Fisherman’s Wharf is a popular location in San Francisco for vacationers and residents alike. It’s a family-oriented area with many tourist attractions and waterfront areas. If you plan to vacation or purchase a home in Fisherman’s Wharf, you may wonder if it is safe to venture out at night.
Fisherman’s Wharf is generally safe at night during the summer, when there is daylight until about 9 PM. After dark, there is a higher risk of criminal activity due to less oversight and decreased visibility. Highly residential or populated areas near Fisherman’s Wharf are typically the safest.
Below, we’ll discuss more about the Fisherman’s Wharf area and some ways to keep yourself safe at night. Keep reading to learn more!
How Safe is Fisherman’s Wharf at Night?
Generally, walking around Fisherman’s Wharf is completely safe until it gets dark out.
Most shops, restaurants, and tourist attractions are open until at least 9 PM, and the area is heavily populated until sundown.
Fisherman’s Wharf is still relatively safe after dark, but it’s always best to exercise reasonable caution.
You should treat Fisherman’s Wharf like any other populated neighborhood at night.
What Can You Do to Keep Yourself Safe in Fisherman’s Wharf?
Though Fisherman’s Wharf is relatively safe, there are a few things you should be aware of and exercise caution towards.
Some of the potential safety risks around Fisherman’s Wharf include:
- Scammers
- Unhoused people
- Public transportation
Below, we’ll discuss more information on these potential risks and how to keep yourself safe around them.
Scammers
Like any other popular tourist destination, petty scammers may be along the Fisherman’s Wharf pier.
The best way to avoid getting ripped off is to use reasonable caution when making purchases.
Ask questions before spending a lot of money, and trust your gut instinct when something feels wrong.
Unhoused People
Homelessness is a major problem in America, especially in cities like San Francisco.
While you shouldn’t assume that every unhoused person you encounter is dangerous, it’s important to be cautious.
Some unhoused people you encounter could be mentally unstable or addicted to drugs. As a general rule, keep your interactions with people on the street to a minimum.
Public Transportation
As with every large city, there is a risk of theft on the buses and mass transit systems around Fisherman’s Wharf and in San Francisco as a whole.
If you take public transportation in the area, keep your valuables on your person and within your line of sight to ensure they don’t get stolen.
What is There to Do in Fisherman’s Wharf?
Fisherman’s Wharf is a popular vacation spot because there are many great hotels, restaurants, and tourist attractions. These include Pier 39, Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum, and the Fog Harbor Fish House.
Below, we’ll discuss some of the most popular places in Fisherman’s Wharf.
The Best Hotels in Fisherman’s Wharf
There are hotels in Fisherman’s Wharf to meet all budgets and lifestyles.
In general, the closer a hotel is to Fisherman’s Wharf, the more expensive it will be.
If you’re looking for a more affordable option, consider staying at the Holiday Inn Express and Suites or the Wharf Inn.
If you’re looking for a more luxurious hotel to vacation at, you may be more interested in the Argonaut Hotel, a historic hotel located near Fisherman’s Wharf.
The Argonaut is a 252-room hotel built in 1907 and designed to resemble a maritime ship.
Some of the highlights of the Argonaut include spacious rooms, a spa, and premium dining options.
The Best Restaurants in Fisherman’s Wharf
Fisherman’s Wharf has many great restaurants to choose from, whatever your budget and dining preferences may be.
Many of these restaurants overlook the water and have a perfect ocean view.
For example, the Fog Harbor Fish House is a beachside restaurant offering a variety of fresh seafood at a mid-tier price point.
If you’re looking for a family-friendly option, consider The Baked Bear.
The Baked Bear offers a variety of ice cream, brownies, and custom ice cream sandwiches.
The Best Tourist Attractions in Fisherman’s Wharf
Fisherman’s Wharf is full of tourist attractions for all ages.
Pier 39 in Fisherman’s Wharf has a wide variety of attractions, including carnival rides, restaurants, and shops to fit any budget.
Some of the best attractions at Pier 39 include the Aquarium of the Bay, the Magowan Infinite Mirror Maze, and the Musical Stairs.
Ripley’s Believe or Not Museum is also located in Fisherman’s Wharf.
This is a great choice for families with children and teenagers. It features hands-on interactive displays, wax figures, and special effects exhibits.
What Are the Benefits of Staying Near Fisherman’s Wharf?
Though hotels near Fisherman’s Wharf are more expensive than the rest of the city, many tourists choose to stay in this area.
The hotels near Fisherman’s Wharf are often quieter and more peaceful than hotels in the surrounding areas. If you stay near Fisherman’s Wharf, you also get a better view of the ocean and more access to activities and attractions.
In Conclusion
Fisherman’s Wharf is a great vacation spot for people of all ages. This scenic area overlooks the ocean and offers great tourist attractions for all ages.
Though Fisherman’s Wharf is generally safe at night, you’ll want to exercise reasonable caution when visiting the area the same way you would anywhere else.
