop on stage with international pop icons, and experience the true “Spirit of San Francisco.” This fun and unique attraction highlights milestone moments throughout history and in contemporary culture – both from around the world and in San Francisco.
Explore with Us
As a lover of adventure and the city of San Francisco, Zoe is here to ensure you see the best of the city. Contact our concierge to start planning today.
Explore with Us
As a lover of adventure and the city of San Francisco, Zoe is here to ensure you see the best of the city. Contact our concierge to start planning today.
PACKAGES & OFFERS
Breakfast with Zoe
Kick start your day of explorations in the city with breakfast for two in the heart of Fisherman’s Wharf.
Stay More, Play More
It’s hard to see all of San Francisco’s sights in only 24 hours, especially when you’re staying at the hotel in the heart of it all. For a limited time, we’re offering extra savings for each extra night you book.
ADDRESS
Hotel Zoe Fisherman’s Wharf
425 North Point Street
San Francisco, CA 94133
HOTEL DIRECT
ROOM RESERVATIONS
AWARDS & PRESS
#11 “12 Best Hotels in San Francisco”
Condé Nast Traveler, 2022
#2 Best Hotel in Fisherman’s Wharf
U.S. News & World Report, 2022
Travelers’ Choice Award Winner
TripAdvisor, 2022
