Where Do the Cruise Ships Dock in San Francisco?

AvatarByDale Richard Cruise/Cruising

Cruise Ships Dock in San Francisco

San Francisco is a popular destination for cruise ships, and for good reason. The city has a rich history, stunning architecture, and a vibrant culture. But where do the cruise ships dock in San Francisco?

There are actually three different cruise ship terminals in San Francisco: Pier 27, Pier 39, and Fisherman’s Wharf. Each terminal has its own unique advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to choose the right one for your needs.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at each of the three cruise ship terminals in San Francisco. We’ll discuss their location, facilities, and amenities, and we’ll help you decide which one is the best fit for you.

So if you’re planning a cruise to San Francisco, read on to learn more about the different cruise ship terminals and how to choose the right one for your trip.

| Terminal | Address | Notes |
|—|—|—|
| Pier 27 | 2701 Merchant Rd, San Francisco, CA 94109 | Cruise ship terminal located on the Embarcadero, adjacent to Fisherman’s Wharf. |
| Pier 39 | 950 Beach St, San Francisco, CA 94109 | Cruise ship terminal located on the Embarcadero, adjacent to Fisherman’s Wharf. |
| Pier 80 | 800 Beach St, San Francisco, CA 94109 | Cruise ship terminal located on the waterfront, near the Giants baseball stadium. |

The Port of San Francisco

The Port of San Francisco is a major seaport located on the San Francisco Bay in California. It is the 5th busiest container port in the United States and the 2nd busiest cruise ship port in North America. The port handles over 2 million containers and 2.5 million cruise passengers each year.

History of the Port

The Port of San Francisco was established in 1848, shortly after the founding of the city. The port was originally located at the mouth of the San Francisco River, but it was moved to its current location in 1853. The port quickly became a major hub for trade between the United States and Asia. In the early 20th century, the port was expanded to accommodate larger ships. The port also played a major role in the military during World War II.

Location and Size of the Port

The Port of San Francisco is located on the San Francisco Bay, approximately 10 miles south of downtown San Francisco. The port covers an area of approximately 4,300 acres.

Major Shipping Lanes Served by the Port

The Port of San Francisco is served by a number of major shipping lanes, including the Pacific Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean Sea, and the Atlantic Ocean. The port is also connected to the inland United States by a network of railroads and highways.

Economic Impact of the Port

The Port of San Francisco has a significant economic impact on the region. The port supports over 200,000 jobs and generates over $40 billion in annual economic activity. The port is also a major source of tourism for the region.

Cruise Ship Terminals in San Francisco

There are three cruise ship terminals in San Francisco: Pier 27, Pier 35, and Pier 80. Pier 27 is the largest cruise ship terminal in San Francisco and can accommodate ships up to 1,000 passengers. Pier 35 is a smaller terminal that can accommodate ships up to 500 passengers. Pier 80 is a newer terminal that can accommodate ships up to 2,500 passengers.

Number of Cruise Ship Terminals in San Francisco

There are three cruise ship terminals in San Francisco.

Location of Cruise Ship Terminals in San Francisco

The three cruise ship terminals in San Francisco are located at Pier 27, Pier 35, and Pier 80. Pier 27 is located on the Embarcadero, Pier 35 is located on Fisherman’s Wharf, and Pier 80 is located in the Port of Oakland.

Capacity of Cruise Ship Terminals in San Francisco

The three cruise ship terminals in San Francisco have a combined capacity of over 4,000 passengers. Pier 27 has a capacity of 1,000 passengers, Pier 35 has a capacity of 500 passengers, and Pier 80 has a capacity of 2,500 passengers.

Amenities at Cruise Ship Terminals in San Francisco

The three cruise ship terminals in San Francisco offer a variety of amenities to passengers, including restaurants, shops, and bars. Pier 27 also has a museum dedicated to the history of the port.

The Port of San Francisco is a major seaport and cruise ship hub. The port handles over 2 million containers and 2.5 million cruise passengers each year. The port is also a major economic driver for the region.

3. Cruise Ships that Dock in San Francisco

There are three cruise ship terminals in San Francisco:

  • Pier 27, located at the foot of Broadway in Fisherman’s Wharf. This terminal is home to Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, and Royal Caribbean International.
  • Pier 39, located at the foot of Powell Street in Fisherman’s Wharf. This terminal is home to Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Seabourn Cruise Line.
  • Terminal B at the Port of Oakland, located about 15 miles from downtown San Francisco. This terminal is home to Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, and Royal Caribbean International.

Major cruise lines that sail to San Francisco

The following major cruise lines sail to San Francisco:

  • Carnival Cruise Line
  • Princess Cruises
  • Royal Caribbean International
  • Norwegian Cruise Line
  • Oceania Cruises
  • Seabourn Cruise Line
  • Holland America Line

Types of cruises that depart from San Francisco

Cruises from San Francisco can range from short weekend getaways to multi-week voyages around the world. Some of the most popular types of cruises from San Francisco include:

  • Alaska cruises
  • California and Baja cruises
  • Hawaiian cruises
  • Caribbean cruises
  • Mexico cruises
  • Panama Canal cruises
  • Transatlantic cruises
  • World cruises

Popular destinations for cruises from San Francisco

Some of the most popular destinations for cruises from San Francisco include:

  • Alaska
  • British Columbia
  • Canada
  • California
  • Mexico
  • Hawaii
  • The Caribbean
  • Panama Canal
  • Europe
  • South America
  • Africa
  • Asia
  • Australia
  • New Zealand

4. Visiting San Francisco by Cruise Ship

Things to do in San Francisco before or after your cruise

There are many things to do in San Francisco before or after your cruise. Here are a few suggestions:

  • Visit Fisherman’s Wharf. Fisherman’s Wharf is a popular tourist destination located at the foot of Pier 39. Here you can find seafood restaurants, souvenir shops, and attractions like the Sea lions of Pier 39.
  • Take a cable car ride. San Francisco is home to the world’s last manually operated cable car system. There are three cable car lines that operate in the city, and they offer a great way to see the city’s famous landmarks.
  • Visit Chinatown. Chinatown is the oldest and largest Chinatown in North America. It is home to a variety of Chinese restaurants, shops, and temples.
  • Explore Golden Gate Park. Golden Gate Park is a large urban park located in the western part of San Francisco. The park is home to a variety of attractions, including the Japanese Tea Garden, the de Young Museum, and the California Academy of Sciences.
  • Take a ferry to Alcatraz Island. Alcatraz Island is a former federal prison located just offshore from San Francisco. Visitors can take a ferry to the island and tour the prison, which is now a popular tourist destination.

How to get to and from the cruise ship terminals in San Francisco

There are a few different ways to get to and from the cruise ship terminals in San Francisco. Here are a few options:

  • By public transportation. The MUNI Metro light rail system has stops at all three cruise ship terminals. The F-Market streetcar also stops at Pier 39.
  • By taxi. Taxis are available at all three cruise ship terminals.
  • By Uber or Lyft. Uber and Lyft are both available in San Francisco.
  • By rental car. There are rental car companies located near all three cruise ship terminals.

Tips for visiting San Francisco by cruise ship

Here are a few tips for visiting San Francisco by cruise ship:

  • Book your cruise early. Cruises from San Francisco are popular, so it is important to book your cruise early to get the best rates and availability.
  • Pack light. You will be doing a lot of walking in San Francisco, so it is important to pack light.
  • Wear comfortable shoes. You will be doing a lot of walking in San Francisco, so it is important to wear comfortable shoes.
  • Bring a camera. San Francisco is a beautiful city with many photogenic landmarks.
  • Be prepared for fog. San Francisco is known for its fog, so be prepared for it if you are visiting during the summer months.

San Francisco is a beautiful city with a lot to offer visitors. Whether you are visiting before or after your cruise, there are many things to see and do in the city. By following these tips, you can make the most of

Q: Where do the cruise ships dock in San Francisco?

A: The cruise ships dock at Pier 27, which is located on the waterfront in the South of Market (SoMa) district. Pier 27 is a modern cruise terminal that can accommodate ships of up to 1,000 passengers. It features a variety of amenities, including a passenger terminal, a shopping mall, and a food court.

Q: What is the best way to get to Pier 27 from the city center?

A: There are a few different ways to get to Pier 27 from the city center. You can take the BART, the ferry, or the bus.

  • BART: The BART is the fastest way to get to Pier 27. The Powell Street station is located just a few blocks from the cruise terminal.
  • Ferry: The ferry is a scenic way to get to Pier 27. The ferry terminal is located at Fisherman’s Wharf, which is about a 15-minute walk from the cruise terminal.
  • Bus: The bus is the most economical way to get to Pier 27. The 30 Stockton bus stops right in front of the cruise terminal.

Q: What are the hours of operation for Pier 27?

A: Pier 27 is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Q: What are the amenities available at Pier 27?

A: Pier 27 offers a variety of amenities, including:

  • A passenger terminal with check-in desks, baggage claim, and restrooms
  • A shopping mall with a variety of stores and restaurants
  • A food court with a variety of fast food and sit-down restaurants
  • A parking garage with over 1,000 spaces

Q: What are the nearby attractions to Pier 27?

A: Pier 27 is located in the South of Market (SoMa) district, which is home to a variety of attractions, including:

  • The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
  • The San Francisco Giants baseball stadium
  • The Moscone Center convention center
  • The Yerba Buena Gardens park

Q: What are the best times to visit Pier 27?

A: The best times to visit Pier 27 are during the day, when the weather is nice and you can enjoy the views of the bay. However, Pier 27 is also open 24 hours a day, so you can visit at any time of day or night.

there are three main cruise ship terminals in San Francisco: Pier 27, Pier 39, and Fisherman’s Wharf. Each terminal offers its own unique amenities and attractions, so it’s important to choose the one that’s right for you. Whether you’re looking for a convenient location close to the city center, a terminal with plenty of shopping and dining options, or a terminal with stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge, you’re sure to find it in San Francisco.

Here are some key takeaways:

  • Pier 27 is the closest terminal to the city center, and it offers easy access to public transportation.
  • Pier 39 is home to the famous sea lions, and it has a variety of shops and restaurants.
  • Fisherman’s Wharf is the most scenic terminal, with views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island.

No matter which terminal you choose, you’re sure to have a memorable cruise experience in San Francisco.

Author Profile

Dale Richard
Dale Richard
Dale, in his mid-thirties, embodies the spirit of adventure and the love for the great outdoors. With a background in environmental science and a heart that beats for exploring the unexplored, Dale has hiked through the lush trails of the Appalachian Mountains, camped under the starlit skies of the Mojave Desert, and kayaked through the serene waters of the Great Lakes.

His adventures are not just about conquering new terrains but also about embracing the ethos of sustainable and responsible travel. Dale’s experiences, from navigating through dense forests to scaling remote peaks, bring a rich tapestry of stories, insights, and practical tips to our blog.