This place has nothing to do with San Francisco, wharfs or fishermen. In fact, you would probably be arrested for fishing there. It's cheesy and cheap and dirty. Go to any beach town in America and you will find something just like this. Don't waste your time.

OVERVIEW: Pretty cool place and if you travel to the city you should probably stop by at least just to say you've seen it. If you can get away from the city for a day and are set on seeing a "wharf" which are pretty popular in most coastal northern Californian towns I'd recommend seeing Monterey Bay's Fisherman's Wharf...and go Whale Watching while you're at it. POSITIVES: +Shops +Scenery +Popularity +Bars & Restaurants +Wildlife NEGATIVES: -In my opinion you can see shops and bars anywhere...some other wharfs seem to offer a little more heritage...and wildlife. Get a look, visit alcatraz, a few shops, and head out!

If you like tourist attractions, this is the place to go. It was a fun place with lots of places to spend you money. I had wonderful crepes there for the first time. They were delicious. The carousel was fun for my daughter. Good place to check out a small farmer's market and magic shows on the boardwalk. :)

The gaudy signs and cheap junk shops and all those rubes buying into the mess is a huge turnoff. Couldn't wait to get back to the airport and out of there.

Fisherman's wharf and Pier 39 are exactly what it claims to be; a place for most tourists to get their bearings. If your a first time visitor to the city it's a perfect spot b/c it's a large centralized area and it's easy to find on the map. Parking can get hairy the later you go and some of the meter fees are down right ridiculous (ie on Beach St close to Ghirardelli Square), but there is validated parking for those eating at any of the major restaurants. The wharf has a ton of people watching and some pretty far out street performers. The seafood is awesome and Boudin Bakery is worth a visit any day (Tip; get a bread bowl you won't be disappointed). Things are pricey, but good deals can be found if you look. Walk the whole wharf area if you can even as far as the Ferry Building there are a lot of shops and food places to go to. Pier 39 has great vista points, but a local wouldn't be caught dead there, the best store for value is hands down "Only In San Francisco" were talking most stuff under $10!!! The Sea Lions are a must see and their barking will stay with you forever. Go to the California Welcome Center if you plan any day trips to Napa etc. They will validate your parking for the Pier 39 parking garage only. Have a blast and be a tourist there's nothing wrong with that, but be a smart tourist. Embrace the touristy-ness!!!

I was visiting just for a week so, I didn't get to see much of the warf, although it has nice scenery. Try the fish sandwiches! Excellent!

Please be patient with the traffic and pay for the parking...this will be a life experience unlike any other. You will "leave your heart in San Francisco". Worth it!

I lived in San Leandro and whenever someone would visit we'd always visit Fisherman's Wharf. What an awesome place~loved it!! Especially during Fleet Week I have never had so much fun.

Maybe the Fisherman's Wharf area is a fun place to go when the weather is cold and dreary! We recently visited on a gorgeous Saturday afternoon and have to say we would have rather been some place else. It's jam packed with tourists, souvenir shops, and stinky street food that did not appeal to us. The views from the Wharf are lovely.

great place, friendly people. lots of action, lots of food, very beautiful when looking out at the bay, just a great place to be over all.