• View
• Edit
• History
• Print

San Francisco, California

Downtown San Francisco

Introduction

San Francisco is the turnaround port for some Alaskan cruises.

Where You're Docked

San Francisco has two main cruise terminals. Pier 27 opened for cruise ships in 2014. Pier 35 is still used and is beside the touristy Pier 39 and Fisherman's Wharf. Pier 30 by the Bay bridge has also been used in the past when all berths were occupied. Cruise schedule available from the San Francisco Port website under the Cruise section http://www.sfport.com/

Getting To/From the Airport

Transportation options from the airport here http://www.flysfo.com/to-from/overview

Money and Tipping

When dining in restaurants, it is customary to leave 15-20% tip for good service since servers typically make minimum wage. Taxi drivers should be tipped the same rate.

Local Transportation

You can the ride historic streetcar line F between Market St (downtown) and Pier 35 and Pier 27. Fare is $2.75 (exact change) for 120 minutes of travel (Mar 2019). http://www.sfmta.com

Uber and Lyft ride-hailing apps operate in the city.

Hotels

Search hotels in San Francisco here

Sights

• Alcatraz - An excellent audio tour guides you through this prison. Ferries leave beside Pier 33. Prebook tickets at the official site for the best prices. Price $39.90 for a day tour (Mar 2019). http://www.alcatrazcruises.com/
• Pier 39/Fisherman's Wharf - A touristy area with plenty of shops and restaurants with the wild sea lions a big attraction here.
• California Academy of Sciences - Houses an aquarium and planetarium in a new building at Golden Gate Park.
• Cable car - the main cable car station is at Market and Powell St. You can ride from here to near Fisherman's Wharf. Fares are $7 one way or $23 for a daypasss. http://www.sfcablecar.com/
• Golden Gate Bridge - there are viewpoints on both the north and south sides.

Shopping & Restaurants

San Francisco's main street is Market St with Westfield Mall and most major department stores between Powell St and Stockton St adjacent to Union Square. America's largest Chinatown is located north of Union Square centered at Grant and Washington streets. Be sure to check out the small Golden Gate Fortune Cookie factory nearby on Ross Alley.

Restaurants found near the terminal at Pier 39 and Fisherman's Wharf include Hard Rock Cafe, Johnny Rockets, Bubba Gump and In-N-Out burger. In-N-Out burger is a regional fast food chain with a basic menu but with arguably the best quality fast food burgers.

The Ferry Building on the Embarcadero hosts a farmer's market Tues, Thurs and Sat but has many unique restaurants and shops.

For garlic lovers, The Stinking Rose is located in the North Beach district.

Post Offices

There is a downtown post office at 150 Sutter St.

Internet

Cafes and restaurants may provide free wifi for customers. There is an Apple store by Market and Stockton for free internet.

Maps

Lots of good pdf maps here http://www.baycityguide.com/maps/maps.html

Weather

Comments