Pier 39 and Fisherman's Wharf are separate attractions in the same northern waterfront area of San Francisco. You can walk the pier, take in views across the bay and visit Musée Mécanique at Pier 45; Francisco Bay Inn is in the city's northern area, with local walking and transit routes connecting to the waterfront. The motel rooms at Francisco Bay Inn are available to view when planning your stay.
- Location: Pier 39 is at Beach Street and The Embarcadero; Musée Mécanique is at Pier 45.
- Waterfront access: Fisherman's Wharf is open 24 hours a day, and Pier 39's walkable pier area is open year-round.
- Musée Mécanique: Admission is free; its machines are coin-operated.
- Planning: Business hours at Pier 39 can vary by location, so confirm details before your visit.
Getting oriented between Fisherman's Wharf and Pier 39
Fisherman's Wharf is a historic neighborhood on San Francisco's northern waterfront, while Pier 39 is a distinct attraction within the same waterfront area. The neighborhood's fishing-industry history dates to the mid-1800s, when Italian immigrant fishermen settled there and fished from small boats.
Use the two names to plan separate stops rather than treating them as one venue. Pier 39's address is Beach Street and The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94133. Musée Mécanique is farther along the waterfront at Pier 45, at the end of Taylor Street.
The waterfront is also a natural starting point for a longer walk. Aquatic Park and Ghirardelli Square offer another stretch of the area's waterfront scenery, as described in what to see on a walk around Aquatic Park and Ghirardelli Square.
Waterfront sights and public spaces
Pier 39 combines a walkable public pier with views across San Francisco Bay. From its waterfront location, you can see the Golden Gate Bridge, Bay Bridge, Alcatraz, Angel Island and the San Francisco skyline.
Sea lions are among the pier's best-known attractions. They first appeared at Pier 39 after the 1989 earthquake and became a familiar part of the waterfront scene.
The pier area stays open year-round, but the businesses and attractions have their own schedules. Pier 39 gives typical hours for retail stores, restaurants, outdoor vendors and attractions, with some exclusions; hours can change without notice and may differ by location. Check the official site before you go, and confirm directly with individual businesses, particularly around holidays.
Musée Mécanique and other nearby stops
Musée Mécanique is a free-admission museum at Pier 45, with coin-operated machines spanning antique arcade artifacts and mechanical musical instruments through modern video arcade games. Its collection includes more than 300 machines, though playing them requires coins.
The museum is open every day, including holidays, from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Food and drink are not allowed inside, and the museum does not host private events or parties.
To combine the stops, visit the open-air waterfront first, then head to Pier 45 for the museum. If you want to extend the outing, Alcatraz Island is another bay-area attraction, with separate planning for Alcatraz tickets, the ferry and your visit.
How do you get to Pier 39 and plan your visit?
PIER 39 provides public-transportation information, along with driving and parking details for its garage and tour-bus loading and unloading zones. Its address can help you orient yourself when planning a route; choose the transport option that fits your itinerary and check current details before setting out.
PIER 39 also has a California Welcome Center, San Francisco's Official State Visitor Center. Leashed service animals trained to assist people with disabilities are permitted on the pier; other pets and animals are not allowed on PIER 39 property.
For a wider San Francisco day, the waterfront can fit into a one-day San Francisco itinerary from the hotel that links several parts of the city.
FAQs
Are Fisherman's Wharf and Pier 39 the same place?
No. Fisherman's Wharf is a historic waterfront neighborhood, and Pier 39 is a separate attraction in the same area.
Does Musée Mécanique charge admission?
Admission is free. The machines are coin-operated, so playing them requires coins.
What can you see from Pier 39?
The pier's bay-facing views include the Golden Gate Bridge, Bay Bridge, Alcatraz, Angel Island and the San Francisco skyline.
Are pets allowed on Pier 39?
Leashed service animals trained to assist people with disabilities are permitted. Other pets and animals are not allowed on the pier.