The Best Hotels To Book Near Fisherman's Wharf

Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco has everything you might be expecting given the name: busy seafood restaurants, refreshing waterfront views – of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz, no less – fishing vessels aplenty and a colony of sea lions that adorn the pier each winter. Experience all this first-hand by booking your hotel nearby with Culture Trip.

For its relatively youthful age, San Francisco has a sort of old soul, and a miraculous ability to keep its history and architecture alive. Case in point is the manual cable car network built in 1873 – the only transportation of its kind left on the planet – or the ridiculous hairpin turns of the perilously steep Lombard Street. The magic and wonder of chocolate at Ghirardelli Square is a joy and there are still fishermen, and others, working the wharves as they have been for a couple of centuries – yet Pier 39 has quite literally been turned into a playground. Planning on staying a while? These are the best hotels near Fisherman’s Wharf, California.

1. Argonaut Hotel

Boutique Hotel

Ever imagined what it must have been like to stay in a property overlooking San Francisco Bay back in the 19th century? No need to use your imagination because the Argonaut Hotel delivers on this fantasy. Built in 1907, his former brick factory has been refurbished to a high standard, with 252 oversized guest rooms offering a comfortable and delightful stay. The seafaring decor throughout reminds you of the nearby wharves and industry just outside, plus if you want to check out another of the famous San Francisco neighborhoods, just hop on one of the cable cars at the stop adjacent to the hotel.

2. The Fairmont Heritage Place Ghirardelli Square

Hotel

This is the place for those who need a bit of breathing room accompanied by elegant style. These one-, two- and three-bedroom suites are fashioned with dark wood and softly muted colors with stupendous views over the water. As the property is part of the former Ghirardelli factory, you will be at the center of all the action with Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39, the Marina District, Golden Gate Park and the Presidio all close by. For dining, try out McCormick & Kuleto’s Seafood Restaurant – enjoy the views out to Alcatraz and Angel Island along with dishes such as Chilean sea bass or crab and shrimp stuffed salmon.

4. Hotel Zephyr San Francisco

Hotel

This chic family hotel has games, fire pits, a giant telescope, foosball and more in its 8,000sqft (743sqm) outdoor space – embellished with a fire-consuming crate art structure. This “shipyard chic” really does pay homage to the Fisherman’s Wharf surroundings. The 805sqft (75sqm) indoor game room has pool and ping pong tables, tabletop shuffleboard, interactive art and even a photo booth just for fun. The new Zephyr Walk highlights excellent eateries on the premises or close by. IHOP is great for breakfast and just steps from the lobby, while the nearby Bistro Boudin celebrates good food and local history.

5. Marriott Vacation Club Pulse

Hotel, Chain Hotel

The unique guest rooms at this property have real urban style and appeal, while the location is perfect for rubbing shoulders with the locals. You are in the heart of the Fisherman’s Wharf neighborhood with great restaurants nearby such as Pescatore and the Franciscan Crab Restaurant. Guests are also close to Golden Gate Park, famous for its Japanese Tea Garden, Queen Wilhelmina Tulip Garden and Botanical Garden. Those more active can hit the beach, try out a round of golf or enjoy a hack at the Golden Gate Park Stables.

6. Hyatt Centric Fisherman's Wharf

Hotel

This chic property has much to offer – including a secluded outdoor pool with patio, bathrooms featuring rain showers, dedicated concierge staff and 24-hour access to a fitness center. You can find pretty much everything you need here. On-site restaurant Brick and Beam is all about culinary craftsmanship but is also cozy with a welcoming fireplace – a nice place to split a bottle of Napa Valley wine. The Brick and Beam’s Seafood Watch program takes a fresh approach to sustainable seafood, crafting a responsible menu of carefully sourced local foods.

7. The Suites at Fisherman's Wharf

Resort, Hotel

These apartments are ideal for those planning a longer stay, and the property has a rooftop terrace which is perfect for views out to Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz. Each apartment – either one- or two-bedroom – has a living room, full-size kitchen and bathroom. There is a reception desk and spacious atrium for everyone’s convenience. Hyde Street and North Point Street cable car is a one-minute walk. Great dining is also close by, with several eateries only a few minutes’ walk away.

8. Hotel Caza

Hotel

Kitsch, colorful and fun, the Hotel Caza is the youthful beating heart of the Fisherman’s Wharf neighborhood. CazBar is the hotel’s drink venue, a great place to pull up and relax while snacks can be purchased anytime at CZ2GO. There is a games room with arcades, Xbox on the 55-inch TV, foosball, pool table, bean bag toss and jumbo Jenga. Kids can also enjoy the many nearby attractions including spotting seals lounging on the wharf, learning about chocolate at Ghirardelli Square and hitting the beach at Golden Gate Park, where there is also horse riding. There is also a movie night for the entire family to enjoy.

9. Kimpton Alton Hotel

Hotel

Great views of San Francisco come as standard at this hotel, just a two-minute walk from Fisherman’s Wharf. This upmarket hotel prides itself on style – namely furnishings inspired by the 1970s counterculture movement and curated playlists in the lobby. Book a table at Abacá, the on-site Filipino-California cuisine restaurant before heading to the Abacá Bar, the perfect place to while away a couple of hours

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