Wax Museum at Fisherman's Wharf
It has more than more than 270 wax portraits of entertainers, heroes, villains, etc.
Ghirardelli Square
It was officially declared a city landmark in 1965, and today it's still possible to view the remnants of the old chocolate-making machinery there. The square is packed with boutiques, restaurants, specialty stores, and galleries. It also has great views over the Bay.
Aquarium of the Bay
A nice place and the right size for kids, with an underwater tunnel, where the fish swim above you as you gaze at them, and ponds where you can touch various live marine animals. It's a perfectly decent aquarium, but many locals would recommend you save your money for the fantastic California Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park.
Hyde St Pier
Prior to the construction of the Golden Gate Bridge and the Bay Bridge, this historic ferry-pier was the primary automobile ferry terminal that connected San Francisco with both Marin County and the East Bay.
The sea lions
A short time after the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake struck, these sea lions moved bag-and-baggage into the west marina at Pier 39. There can be as many as 900 sea lions there during the winter months. In the summertime many of them migrate but there is always a steady population at Pier 39's K-Dock all year round. The Marine Mammal Centerâs Kiosk is located next to the sea lions where volunteers are happy to answer questions about the mammals.
Street Performers
Colorful jugglers, magicians, clowns, mimes, and comedians of all descriptions entertain Pier 39 visitors throughout the day.
USS Pampanito Submarine
This is a National Historic Landmark — an authentic WWII submarine with many original artifacts on display. Up to 80 personnel ran this submarine and it could be at sea for up to several weeks at a time.
Visitor Center
The Visitor Center has a visitor information desk and there are also a bunch of small craft and hands-on exhibits that depict San Francisco's rich maritime heritage.
San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park
The park consists of a visitor center, Hyde St Pier and the fleet of historic ships moored there, the Maritime Museum, Aquatic Park, and the Municipal Pier.
Musee Mecanique
Has quite an interesting collection of about 300 coin-operated musical instruments and antique arcade machines, that date from the turn of the century.
The Cannery
Built in 1907 with its award-winning architecture, the Cannery overlooks San Francisco Bay and once upon a time was the largest peach cannery in the world. Today it's a bustling marketplace featuring three levels of restaurants, shops, offices, and live entertainment. In the middle it has a secluded courtyard with outdoor bars and cafes.
Pier 39
A 45-acre pier-complex featuring 100 specialty stores, 12 full service restaurants, theater, cruises, live entertainment, and more.
Ripley's Believe It Or Not! Museum
Set over 2 floors it has over 10,000 square feet of galleries, exhibits, illusions, and interactive displays.
Fish Alley
Don't forget to go and see the real fishing boats at whatâs known as Fish Alley — after all it is "Fisherman's Wharf". If you want to see them actually hauling in their catch, you'll have to be there around 6AM to 7AM.
Fishermen's and Seamen's Chapel
This tiny chapel is a memorial to the "Lost Fishermen"... those that have lost their lives on the seas. Every year they hold a special service to commemorate these fishermen. The annual "Blessing of the Fleet" also starts from here every October.
Amusing America Exhibit
An fun exhibit that traces the history of amusement attractions in American cities, with a focus on San Francisco.
SS Jeremiah O'Brien
Located behind the Pampanito submarine is this WWII Liberty Ship open for tours. The SS Jeremiah O'Brien is the sole survivor of the armada of Allied ships which was involved in D-Day, and one of only two remaining WWII Liberty Ships surviving today the other being the SS Lane Victory in San Pedro.
Marina
Don't get lost amongst all the tourist stores, and forget that Pier 39 is a pier after all — so why not check out the impressive flotilla of vessels moored at its 11 docks on either side of the pier.
Fleet of Historic Vessels
Six major ships are on display on the Hyde St Pier. Some are available for a self-guided tour, others by docent-led tours. On payment of the $5 National Park Service fee several can be boarded, depending on tides; kids can join for free. Among the ships you can see are the Balclutha, an 1886 steel-hulled square rigged sailing ship, the Eureka, an 1890 steam ferryboat which also has an exhibit of antique cars on board, the C.A. Thayer, an 1895 lumber schooner, and the Hercules, a 1907 steam tug.
Maritime Museum Building
Shaped like a ship, this historic building was originally built by the WPA as a bathhouse and served as the Maritime Museum for many years before a recent renovation. The maritime exhibits have been moved to storage and the Visitor Center, but you can enter and view the beautiful underwater-themed murals.
Aquatic Park and Municipal Pier
This area was once part of Fort Mason but is now a complex for museums and artisans, and a great place to take a break from the bustle of Fisherman's Wharf. There is a small beach at the foot of the park where you'll see kayakers, kite fliers, swimmers from the nearby Polar Bear Club, and even rock sculptors at work. At the end of the park is Municipal Pier — the closest you can get to Alcatraz on foot or bike. After dark it can be a bit desolate.
The Wharf is a very compact area and attractions are centered mainly along the half-mile stretch of Jefferson St. So, ambling along Jefferson from east to west youâll discover: