Around the SF Fisherman's Wharf Hostel

Neighborhood attractions :: Eats :: Nightlife :: Getting around

The Fisherman's Wharf Hostel is located in a waterfront National Park, west of Fisherman's Wharf and north of the Marina district.

Neighborhood attractions

Musee Mecanique - This eccentric museum houses an awesome collection of antique, functioning, coin-operated arcade machines.

Alcatraz - Don't miss a chance to travel across the Bay from nearby Fisherman's Wharf to the eerie and fascinating Alcatraz Island. The ferry ticket includes entrance the former prison and a captivating cell house audio tour. Be sure to reserve in advance, it books quickly during summer months.

San Francisco National Maritime Museum - Be pleasantly surprised by the offerings here. Overlooking Aquatic Park, it has a fine collection of historic ships, art and other memorabilia.

Cable Cars - Indulge in the classic fantasy of hanging off the side while cruising down an impossibly steep hill. Hop on at the end of Taylor Street or Hyde Street in Fisherman's Wharf.

Local Hills - Take an urban hike to the top of Fillmore and Vallejo streets. Lyon Street also has spectacular views.

Pier 39 - Talkative sea lions have made the docks here their home.

Fort Mason and Marina Green - Right in the hostel's lush backyard, Fort Mason hosts thousands of events each year from farmer's markets to craft fairs, Oysterfest to Oktoberfest. It's also home to the Mexican Museum, Museo Italo Americano, BATS Improv Theatre, and several other non-profits. The grass in the park is arguably the most luxurious in the city.

More time?

Aquatic Park - Relax here and marvel at the swimmers braving the Bay's freezing cold water. 

Aquarium of the Bay - Kids will love the walk-through water tunnels and hands-on exhibits.

Exploratorium and the Palace of Fine Arts - Curious adults and kids alike will enjoy this museum, which intertwines science and art. Located next to the beautiful Palace of Fine Arts, an outdoor space that hosts lectures, music performances and other events, some for free.

Angel Island - From Pier 41, you can catch the ferry to beautiful Angel Island, a state park and former immigration station ripe for exploration by foot, bike, or tram. 

Fisherman's Wharf - The carnival-like atmosphere attracts tourists as do the sea lions and kitschy museums. Watch out for the Bushman. 

Ghirardelli Square - The red-bricked shopping center used to be Ghiradelli Chocolate's factory until the 1960s, luckily you can still sample some delectable chocolate treats. 

Crissy Field - Stroll the promenade, jog to the bridge, or join in a volleyball game with locals.

Worth the extra effort!

Cycle the Golden Gate Bridge - Cycle (or walk) across and take a ferry back from Sausalito! Nothing matches the experience of crossing the colossal Golden Gate Bridge. Hostel guests can get deep discounts on local bike rentals, see below for details.

Crookedest Street in the World - Stroll down Lombard Street -- the most crooked street in the world -- and gaze at beautiful Victorian mansions while doing so.

Presidio - Eleven miles of hiking trails wind through the Presidio; there's also a golf course and fabulous Baker Beach, which has panoramic views of the Marin Headlands and the Golden Gate Bridge. 

Coit Tower - Head up to Telegraph Hill for a fantastic vantage point of the city. On a gloriously sunny day, the scenery feels more Mediterranean than America. Take Greenwich Avenue or the Filbert Street steps to get there.

Eats

If you want to stick close to home, the hostel has an on-site cafe serving three meals a day! Cafe Franco dishes up our free continental breakfast, in addition to fresh, mostly organic sandwiches, entrees, and more -- all with bay views!

Cheapest of the cheap

Cafe GoLo - Recommended breakfast and lunch spot.

In-N-Out Burger - You know you're in California when you spy In-N-Out! Sample its simple menu at the only location within San Francisco; ask for your burger "animal style." 

Fisherman's Wharf Chowder and Crab Sidewalk Stands - Grab a satisfying chowder bread bowl at the intersection of Taylor and Jefferson streets; watch out for dive bombing seagulls!

First Cup - Coffee, bagels, sandwiches, and run by really nice people. 

Golden Boy Pizza - Granted, this is a bit of a walk (or a MUNI ride) from the hostel, but it is worth the trek for cheap squares of delicious pizza. Settle in with a pint at the bar and watch the character of North Beach (Little Italy) unfold.

Tanguito - Argentine burger truck and the best kept food destination secret in Fisherman's Wharf.

Budget eats

Aux Delices Vietnamese Restaurant - Yummy and affordable Vietnamese in Russian Hill.

The Buena Vista Cafe - Stopping in for an Irish Coffee is a rite of passage for all visitors to San Francisco. 

Jake's Steaks - Cheese steaks, Philly-style. 

Kasa Indian Eatery - Voted "Best Meals under $15" by 7x7 Magazine in 2009, open past 2 a.m. on weekends. 

Lucca Delicatessen - Old Italian deli stocked with delicious meats and cheeses at reasonable prices. Grab a sandwich for your picnic on the Marina Green.

Plant Cafe Organic - Best veggie burger and way to infuse your body with liquid vitamins.

A slight splurge...

Greens - The place most likely to make your vegan girlfriend swoon over epic bay views. 

Scoma's - The only place worth your time for seafood in the wharf (and a bit of a splurge), it's on Pier 47. 

Nightlife

Wander the area near Fillmore and Union streets for a taste of the Marina. You'll find mellow bars as well as haughty lounges and clubs, take your pick!

Fancy a night on the town?

Comet Club - Dive bar with dancing.

Hi-Fi Lounge - More dancing! 

The Parlor Bar and Club - Dance club and lounge with good music, wear your spiffy shoes. 

Prefer a laidback ambience?

Fiddler's Green - An authentic Irish pub with a jovial crowd.

Black Magic Voodoo Lounge - A decent bar close enough to crawl home from.

The Black Horse London Pub - The least "Marina" place in the Marina to have a beer with maximum 10 other customers.

Horseshoe Tavern and Marina Bar - Neighborhood sports bars with a jukebox and pool tables. 

Bus Stop - Popular sports bar with nightly drink specials, buckets of beer, and trivia.

Theater and comedy

Check for half price tickets on tixbayarea.com or at the walk-up ticket booth in Union Square. Also try goldstar.com for huge discounts on various San Francisco events.

BATS Improv Theatre - Shows featuring a surprising mix of improv comedy and theatre. Accolades over the last few years include the Bay Area's "Best Theater Company," "Best Comedy Troupe," "Best First Date Spot," and more. 

Wharf Room Comedy at Castagnola's - Terrific setting to see established and up and coming comics. 

Movies

Marina Theater or Presidio Theatre - Both are small and classic independently-owned theaters showing current attractions.

Getting around

Nearby public transit

MUNI - Bus lines within 3 blocks include the 19, 28, 30, 47, and 49.

Biking

HI-San Francisco guests can score big discounts on bike rentals at the companies listed below -- just ask for your discount voucher at the hostel front desk.

Bay City Bike Rentals and Tours - The discounted rate of $18/day is available (regularly $28/day) for mountain and hybrid bikes. Helmet, lock, rear rack, front camera bag, water holder, and map included in cost of rental. Performance bikes are also available.

Bike and Roll San Francisco - A discounted rate of $17/day is available (regularly $27/day) for a standard bike rental. Helmet, lock, rear rack, camera bag, bell, map, and flat protection included in cost of rental. Performance, tandem, and other specialty bikes are also available, as well as in-line skates.

Blazing Saddles Bike Rentals and Tours - Guests receive a discounted rate of $18-22/day (regularly $28-32/day) on mountain and hybrid bikes. Helmet, lock, rear rack, camera bag, bungee cord, and map included in cost of rental. Performance, tandem, and other specialty bikes are also available.