Fisherman's Wharf Walking Tour (Self Guided), San Francisco
Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco—here, the smell of salt air meets the scent of sizzling crab, and history rubs elbows with souvenir shops... Once a scrappy working harbor, this stretch of the city’s waterfront is now one of San Francisco's most iconic and visited destinations. Over the years, it's seen it all—gold fever, immigrant grit, and now, selfie sticks galore.
The area's story kicks off in the mid-19th century, when the Gold Rush turned the city into one big magnet for dreamers and schemers. During the 1850s, Henry Meiggs, an ambitious developer with, let's say, flexible finances, built Meiggs Wharf to extend downtown westward. And though his personal fortunes sank faster than a bad investment, his pier became the anchor for what would eventually become Fisherman’s Wharf. Over time, rail lines, seawalls, and a whole lot of dock work reshaped the shoreline into the bustling waterfront we know today.
By 1900, the area between Taylor and Leavenworth Streets was officially the city’s fishing harbor, and after the 1906 earthquake, Italian immigrants brought it roaring back to life. Their wooden fishing boats, called “feluccas,” dotted the bay, hauling in crab, cod, and whatever else was biting. Those same people gave the district its enduring character—equal parts hard work and good food...
Then came the 1970s and 80s, when the city planners decided it was time for a glow-up. Reimagining Fisherman’s Wharf as a leisure and cultural destination, they saw piers turn into playgrounds. Chief among them was Pier 39, opened in 1978. Complete with its mix of shops and seafood joints, today it remains the waterfront's star attraction, offering views of Alcatraz Island and the bay, alongside the Aquarium of the Bay and the Sea Lion Center, where visitors can watch the famous sea lions, basking on the docks.
Along Jefferson Street, open-air seafood stalls, musicians, and small museums maintain the area’s lively street culture. The Boudin Bakery Museum showcases San Francisco’s sourdough masterpieces, while the Mechanical Museum at Pier 45 invites visitors to explore a unique collection of vintage arcade games. Nearby, the historic ships USS Pampanito and SS Jeremiah O’Brien—both survivors of World War II—are still proudly afloat, offering an immersive look into naval heritage.
Despite its tourist-centric evolution, Fisherman’s Wharf has retained elements of its original working-harbor identity. Look closer and you’ll still spot real fishing boats bobbing in the marina and the Maritime National Historical Park keeping the city’s nautical soul alive. With its blend of history, hustle, and coastal scenery—plus the occasional honking sea lion—Fisherman’s Wharf continues to reflect the enduring appeal of San Francisco’s waterfront.
The area's story kicks off in the mid-19th century, when the Gold Rush turned the city into one big magnet for dreamers and schemers. During the 1850s, Henry Meiggs, an ambitious developer with, let's say, flexible finances, built Meiggs Wharf to extend downtown westward. And though his personal fortunes sank faster than a bad investment, his pier became the anchor for what would eventually become Fisherman’s Wharf. Over time, rail lines, seawalls, and a whole lot of dock work reshaped the shoreline into the bustling waterfront we know today.
By 1900, the area between Taylor and Leavenworth Streets was officially the city’s fishing harbor, and after the 1906 earthquake, Italian immigrants brought it roaring back to life. Their wooden fishing boats, called “feluccas,” dotted the bay, hauling in crab, cod, and whatever else was biting. Those same people gave the district its enduring character—equal parts hard work and good food...
Then came the 1970s and 80s, when the city planners decided it was time for a glow-up. Reimagining Fisherman’s Wharf as a leisure and cultural destination, they saw piers turn into playgrounds. Chief among them was Pier 39, opened in 1978. Complete with its mix of shops and seafood joints, today it remains the waterfront's star attraction, offering views of Alcatraz Island and the bay, alongside the Aquarium of the Bay and the Sea Lion Center, where visitors can watch the famous sea lions, basking on the docks.
Along Jefferson Street, open-air seafood stalls, musicians, and small museums maintain the area’s lively street culture. The Boudin Bakery Museum showcases San Francisco’s sourdough masterpieces, while the Mechanical Museum at Pier 45 invites visitors to explore a unique collection of vintage arcade games. Nearby, the historic ships USS Pampanito and SS Jeremiah O’Brien—both survivors of World War II—are still proudly afloat, offering an immersive look into naval heritage.
Despite its tourist-centric evolution, Fisherman’s Wharf has retained elements of its original working-harbor identity. Look closer and you’ll still spot real fishing boats bobbing in the marina and the Maritime National Historical Park keeping the city’s nautical soul alive. With its blend of history, hustle, and coastal scenery—plus the occasional honking sea lion—Fisherman’s Wharf continues to reflect the enduring appeal of San Francisco’s waterfront.
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Fisherman's Wharf Walking Tour Map
Guide Name: Fisherman's Wharf Walking Tour
Guide Location: USA » San Francisco (See other walking tours in San Francisco)
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Sightseeing)
# of Attractions: 7
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.5 Km or 0.9 Miles
Author: doris
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
Guide Location: USA » San Francisco (See other walking tours in San Francisco)
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Sightseeing)
# of Attractions: 7
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.5 Km or 0.9 Miles
Author: doris
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
- Pier 39
- Aquarium of the Bay
- Sea Lion Center
- Jefferson Street
- Boudin Bakery Museum
- Musee Mecanique (Mechanical Museum)
- Pier 45
1) Pier 39 (must see)
Pier 39—the beating, barking heart of Fisherman’s Wharf—isn’t much of a fisherman’s pier anymore. The old fleet has long since sailed off into history, but in its place rose something entirely different: a carnival by the sea. Imagine a boardwalk that decided to go full extrovert—complete with a glittering carousel (hidden toward the end of the pier like a shy performer), neon amusements, and the constant hum of tourists chasing their next photo op. Revamped in the 1970s to resemble a quaint wooden fishing village, it now welcomes thousands daily—none of whom are catching fish, though, but plenty of those catching Instagram stories...
It’s essentially an open-air shopping mall in a sailor’s disguise. Between the street performers, the Aquarium of the Bay, and enough snack stands to feed a small ship’s crew, there’s no shortage of things to distract you from the ocean view. If you need a recharge, the visitor center has you covered—literally—with phone-charging stations and a place to stash your bags while you explore.
Then there’s the food—because let’s be honest, half the crowd here comes for the chowder. Fourteen restaurants dish out everything from cioppino (which is the Italian-American shellfish and tomato stew) to locally-sourced oysters, with Fog Harbor Fish House leading the pack in both flavor and sustainability. If you’re feeling adventurous, there’s even a floating restaurant—Forbes Island—where the catch of the day comes with a side of gentle rocking.
But the true stars of Pier 39 aren’t human at all. The sea lions, self-appointed landlords since 1989, lounge across the docks like sunbathing celebrities—loud, lazy, and utterly unbothered by their audience. Slightly stinky, yes, but undeniably charming...
From the pier, you’ll spot Angel Island, Alcatraz, and both the Golden Gate and Bay Bridges stretching across the horizon. Boat tickets and ferry rides await those itching to head out on the water. Just remember: San Francisco’s sea breeze doesn’t care about your vacation outfit—so bring a jacket, or risk looking windswept in every photo...
It’s essentially an open-air shopping mall in a sailor’s disguise. Between the street performers, the Aquarium of the Bay, and enough snack stands to feed a small ship’s crew, there’s no shortage of things to distract you from the ocean view. If you need a recharge, the visitor center has you covered—literally—with phone-charging stations and a place to stash your bags while you explore.
Then there’s the food—because let’s be honest, half the crowd here comes for the chowder. Fourteen restaurants dish out everything from cioppino (which is the Italian-American shellfish and tomato stew) to locally-sourced oysters, with Fog Harbor Fish House leading the pack in both flavor and sustainability. If you’re feeling adventurous, there’s even a floating restaurant—Forbes Island—where the catch of the day comes with a side of gentle rocking.
But the true stars of Pier 39 aren’t human at all. The sea lions, self-appointed landlords since 1989, lounge across the docks like sunbathing celebrities—loud, lazy, and utterly unbothered by their audience. Slightly stinky, yes, but undeniably charming...
From the pier, you’ll spot Angel Island, Alcatraz, and both the Golden Gate and Bay Bridges stretching across the horizon. Boat tickets and ferry rides await those itching to head out on the water. Just remember: San Francisco’s sea breeze doesn’t care about your vacation outfit—so bring a jacket, or risk looking windswept in every photo...
2) Aquarium of the Bay
Imagine exploring the ocean and experiencing what it takes to be a deep-sea diver... on dry land. That’s the Aquarium of the Bay for you—a 9,000-square-foot underwater world right on San Francisco’s waterfront, where you can get nose-to-nose with marine life and maybe even feel a starfish wiggle under your fingertips without actually getting wet. It’s the kind of place where science, spectacle, and “eww, that’s slimy!” all coexist perfectly.
The aquarium boasts a collection of over 50 species of sharks—each looking like it’s auditioning for a nature documentary—plus rays, eels, gobies, rockfish, and a whole parade of ocean oddballs. Also, don’t miss the river otter exhibit, opened in 2013. These otters are basically furry chaos with flippers. Every winter, they even get their own “snow days,” because, well, otters deserve to play in snow too...
The top attraction, however, is the underwater glass tunnel—an immersive, slow-motion glide through massive tanks teeming with sharks, crabs, and fish that look like they’re gossiping about you as you pass. It’s part art, part adventure, and part “I can’t believe that thing has teeth!” Another point that elevates the experience to the memorable is the presence of touch pools upstairs. There, kids and adults can have a hands-on thrill, gently poking and prodding sea cucumbers or rays, and then brag about it later, as if they went deep-sea diving themselves.
Indeed, if you haven't seen any of these in the wild, seeing them up close is quite fun! Ultimately, this aquarium is a lesson in sustainability, a sensory playground, and an excuse to behave like a kid again.
Oh, and here’s a pro tip: splurge on the behind-the-scenes tour (which is available on certain days only). You’ll literally walk above the tanks, watching the fish—and the people—inside the aquarium.
The aquarium boasts a collection of over 50 species of sharks—each looking like it’s auditioning for a nature documentary—plus rays, eels, gobies, rockfish, and a whole parade of ocean oddballs. Also, don’t miss the river otter exhibit, opened in 2013. These otters are basically furry chaos with flippers. Every winter, they even get their own “snow days,” because, well, otters deserve to play in snow too...
The top attraction, however, is the underwater glass tunnel—an immersive, slow-motion glide through massive tanks teeming with sharks, crabs, and fish that look like they’re gossiping about you as you pass. It’s part art, part adventure, and part “I can’t believe that thing has teeth!” Another point that elevates the experience to the memorable is the presence of touch pools upstairs. There, kids and adults can have a hands-on thrill, gently poking and prodding sea cucumbers or rays, and then brag about it later, as if they went deep-sea diving themselves.
Indeed, if you haven't seen any of these in the wild, seeing them up close is quite fun! Ultimately, this aquarium is a lesson in sustainability, a sensory playground, and an excuse to behave like a kid again.
Oh, and here’s a pro tip: splurge on the behind-the-scenes tour (which is available on certain days only). You’ll literally walk above the tanks, watching the fish—and the people—inside the aquarium.
3) Sea Lion Center
You’ve probably heard them before you’ve seen them—the deep, throaty “arf-arf-arf” echoing across San Francisco Bay. That’s your cue: you’ve reached the Sea Lion Center at Pier 39, where the city’s most famous sunbathers have taken over the floating K-Dock. These California sea lions showed up uninvited after the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, decided the marina was prime real estate, and have been flopping, barking, and generally ignoring eviction notices ever since.
What started as a few curious visitors quickly became a full-blown colony—hundreds of whiskered residents lounging on the docks as if they’d booked an all-inclusive spa package. The reason? Perfect conditions: no sharks, plenty of fish, and just enough space to argue over who gets the best sunspot. They’ve turned this once-ordinary pier into one of San Francisco’s most beloved (and noisiest) attractions.
Hovering just above the commotion, the Sea Lion Center turns the spectacle into something smarter. Run by the nonprofit Bay Ecotarium (the same folks behind the Aquarium of the Bay), it’s a compact but clever space filled with interactive displays, videos, and a life-size sea lion skeleton that gives you an X-ray look at these flippered comedians. The staff are part biologist, part storyteller, and fully ready to answer any sea-lion-related question your inner child—or actual child—can come up with.
It’s free to visit (though tossing a donation into the jar earns you good eco-karma), and open daily from roughly 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (or a bit later on weekends). By the end, you’ll walk away grinning, smelling faintly of sea air, and maybe feeling a little more protective of the planet’s wilder tenants. Because here at Pier 39, conservation isn’t just a lesson—it’s loud, proud, and covered in whiskers...
What started as a few curious visitors quickly became a full-blown colony—hundreds of whiskered residents lounging on the docks as if they’d booked an all-inclusive spa package. The reason? Perfect conditions: no sharks, plenty of fish, and just enough space to argue over who gets the best sunspot. They’ve turned this once-ordinary pier into one of San Francisco’s most beloved (and noisiest) attractions.
Hovering just above the commotion, the Sea Lion Center turns the spectacle into something smarter. Run by the nonprofit Bay Ecotarium (the same folks behind the Aquarium of the Bay), it’s a compact but clever space filled with interactive displays, videos, and a life-size sea lion skeleton that gives you an X-ray look at these flippered comedians. The staff are part biologist, part storyteller, and fully ready to answer any sea-lion-related question your inner child—or actual child—can come up with.
It’s free to visit (though tossing a donation into the jar earns you good eco-karma), and open daily from roughly 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (or a bit later on weekends). By the end, you’ll walk away grinning, smelling faintly of sea air, and maybe feeling a little more protective of the planet’s wilder tenants. Because here at Pier 39, conservation isn’t just a lesson—it’s loud, proud, and covered in whiskers...
4) Jefferson Street
Jefferson Street — the lively spine of San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf... Here, the scent of saltwater mingles with sizzling seafood, and the soundtrack is a mix of cable car bells and gulls on gossip duty. Running from Powell Street all the way to the Maritime National Park, this boulevard is equal parts old soul and urban showpiece.
You’ll stroll under London plane trees, past vintage lamps and expansive (15-foot-wide) camera-ready sidewalks where polished storefronts meet salty air. The repurposed, early 20th-century warehouses and factory facades have swapped industry for indulgence — revealing an array of souvenir shops, clam chowder joints, and a parade of photo-ops with the Bay glinting in the background...
Down the middle, the historic F Market & Wharves streetcar rattles by like a living postcard, a 1930s brick-paved line still making its rounds since 1995, providing a nostalgic ride through the heart of the Wharf. This heritage streetcar is your charming link to the Hyde Street Pier, Pier 41, and just about every excuse to pause and say, “Okay, one more picture.” Introduced in the early 2010s, modern tweaks — such as wider paths, striped pavement, and bike racks — keep things friendly for everyone from stroller-pushers to street musicians.
And speaking of musicians — Jefferson Street thrives on spectacle. Between the famed fish stalls, casual crab shacks, and souvenir dens anchoring the Wharf’s vibe, there’s a rotating cast of characters keeping the energy unpredictable. Keep an eye out for the legendary “Bushman,” the busker who’s been delighting (and mildly terrifying) passersby for decades.
As you near the end, the city noise fades into the rhythm of the waves. The Maritime Park opens up ahead, and suddenly, you’re not just on a street — you’re standing at the edge of San Francisco’s seafaring heart...
You’ll stroll under London plane trees, past vintage lamps and expansive (15-foot-wide) camera-ready sidewalks where polished storefronts meet salty air. The repurposed, early 20th-century warehouses and factory facades have swapped industry for indulgence — revealing an array of souvenir shops, clam chowder joints, and a parade of photo-ops with the Bay glinting in the background...
Down the middle, the historic F Market & Wharves streetcar rattles by like a living postcard, a 1930s brick-paved line still making its rounds since 1995, providing a nostalgic ride through the heart of the Wharf. This heritage streetcar is your charming link to the Hyde Street Pier, Pier 41, and just about every excuse to pause and say, “Okay, one more picture.” Introduced in the early 2010s, modern tweaks — such as wider paths, striped pavement, and bike racks — keep things friendly for everyone from stroller-pushers to street musicians.
And speaking of musicians — Jefferson Street thrives on spectacle. Between the famed fish stalls, casual crab shacks, and souvenir dens anchoring the Wharf’s vibe, there’s a rotating cast of characters keeping the energy unpredictable. Keep an eye out for the legendary “Bushman,” the busker who’s been delighting (and mildly terrifying) passersby for decades.
As you near the end, the city noise fades into the rhythm of the waves. The Maritime Park opens up ahead, and suddenly, you’re not just on a street — you’re standing at the edge of San Francisco’s seafaring heart...
5) Boudin Bakery Museum
As you enter the Boudin Bakery Museum, prepare to be greeted by the smell of warm bread. Indeed, here, you’re virtually stepping right into San Francisco’s carb-scented history. This is the home of the “Original San Francisco Sourdough,” a loaf with more heritage than most local landmarks.
It all began in the mid-1800s when a French baker named Isidore Boudin arrived from Burgundy — just as San Francisco was filling up with gold-hungry dreamers. Being a practical man, he decided to mine dough instead of gold. Blending the wild sourdough starter (prevalent among miners during the Gold Rush) with old-world French baking techniques, Boudin created something miraculous: a tangy, crusty loaf that somehow refuses to rise anywhere else but here. Apparently, the yeast has a San Francisco accent and simply won’t travel.
As a real treat, you can actually watch the bakers at work here — kneading, shaping, and sprinting between ovens like athletes in a flour storm. Upstairs, a small museum tells the story of sourdough’s rise to fame, while the gift shop tempts you with edible souvenirs and artisan delights. The legendary “mother dough,” continuously nurtured since 1849, still keeps the spirit alive — literally.
Given a chance, go for the clam chowder bread bowl — it’s San Francisco comfort food in its purest form! Or, if you’re feeling modern, the avocado roll might just redefine what you thought bread could be. Either way, your taste buds are about to strike gold!
It all began in the mid-1800s when a French baker named Isidore Boudin arrived from Burgundy — just as San Francisco was filling up with gold-hungry dreamers. Being a practical man, he decided to mine dough instead of gold. Blending the wild sourdough starter (prevalent among miners during the Gold Rush) with old-world French baking techniques, Boudin created something miraculous: a tangy, crusty loaf that somehow refuses to rise anywhere else but here. Apparently, the yeast has a San Francisco accent and simply won’t travel.
As a real treat, you can actually watch the bakers at work here — kneading, shaping, and sprinting between ovens like athletes in a flour storm. Upstairs, a small museum tells the story of sourdough’s rise to fame, while the gift shop tempts you with edible souvenirs and artisan delights. The legendary “mother dough,” continuously nurtured since 1849, still keeps the spirit alive — literally.
Given a chance, go for the clam chowder bread bowl — it’s San Francisco comfort food in its purest form! Or, if you’re feeling modern, the avocado roll might just redefine what you thought bread could be. Either way, your taste buds are about to strike gold!
6) Musee Mecanique (Mechanical Museum)
If you're looking for mind-blowing fun in San Francisco that doesn’t blow your wallet, check out the Mechanical Museum—part time capsule, part carnival, and all clinking, whirring joy! Tucked inside Pier 45 at Fisherman’s Wharf, right next to seafood legends like Alioto’s and Tarantino’s restaurants, this place turns nostalgia into a full-body experience. Admission is free every day (from 10 a.m.–8 p.m.), with visitors simply paying small coin fees—usually quarters—to bring the exhibits to life.
Step inside and it’s like you’ve wandered into an arcade built by time travelers. The air hums with a symphony of gears, bells, and laughter. You’ll find everything from Galaga and Ms. Pac-Man to Whack-a-Mole, air hockey, and delightfully creaky pinball machines. It’s the rare spot where grandparents, teens, and tourists all play side by side—each trying to beat a score or, at the very least, the machine.
The museum houses over 300 vintage exhibits, one of the largest private collections of coin-operated wonders on Earth. There are player pianos, fortune tellers, mutoscopes, orchestrions, slot machines, and automata—each one a little story waiting for your 25 cents. Don’t miss Laffing Sal, the towering red-haired automaton who once haunted San Francisco’s long-lost Playland at the Beach (still laughing like she knows a joke we don’t). You’ll also spot oddities like a 1912 steam-powered motorcycle and hand-cranked dioramas that range from charming to downright bizarre.
The whole collection began with Edward “Ed” Zelinsky, a kid with a thing for mechanical amusements who never grew out of it, making it a lifelong passion. His son, Dan Zelinsky, continues to curate and maintain the museum—preserving every blinking light and tinny tune with care—to ensure that the gears keep turning and the laughter rolling. Originally displayed at the Cliff House, the collection moved to its current location on the Wharf in 2002, where it’s been spinning quarters and smiles ever since.
So, grab a handful of change, pocket your phone, and get ready for some hands-on, pre-digital joy. The Mechanical Museum proves that sometimes, the simplest fun still runs on gears, grins, and good old-fashioned coins...
Step inside and it’s like you’ve wandered into an arcade built by time travelers. The air hums with a symphony of gears, bells, and laughter. You’ll find everything from Galaga and Ms. Pac-Man to Whack-a-Mole, air hockey, and delightfully creaky pinball machines. It’s the rare spot where grandparents, teens, and tourists all play side by side—each trying to beat a score or, at the very least, the machine.
The museum houses over 300 vintage exhibits, one of the largest private collections of coin-operated wonders on Earth. There are player pianos, fortune tellers, mutoscopes, orchestrions, slot machines, and automata—each one a little story waiting for your 25 cents. Don’t miss Laffing Sal, the towering red-haired automaton who once haunted San Francisco’s long-lost Playland at the Beach (still laughing like she knows a joke we don’t). You’ll also spot oddities like a 1912 steam-powered motorcycle and hand-cranked dioramas that range from charming to downright bizarre.
The whole collection began with Edward “Ed” Zelinsky, a kid with a thing for mechanical amusements who never grew out of it, making it a lifelong passion. His son, Dan Zelinsky, continues to curate and maintain the museum—preserving every blinking light and tinny tune with care—to ensure that the gears keep turning and the laughter rolling. Originally displayed at the Cliff House, the collection moved to its current location on the Wharf in 2002, where it’s been spinning quarters and smiles ever since.
So, grab a handful of change, pocket your phone, and get ready for some hands-on, pre-digital joy. The Mechanical Museum proves that sometimes, the simplest fun still runs on gears, grins, and good old-fashioned coins...
7) Pier 45
Welcome to Pier 45 — the part of Fisherman’s Wharf whose raw industrial charm immediately signals a departure from the nearby souvenir shops and seafood stalls. This stretch of the waterfront hums with old-world grit: diesel fumes, salt air, and the ghosts of sailors who never quite clocked out. Forget the clam chowder lines; here, history still smells faintly of oil and adventure.
First up, the USS Pampanito — sleek, silent, and once deadly. This World War II submarine prowled the Pacific on six patrols, sending enemy ships to the deep. Today, it floats in peaceful retirement, part museum, part memorial. Step inside and you’ll weave through torpedo bays, claustrophobic bunks, and the control room where the world once tilted between survival and silence. Just a short stroll away, the SS Jeremiah O’Brien — one of the last working Liberty cargo ships built in the U.S. during World War II — stands as her old steel companion, still seaworthy and proudly stubborn.
But not everything here runs on diesel and duty. Beyond naval history, Pier 45 is home to the Mechanical Museum, a delightfully nostalgic, interactive collection of over 300 mechanical arcade games, from fortune-tellers to Laffing Sal automata. It’s free to enter, but the games will cost you a few quarters — a small price for a fortune told or a laugh from Laffing Sal, the eerily cheerful automaton that’s been scaring kids since the 1930s.
Tucked nearby is a humble chapel honoring fishermen lost at sea — a quiet pause before the smell of fresh catch and the clatter of crab pots pull you back to the living. Indeed, Pier 45 remains a working waterfront: cranes keep swinging as local fishers process annually more than 20 million pounds of seafood, so you can often watch dawn-crabbing or buy fresh-caught fish. Courtesy of a $10-million revitalization program—including a new plaza, floating dock, and added food and museum venues—this pier adds polish without losing its patina, keeping its pulse gritty, heartfelt, and unpretentious.
It’s still very much San Francisco’s maritime soul — weathered, working, and wonderfully alive — offering compelling stories, hands-on discovery, and unforgettable waterside atmosphere.
First up, the USS Pampanito — sleek, silent, and once deadly. This World War II submarine prowled the Pacific on six patrols, sending enemy ships to the deep. Today, it floats in peaceful retirement, part museum, part memorial. Step inside and you’ll weave through torpedo bays, claustrophobic bunks, and the control room where the world once tilted between survival and silence. Just a short stroll away, the SS Jeremiah O’Brien — one of the last working Liberty cargo ships built in the U.S. during World War II — stands as her old steel companion, still seaworthy and proudly stubborn.
But not everything here runs on diesel and duty. Beyond naval history, Pier 45 is home to the Mechanical Museum, a delightfully nostalgic, interactive collection of over 300 mechanical arcade games, from fortune-tellers to Laffing Sal automata. It’s free to enter, but the games will cost you a few quarters — a small price for a fortune told or a laugh from Laffing Sal, the eerily cheerful automaton that’s been scaring kids since the 1930s.
Tucked nearby is a humble chapel honoring fishermen lost at sea — a quiet pause before the smell of fresh catch and the clatter of crab pots pull you back to the living. Indeed, Pier 45 remains a working waterfront: cranes keep swinging as local fishers process annually more than 20 million pounds of seafood, so you can often watch dawn-crabbing or buy fresh-caught fish. Courtesy of a $10-million revitalization program—including a new plaza, floating dock, and added food and museum venues—this pier adds polish without losing its patina, keeping its pulse gritty, heartfelt, and unpretentious.
It’s still very much San Francisco’s maritime soul — weathered, working, and wonderfully alive — offering compelling stories, hands-on discovery, and unforgettable waterside atmosphere.
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Travel Distance: 0.9 Km or 0.6 Miles
Famous Architecture Walking Tour
San Francisco is one of the world's top travel destinations, famous for its spectacular tourist attractions like Alcatraz Island, Fisherman's Wharf, and the Golden Gate Bridge. But besides that, it also boasts a huge variety of world-known architecture fit to delight the eye of any beholder. Let's give ourselves an aesthetic treat, too, and check out some of the city's most... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
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Home to many historic landmarks, such as Golden Gate Bridge, Chinatown and Alcatraz, San Francisco is closely associated with many iconic images of the American culture, such as Levi's jeans, baseball, and hippie movement. Modern Frisco carefully preserves its legacy by keeping it alive...
Divine Artisan Chocolates in San Francisco
San Francisco is home to the most delicious artisan chocolates! From the historic Ghirardelli Chocolate Factory to New American TCHO chocolates, there are many local chocolate boutiques and factories to visit where you might be treated to a few samples. From exotic flavors such as lavender-walnut...
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