Welcome to the iconic city of San Francisco, a premier destination on the U.S. West Coast. Known for its dramatic vistas and vibrant culture, this port is a highlight on itineraries from major lines like Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, and Norwegian Cruise Line.
What truly sets it apart is the unforgettable experience of sailing directly under the majestic Golden Gate Bridge upon arrival or departure. From the historic waterfront to its diverse neighborhoods, San Francisco offers a unique blend of natural beauty and urban excitement for every cruise traveler.
No visit is complete without seeing the Golden Gate Bridge. While you'll sail under it, consider taking a bus or taxi to a viewpoint like the Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center for iconic photos.
A short ferry ride from Pier 33, near the cruise terminal, will take you to Alcatraz Island, the infamous former federal prison. Tickets for this popular tour sell out weeks or months in advance, so booking online before your cruise is essential.
Steps from the cruise port is the bustling Fisherman's Wharf, where you can see the sea lions at Pier 39, enjoy fresh seafood, and soak in the waterfront atmosphere. For a classic city experience, hop on a historic Cable Car for a thrilling ride over the city's famous hills.
Last updated on July 6, 2025
Just across the Golden Gate Bridge lies the charming seaside town of Sausalito, known for its art galleries, waterfront dining, and stunning views of the city skyline. It's easily reachable via a scenic 30-minute ferry ride from the San Francisco Ferry Building.
For a dose of nature, the Muir Woods National Monument is about a 45-minute drive north and is home to magnificent old-growth coast redwood trees. Many shore excursions combine a visit to Muir Woods with a stop in Sausalito.
A longer day trip can take you to the world-renowned wine regions of Napa Valley or Sonoma Valley, located about 90 minutes from the port. This is best arranged through a shore excursion to handle the transportation and winery visits.
Last updated on July 6, 2025
Cruise ships in San Francisco dock at the James R. Herman Cruise Terminal at Pier 27, located along the Embarcadero waterfront. On busy days, ships may also use the nearby Pier 35. This location is not in a remote industrial area but is centrally located and ideal for sightseeing.
The terminal is within easy walking distance of the city's most popular tourist area, Fisherman's Wharf, which is less than a mile away. Downtown and Union Square are about 1.5 miles from the port. Due to the excellent location, shuttles are often not necessary to begin exploring. Ships dock directly at the pier, so no tendering is required.
Last updated on July 6, 2025
The official currency is the US Dollar (USD). Credit and debit cards are universally accepted at nearly all restaurants, shops, and attractions, making them the most convenient payment method.
ATMs are widely available throughout the city for cash withdrawals. While some currency exchange services exist, they are not as common and typically offer less favorable rates than using a bank ATM. Other currencies, such as the Euro, are not accepted for transactions.
Last updated on July 6, 2025
San Francisco is generally a safe city for tourists, but it's important to exercise the same precautions you would in any major urban area. Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded places like Fisherman's Wharf and on public transportation, to avoid pickpockets.
Petty crime, particularly car break-ins, is common, so never leave any valuables unattended in a vehicle. While most tourist areas are safe to explore independently during the day, it is wise to be more cautious at night. It is generally recommended to avoid the Tenderloin neighborhood, which is located inland from the main tourist zones.
Last updated on July 6, 2025
San Francisco is famous for its microclimates and mild, often unpredictable weather. The key to comfort is dressing in layers. Even on a sunny day, cool fog can roll in quickly, causing temperatures to drop.
The main cruise season often coincides with the city's best weather in the spring (April-May) and fall (September-October), which tend to be sunnier and warmer. Summer months can be surprisingly cool and foggy, especially near the coast, with average highs in the 60s F (15-20 C).
A waterproof jacket, sweater, and comfortable walking shoes are essential items to pack, regardless of the season. The city does not experience a hurricane season.
Last updated on July 6, 2025
San Francisco offers a diverse and iconic public transportation system. From the cruise terminal, many attractions in the Fisherman's Wharf area are easily walkable.
For exploring further, the F-Line historic streetcars run along The Embarcadero, providing a scenic and convenient route past the port. The world-famous Cable Cars offer a classic San Francisco experience, connecting the waterfront with downtown's Union Square.
Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available, as are traditional taxis. For a comprehensive option, a MuniMobile pass allows for unlimited rides on buses, historic streetcars, and cable cars for a set period. Consider a hop-on-hop-off bus tour for a guided way to see the city's highlights at your own pace.
Last updated on July 6, 2025
San Francisco offers diverse shopping experiences for every taste. For high-end fashion and major department stores, Union Square is the city's premier shopping destination. Along the waterfront, the Ferry Building Marketplace is a must-visit for foodies, featuring artisanal cheeses, local produce, and unique gourmet gifts.
Near Fisherman's Wharf, Ghirardelli Square is the perfect place to purchase famous chocolates. Classic souvenirs to look for include items featuring the Golden Gate Bridge or cable cars, as well as sourdough bread from Boudin Bakery. Prices in retail stores are fixed.
Last updated on July 6, 2025
For your Private shore excursion, you can escape the crowds and customize your day with a personal guide and vehicle. This allows you to explore iconic sights like the Golden Gate Bridge and hidden gems in neighborhoods like Hayes Valley at your own pace.
Design Your perfect day in port by choosing a theme that fascinates you, whether it's the culinary scene at the Ferry Building or the tech campuses of Silicon Valley. This option puts you in control, ensuring you experience the aspects of the Bay Area that interest you most.
Embark on Your Exclusive Adventure for a unique and thrilling way to see the city. You could zip through the streets in a GPS-guided GoCar, or enjoy breathtaking views of Alcatraz and the city skyline from a sailboat on the bay.
The "Please note that this" tour offers an insider's look into the city's quirky history and untold stories. Your guide will reveal fascinating details and secrets behind famous landmarks that you won't find in a standard guidebook.
Choose Your entertaining option for a lighthearted and fun-filled tour designed to delight and amuse. Enjoy a lively trip with a charismatic guide, perhaps exploring the vibrant Fisherman's Wharf or taking a musical journey through the city's famous neighborhoods.
Explore the Mission, Castro, and Duboce Triangle on this 2.2-mile flat walking tour led by a professional storyteller. Hear original folklore and fairytales about the city, but beware, as you'll have to sort the unbelievable facts from fiction. This tour offers insider knowledge of local spots and is guaranteed to entertain, but please note it is for adults only due to profanity.
This description is for The Escape Game located at Fisherman’s Wharf, surrounded by dining, entertainment, and beautiful bay views. After your game, you can enjoy a meal at nearby eateries like Boudin, Grandeho's Kamekyo, or Pizza Zone. Be sure to stop by Ghirardelli for a celebratory or consolation sundae.
Explore San Francisco's sights at your own pace on a private tour in an eco-friendly Tuk Tuk for your group of up to six people. Your entertaining guide will narrate the excursion as you climb the city's tallest hills and stop for Instagram-worthy photos. Marvel at the sparkling bay, city skyline, and the sights of Fisherman’s Wharf during your 2 to 3-hour tour.
Embark on an extraordinary private day tour from San Francisco to Yosemite National Park in a comfortable SUV or Minivan. Your group of up to five will experience the park's wonders, including the Giant Sequoias and Glacier Point. With an experienced guide and a curated itinerary, this journey is designed to maximize your time and create memorable moments.
Buckle up for a side-splitting San Francisco adventure on a classic motorcycle sidecar tour. Your comedic driver will take you to iconic hotspots like Lombard Street, Chinatown, the Painted Ladies, and across the majestic Golden Gate Bridge. This duo delight allows one rider in the sidecar and one behind the pilot, promising a tour filled with laughs as you conquer the city's famous hills.
Embark on a private wine tour adventure through Napa Valley in a luxury vehicle. Your host uses his intimate knowledge and relationships with local vineyard owners and winemakers to provide the very best experience available. Explore top wineries, discover the valley's secrets, and receive a group photo to commemorate your trip.
Learn to surf in a clinic designed specifically for beginners, with all rental equipment included free of charge. You will learn all the basics, including ocean awareness, safety, paddling, and pop-up techniques to get you started catching waves. Participants start by riding the whitewater in shallow areas until they are comfortable venturing further out. This clinic welcomes complete newbies as well as those who need help improving their skills.
Venture into North Beach, or 'Little Italy,' on a tour that combines a rich culinary landscape with spine-tingling ghost stories. A full meal is included as you taste famed focaccia sandwiches, learn the history of pizza, and end with a renowned Italian dessert. Along the way, you'll unearth chilling tales from the Gold Rush era, hear stories of Beatnik poets, and even take a quick sojourn into Haunted Chinatown.
See San Francisco's sights at your own pace on a 3-hour private tour in an open-air convertible Jeep, priced per vehicle. The tour includes a photo stop at the Golden Gate Bridge, a drive down Lombard Street, and time in Golden Gate Park or at Ocean Beach. Your group of up to four adults and two children can also choose additional stops like the Mission District Murals or Coit Tower.
Your guide will drive your group north over the Golden Gate Bridge in a Jeep to walk among the giant redwood trees in Muir Woods National Monument. The tour includes a stop at a Golden Gate Bridge overlook and a drive through the bayside town of Sausalito. Your visit inside Muir Woods is self-guided and generally lasts 45 to 60 minutes.
Indulge in a three-hour interactive baking experience where you'll learn to make the perfect chocolate chip cookie using a coveted family recipe. Led by baker Brennan, the class includes a tasting of four distinct American chocolate varieties and reveals a secret ingredient. You will leave with your freshly baked cookies and the know-how to recreate them at home, but please note this experience is not vegan or gluten-free.
Tour the interior of one of the iconic Painted Ladies, a private home that is rarely open for public viewing. This blue Victorian is one of the most original and preserved in the row, reflecting nearly 174 years of one family's history in the city. The home features period furnishings and paintings, offering a glimpse into personal history rather than a recreation of a specific era.
Join party people from around the globe on a hosted San Francisco pub crawl every Friday and Saturday night. The tour explores four of the best bars and clubs in the Nob Hill and Union Square nightlife area, with exclusive drink deals and free shots along the way. All cover charges are included, and you'll get to skip the lines with free, fast-track VIP entry into a premier nightclub.
Enjoy a food and history tour of North Beach led by Blandina, a legendary local who lives in the heart of the neighborhood. This interactive walk introduces you to her friends and neighbors who own the local shops, restaurants, and art studios. You will enjoy delicious homemade tastes, meet local artists, and share stories to gain a genuine appreciation of San Francisco's historic Italian community.
Come ride along Half Moon Bay's ocean scenic and historic downtown tour on a pedal-assist electric bike. This ride allows you to enjoy the area's natural beauty and see the whole town, including all its attractions. You will get to experience what is described as the most gorgeous bike path in California.
Discover California's natural beauty on a private, 10-hour scenic tour from San Francisco to Carmel, Monterey, and Big Sur. This tour is exclusive to your group, allowing you to see the sights you want to see at your own pace. Journey along the famous 17-Mile Drive, see the Big Sur Bixby Creek Bridge, and visit Point Lobos State Reserve.
This service provides a luxurious and affordable one-way transfer for small groups of up to four passengers. It is ideal for transportation in the San Francisco Bay Area, Napa, Sonoma, and beyond. This is a point-to-point transfer service, not a guided tour.
Take a grand tour of San Francisco with an experienced, French-speaking professional guide. This unique experience includes a walk on the Golden Gate Bridge and a drive through beautiful residential areas to see Victorian homes like the Painted Ladies. You will also pass through the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood to learn about the history of the hippie movement, and other visits can be added by choice.
Embark on an interactive sunset sailing adventure on San Francisco Bay where you'll have an opportunity to take the wheel. Departing from Sausalito, you will sail toward and across the Golden Gate Bridge and along the city's shoreline. Watch as the sun lowers behind the bridge while the city begins to light up for the evening.
Experience true luxury on a 6-hour private wine tour of Napa and Sonoma in a premium vehicle with high-end amenities. Your expert driver provides punctual service and shares fascinating insights, guiding you along scenic routes to the wineries of your choice. This tailored journey allows you to discover hidden gems and boutique wineries for an unforgettable adventure.
Showing 2 ships in the area
No ships scheduled in port today.
Last updated on June 13, 2025
Many attractions are walkable from the cruise terminal (Pier 27 or 35); otherwise, the historic F-Market streetcar, Muni buses, cable cars, and ride-sharing services are convenient options.
Must-see attractions near the port include Pier 39 with its sea lions, Fisherman's Wharf, the Alcatraz ferry landing (book tickets well in advance), Ghirardelli Square, and Coit Tower for panoramic views.
Near the port, try fresh seafood at Fisherman's Wharf, clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl, or delicious chocolates at Ghirardelli Square. The Ferry Building Marketplace offers diverse artisanal food options.
The local currency is United States Dollar (1 USD = 1.00 USD). ATMs are widely available throughout the city, including at banks, in many stores, and often within or near the cruise terminal. Since USD is the local currency, exchange is typically not needed for most visitors.
San Francisco typically has cool, mild weather with frequent fog, especially in summer mornings and evenings; pack layers, including a windproof jacket, sweater, and comfortable walking shoes, as temperatures usually range from 50-70°F (10-21°C).
While the Pacific water is cold, Crissy Field offers a beach area with stunning Golden Gate Bridge views, accessible by public transport or taxi. Baker Beach also has iconic views but is a bit further.
Popular shore excursions include trips to Alcatraz Island, comprehensive city tours, and visits to Muir Woods or Sausalito; booking Alcatraz independently well in advance is crucial, while other tours are available through cruise lines or local operators.
Pier 39, Fisherman's Wharf, and Ghirardelli Square offer many souvenir shops with items like cable car replicas, Alcatraz memorabilia, and local artisan crafts. The Ferry Building Marketplace has gourmet foods and unique gifts.
Consider a scenic ferry ride to the charming bayside town of Sausalito for art galleries and stunning city views, or plan a trip to Muir Woods National Monument to see giant redwood trees (transportation often requires pre-booking).
San Francisco's famous fog has a name, Karl, and even its own social media accounts where it humorously 'tweets' about its daily movements across the city.
Want to hear about the best deals and cruise tips every week? Sign up for our free weekly VIP Newsletter, customized exactly to your preferences!
