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by Jill Loeffler •
Updated: November 11, 2022
Fisherman's Wharf hotels are on the northern end of San Francisco near many popular attractions. There is a lot to see and do in this district, including shopping at Pier 39, eating chocolate treats at Ghirardelli Square, and taking the ferry to Alcatraz.
You can also easily access the rest of the city from Fisherman's Wharf. Public transportation is convenient, as buses, cable cars, and street cars run frequently in and out of this neighborhood.
For lodging options, you will find both recognizable hotel chains and some great local gems in this neighborhood. They line up along a couple of main streets that are within walking distance to all the action and the waterfront.
Disclaimer: I receive a small commission from some of the links on this page.
This is a popular spot to stay in for those visiting San Francisco. It's mostly flat and everything is easily within walking distance from all of these Fisherman's Wharf hotels.
There are no high-rises in this area, so most of the hotels are only two to five stories high. While they don't offer great views, you will find plenty of striking views of the surrounding area the minute you leave your hotel.
The entire district is small (about 10 blocks by 4 blocks) and packed with attractions. Most of the action is centered around the waterfront and Jefferson Street, where you can shop, head out on a cruise, or grab a great meal (find my restaurant recommendations here).
Most of the hotels are a block or so off this main street, so you will find that they're close to everything, but also pretty quiet.
Fisherman's Wharf hotels are the best option for those traveling with smaller kids, as you can easily find activities that will keep them entertained.
>> Find out more about everything there is to do and see in Fisherman's Wharf San Francisco
It's easy to get from SFO to Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco. You can take a rideshare, public transit, or hire a car service.
The drive takes about 35 minutes. Public transit takes a little longer, usually about an hour.
Costs to get here range from around $13 per person to around $45 to $65 for a rideshare service.
>> Find additional details here
Before you get started on my list of top options below, here are just a few places to look and see what types of deals you can get on your Fisherman's Wharf hotels in San Francisco.
Booking: Find great deals all around San Francisco for your upcoming stay!
TripAdvisor: What's the #1 hotel in San Francisco? Read reviews & find hotel deals on TripAdvisor!
VRBO: Besides hotels, you'll also find some great places to stay locally through VRBO. Book an apartment or a room and feel more like a local. Find some great places to stay on VRBO here.
Originally built in 1907, the Argonaut Hotel is a fun, funky option near the waterfront. The entire hotel is decked out in a nautical theme with blue and white furniture and exposed brick walls.
This 4-star option is one of my favorites. The front door lets you out right in the heart of the action and is just across the street from the water.
Some of the rooms also have views of the SF Bay, including the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island. It's one of the top-rated Fisherman's Wharf hotels every year.
Address: 495 Jefferson Street
>> Check reviews and find the best rates for Argonaut Hotel San Francisco
The comfortable beds and the location are just two of the things that bring guests back to the Hotel Riu Plaza. It's one of the top-rated hotels in all of San Francisco and is a treat for visitors.
Families love the outdoor pool and the large suites that are available. Due to these amenities, you will find that quite a few families with kids stay at this hotel.
The Hotel Riu Plaza is a quick 5-minute walk to Pier 39 and everything the district has to offer.
Address: 2500 Mason Street
>> Read recent reviews and learn more about the Hotel Riu Plaza
>> Find additional family-friendly hotels around SF
The Marriott is another one of the top Fisherman's Wharf hotels. It is just two blocks from Pier 39. It has 285 rooms in one five-story building.
The hotel has an on-site spa that offers massages, facials, and other treatments, as well as a two-level fitness center that is open 24 hours a day.
The rooms feature luxurious bedding and bath products. All rooms also include free internet, safes, refrigerators, coffee makers, ironing boards, and hairdryers.
Address: 1250 Columbus Avenue
>> Read reviews and find deals for the Marriott in Fisherman's Wharf
Located just two blocks from Pier 39 San Francisco, this sleek, modern hotel is in a five-story building with 316 guest rooms.
Guests who stay at the hotel can enjoy the heated outdoor pool and spa tub. They can also access the fitness center that has equipment with individual TVs.
All rooms include luxurious bedding and beds. They also feature 32-inch TVs with premium channels, marble bathrooms, wireless internet, and desks.
The hotel also has a great restaurant and sports bar.
Address: 555 North Point Street
>> Find recent guest reviews and more about Hyatt Centric Fisherman's Wharf
>> More great hotels with pools around San Francisco
One of the most popular Fisherman's Wharf hotels is the Marriott Vacation Club Pulse. They offer large rooms, plenty of amenities, and the perfect location for both vacationers and business travelers.
Just three blocks from the water, this hotel is close enough to walk to any location in the neighborhood.
Rooms include free high-speed internet, 55-inch flat-screen TVs with media hubs, safes, mini-fridges, coffeemakers, and comfortable beds.
This hotel also features a 24-hour fitness center for guests and a business center for those working during their trip.
Address: 2620 Jones Street
>> Read guest reviews and find more details for the Marriott Vacation Club Pulse
This gem is one of the best located Fisherman's Wharf hotels. It offers direct access to Jefferson Street (the main street in the district) through a small hallway and door.
The reason I love this place is because they offer newly refreshed nautical-themed rooms, free Wi-Fi throughout the building, and a state-of-the-art gym. All rooms also offer coffee makers, large windows, and tech-friendly smart TVs.
One of the unique features of this hotel is their entertainment areas, which include an indoor game room and an outdoor play area with oversized-games and four fire pits.
It's perfect for those wanting a comfortable place to relax with easy access to the local attractions.
Address: 250 Beach Street
>> More about this hotel including recent guest reviews for Hotel Zephyr
One of the newer Fisherman's Wharf hotels is the Holiday Inn Express Hotel and Suites. It’s also in the heart of the action, just a few blocks from everything in this popular SF district.
It has quite a few amenities for its guests, including a fitness center and on-site childcare services. All rooms have satellite TV and high-speed internet access.
There is also a bar in the hotel so you can kick back and relax after a long day of walking around the city. This is a great option for those looking for a three-star hotel for their stay.
Address: 550 North Point Street
>> Find recent guest reviews and get more details on staying at the Holiday Inn Express
The Courtyard by Marriott is another favorite of mine because it is just a block from the water. This location can't be beat at this price point!
The hotel has a restaurant and café off the lobby, high speed internet access, and plenty of room to work or relax.
Connecting rooms are available for those traveling in larger groups. You can also access movies in your room if you decide to stay in one night. If you like the Marriott chain of hotels, this is a great option for your stay.
Address: 580 Beach Street
>> More guest reviews and booking information for Courtyard San Francisco Fisherman's Wharf
Located just two blocks from the water, Hotel Zoe is another wonderful located hotel in Fisherman's Wharf. This modern gem is a treat.
I love the outdoor fire pit area which includes chairs and a few blankets to keep you even warmer. The bar area is also a great place to relax after a long day of seeing the sights.
The hotel restaurant, Pescatore Trattoria, serves good seafood and Italian cuisine.
They have a few free bikes on hand if you want to cruise around the neighborhood a little more. You will also find a friendly staff waiting to greet you when you arrive.
Address: 425 North Point Street
>> More reviews and booking details for Hotel Zoe
Unplug and unwind in this historic hotel on the border of North Beach and Fisherman's Wharf. You will love the old-world charm touches as well as the Italian restaurant on its first floor.
The San Remo was built in 1906, and in line with the Victorian decorations and old photographs from that era, does not have phones or TVs in the rooms. They do, however, provide free Wi-Fi if you choose to bring your device.
It's a little farther from the water (about 5 blocks) but is still a short walk away from everything. This two-star budget-friendly option has few amenities and shared baths.
Address: 2237 Mason Street
>> Find out more about staying at this hotel as well as some recent reviews
One thing you will want to think about is whether or not you need a car for your stay. Parking is REALLY expensive all around San Francisco as it's very limited.
If you plan to spend all of your time in SF, then save some money and don't rent a car. You can easily get around on public transit.
If you plan to do some day trips, you can also just rent a car for the day. You will find a few places in Fisherman's Wharf to rent cars. It's quite a bit easier than having to worry about your car and where you are going to park the entire time.
>> Find out more about car rentals in SF
San Francisco has a lot of hotels throughout the city. Here are some additional neighborhoods to investigate:
Union Square Hotels: Want to stay in the center of San Francisco? If so, then check out this list of great hotels in Union Square. Staying here puts you in the middle of some great nightlife and restaurants. You can also access other parts of the city easily.
Downtown Hotels: This page includes a number of hotel recommendations in the downtown area. Most are just a few blocks from Union Square and all are still centrally located.
Want to search for hotels by budget instead? If so, here are a few additional options for you to review:
SF Luxury Hotels: Find recommendations for some of the great, historic, and luxury hotels located in Nob Hill. You can also find recommendations for some of the newer modern luxury hotels popping up throughout the city.
Cheap Hotel Options: Want to find something a little more reasonably priced? If you are like me and spend little time in your room, then check out some of these great cheaper hotels. They are clean yet affordable, so great for those looking to spend most of their time out exploring the amazing sights throughout San Francisco.
Comments? Questions? Suggestions?
I would love for you to join me in my private Facebook group!
It's a great place to interact with me and others who know the area well.
You can ask questions, get advice for your upcoming stay, and then share your photos and advice with others when you return home. It's a great community and the fastest way to get answers to those nagging questions about your visit!