Fisherman’s Wharf is home to San Francisco’s most well-known attractions and is a top neighborhood to visit for fans of maritime history, vintage museums, art, and seafood. It’s especially a must-visit for lovers of seafood.

If you’re planning to tour Fisherman’s Wharf with a group, it’s critical to find reliable transportation that can keep your trip as stress-free as possible. San Francisco Charter Bus Company is here to cover all your group transportation needs. Whether your group hails from San Jose, Mountain View, Palo Alto, or beyond, rely on us to find the perfect charter bus rental for you. Simply call us at 415-404-6456 to get started on your Fisherman’s Wharf trip.

an aerial view of fisherman's wharf with alcatraz and mountains in the distance

Touring Fisherman’s Wharf on a Charter Bus

Fisherman’s Wharf is ideal to visit on a private charter bus. You don’t have to worry about finding parking or navigating the crowded roads. The best part? It has a list of designated charter bus parking locations.

Twenty-minute parking is available on Mason Street and Hyde Street (specifically between Jefferson and Beach Street). For longer-term parking, you’ll need to pay $35 per day at the Impark’s office or over the phone with a credit card.

If your tour group has any travelers with disabilities, your charter bus can idle right in front of the attraction for no more than five minutes while passengers are boarding or exiting the vehicle.

 

Fisherman’s Wharf: The Basics

Fisherman’s Wharf is a small, exclusive neighborhood at the very tip of the San Francisco peninsula. It’s primarily a tourist attraction, though it still operates as an actual wharf for active fishermen.

You’ll find some of the country’s most famous attractions here, including Pier 39,  Ghirardelli, and San Francisco’s Madame Tussauds. It’s also a thriving residential district.

Ready to dive in and start planning your group tour? We’ll cover the top dining, shopping, and cultural destinations in the neighborhood.

pier 39 at fisherman's wharf, with buildings on stilts int he water and the city in the background

Top Dining & Shopping Destinations in Fisherman’s Wharf

Pier 39: Shop, Dine, & Play

If you must only choose one place to visit in Fisherman’s Wharf, make it Pier 39. The attraction is home to some of the top restaurants in San Francisco, including Fog Harbor Fish House and Pier Market Seafood Restaurant. You can also shop at eclectic stores such as Lefty’s San Francisco (a store with products for left-handed people) and at more classic choices such as Sunglass Hut.

Address: The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94133

Pier 39 Charter Bus Parking

There’s a loading zone with a 10-minute limit right in front of the Pier that’s designated as Little Embarcadero 1 and Little Embarcadero 2. The closest metered bus parking location is on 2700 Jones Street.

friends laugh and hold coffee cups at a table in a cafe

Ghirardelli Square: Shop & Play

Are you interested in seeing historic architecture while also eating some very good chocolate? Stop by Ghirardelli Square, the original factory of the famous chocolate brand.

You can enter the square’s famous Ghirardelli store and eat delicious chocolate in what used to be the company’s primary location.  After, stop by the Cheese School to learn how to make cheese (and eat it, too). Other stores include Lola, a gift shop, and Subpar, a miniature golf course.

Address: 900 North Point St Suite F301, San Francisco, CA 94109

Ghirardelli Square Charter Bus Parking

Your charter bus driver will drop you off at the entrance, then park two blocks away at 600 North Point Street, where there’s metered charter bus parking.

 

The Cannery: Shop & Dine

For a more low-key shopping experience, go to the Cannery, an indoor shopping mall that has plenty of shops around it, too. It’s a great destination for you if you’d like to sightsee on foot and enjoy San Francisco’s excellent weather. You can stop by V Boutique to find unique apparel, then enjoy a much-needed ice cream stop at Norman’s Ice Cream & Freezes.

Address: 2801 Leavenworth St, San Francisco, CA 94133

The Cannery Charter Bus Parking

Your driver can park at a metered location at 600 North Point Street, which is located right off of Columbus Street.

a lighthouse stands over the water at dusk

Top Cultural Attractions in Fisherman’s Wharf

Musée Mécanique: Antiques

Are you a fan of vintage penny arcade games? Even if you’re not, you’ll have fun at the Musée Mécanique. It’s an interactive museum where you can play the games that are on display. Admission is free, but be sure to bring enough coins to operate the machines.

Address: Pier 45, Fishermans Wharf, San Francisco, CA 94133

Musée Mécanique Charter Bus Parking

Your driver will drop you off at the entrance, then park at one of the metered bus parking locations in 0-100 North Point Street.

 

San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park: History & Sightseeing

Whether you like ships, maritime history facts, or beaches, San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park is the perfect stop for you. Even if you don’t particularly love ships, go for the sightseeing—it’s located right on the pier with unobstructed views of the sea.

Address: 700-898 Beach St, San Francisco, CA 94109

San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park Charter Bus Parking

Your driver will drop you off at the entrance, then park at one of the metered bus parking locations at 600 North Point Street.

the USS pampanito ship at fisherman's wharf, parked in the water

USS Pampanito: History

For an audio tour of one of the submarine vessels from World War II, head to the U.S.S. Pampanito. This stop is only recommended for die-hard history fans, but if you do love history, it’s more than worthwhile. You’ll get to see the behemoth vessel in person and find out how the crew lived and worked during the war.

Address: Pier 45, San Francisco, CA 94133

USS Pampanito Charter Bus Parking

Your driver will drop you off near the entrance of Pier 45, then park at one of the metered bus parking locations on North Point Street.

 

Madame Tussauds San Francisco: Pop Culture

It’s never a bad time to see life-sized wax figures of some of the most famous artists, athletes, and politicians of our time. Take a picture with Barack Obama in the oval office, then have some tea with a life-sized figure of Audrey Hepburn. Adele, Mark Zuckerberg, and Zendaya are just a few other figures you can interact with.

Address: 145 Jefferson St, San Francisco, CA 94133

Madame Tussauds Charter Bus Parking

Your driver will drop you off at 2698 Mason Street, one of the designated loading zones, then park at one of the metered bus parking locations on North Point Street.

 

Plan Your Fisherman’s Wharf Trip with Ease

When you’re ready to visit all of the destinations above with your group, call San Francisco Charter Bus Company at 415-404-6456. Our charter bus rental specialists are available 24/7 to help you make your next San Francisco trip your best one yet. ​