Where Do Cruise Ships Dock in San Francisco, CA?

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 plenty of things to see and do. But where do cruise ships dock in San Francisco?

There are actually two cruise ship terminals in San Francisco: Pier 27 and Pier 39. Pier 27 is located on the Embarcadero, just south of Fisherman’s Wharf. Pier 39 is located on the waterfront at Fisherman’s Wharf.

Each terminal has its own unique advantages and disadvantages. Pier 27 is closer to the city center, while Pier 39 is closer to the attractions of Fisherman’s Wharf. Pier 27 also has a larger capacity than Pier 39.

Ultimately, the best cruise ship terminal for you depends on your personal preferences and interests. If you want to be close to the city center, then Pier 27 is the better choice. If you want to be close to the attractions of Fisherman’s Wharf, then Pier 39 is the better choice.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at each terminal and discuss the pros and cons of each. We’ll also provide some tips on how to get the most out of your cruise ship experience in San Francisco.

Pier 27

Pier 27 is located on the Embarcadero, just south of Fisherman’s Wharf. It is the larger of the two cruise ship terminals in San Francisco, with a capacity of 2,500 passengers. Pier 27 is also closer to the city center, making it a convenient option for passengers who want to explore the city.

Pros of Pier 27:

  • Close to the city center
  • Larger capacity
  • More direct access to public transportation

Cons of Pier 27:

  • Further from Fisherman’s Wharf
  • Less scenic location
  • More crowded

Pier 39

Pier 39 is located on the waterfront at Fisherman’s Wharf. It is the smaller of the two cruise ship terminals in San Francisco, with a capacity of 1,500 passengers. Pier 39 is closer to the attractions of Fisherman’s Wharf, making it a convenient option for passengers who want to visit the sea lions, Pier 39’s most famous residents.

Pros of Pier 39:

  • Closer to Fisherman’s Wharf
  • More scenic location
  • Less crowded

Cons of Pier 39:

  • Smaller capacity
  • Less direct access to public transportation

Which Terminal is Right for You?

The best cruise ship terminal for you depends on your personal preferences and interests. If you want to be close to the city center, then Pier 27 is the better choice. If you want to be close to the attractions of Fisherman’s Wharf, then Pier 39 is the better choice.

Here is a table that summarizes the pros and cons of each terminal:

| Pier 27 | Pier 39 |
|—|—|
| Closer to the city center | Closer to Fisherman’s Wharf |
| Larger capacity | Smaller capacity |
| More direct access to public transportation | Less direct access to public transportation |
| More crowded | Less crowded |
| More scenic location | Less scenic location |

Ultimately, the best way to decide which terminal is right for you is to visit both terminals and see which one you like better.

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Cruise Line Ship Name Dock
Princess Cruises Crown Princess Pier 27
Royal Caribbean International Liberty of the Seas Pier 29
Norwegian Cruise Line Norwegian Bliss Pier 35
Carnival Cruise Line Carnival Spirit Pier 21

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Port of San Francisco

Location and history

The Port of San Francisco is located on the west coast of the United States, in the city of San Francisco, California. It is the 5th busiest port in the United States in terms of container traffic, and the 7th busiest in terms of total cargo tonnage. The port is a major gateway for trade between the United States and Asia, and is also a popular tourist destination.

The port was established in 1848, shortly after the founding of San Francisco. The first commercial pier was built in 1850, and the port quickly became a major hub for trade between the United States and Asia. In the early 1900s, the port was expanded to accommodate larger ships, and in the 1950s, the first container terminal was built.

Today, the Port of San Francisco is a major economic engine for the city of San Francisco and the surrounding region. The port generates over $20 billion in annual economic activity, and supports over 100,000 jobs.

Facilities and services

The Port of San Francisco has a variety of facilities and services to support its maritime operations. These include:

  • 10 deep-water berths
  • 2 container terminals
  • 1 cruise ship terminal
  • 1 bulk cargo terminal
  • 1 auto terminal
  • A variety of warehouses and storage facilities
  • A ship repair facility
  • A fuel dock
  • A customs office
  • A Coast Guard station

The port also offers a variety of services to its customers, including:

  • Cargo handling
  • Warehousing
  • Distribution
  • Customs clearance
  • Ship repair
  • Bunkering
  • Pilotage
  • Towage

Cruise ship traffic

The Port of San Francisco is a popular destination for cruise ships. In 2019, the port welcomed over 2 million cruise ship passengers. The port has four cruise ship terminals, which can accommodate ships of up to 100,000 gross tons. The most popular cruise ship destinations from San Francisco include Alaska, Hawaii, Mexico, and the Caribbean.

Cruise Ship Docks in San Francisco

Pier 27

Pier 27 is located on the Embarcadero, in the heart of San Francisco’s downtown waterfront. It is the main cruise ship terminal in the city, and is home to the Port of San Francisco’s cruise ship terminal. Pier 27 can accommodate ships of up to 100,000 gross tons.

Pier 39

Pier 39 is located on Fisherman’s Wharf, in the north end of San Francisco. It is a popular tourist destination, and is home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and attractions. Pier 39 is also home to a colony of sea lions, which are a popular attraction for visitors. Pier 39 can accommodate ships of up to 80,000 gross tons.

Fisherman’s Wharf

Fisherman’s Wharf is located on the north end of San Francisco. It is a popular tourist destination, and is home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and attractions. Fisherman’s Wharf is also home to a number of cruise ship terminals, which can accommodate ships of up to 80,000 gross tons.

Other docks

In addition to the three main cruise ship docks listed above, there are a number of other docks in San Francisco that can accommodate cruise ships. These include:

  • Pier 80
  • Pier 91
  • Pier 94
  • Pier 101
  • Pier 103
  • Pier 105

These docks can accommodate ships of up to 80,000 gross tons.

The Port of San Francisco is a major economic engine for the city of San Francisco and the surrounding region. The port is a major gateway for trade between the United States and Asia, and is also a popular tourist destination. The port has a variety of facilities and services to support its maritime operations, and is a popular destination for cruise ships.

Where Do Cruise Ships Dock in San Francisco, CA?

There are three cruise ship terminals in San Francisco, CA:

  • Pier 27/29
  • Pier 35
  • Fisherman’s Wharf

Pier 27/29

Pier 27/29 is located on the Embarcadero, just south of Fisherman’s Wharf. It is the largest cruise ship terminal in San Francisco, and can accommodate ships of up to 1,000 passengers. Pier 27/29 is served by the San Francisco Municipal Railway (Muni) F Line, which stops right at the terminal.

Pier 35

Pier 35 is located on the Embarcadero, just north of Fisherman’s Wharf. It is a smaller terminal than Pier 27/29, and can accommodate ships of up to 800 passengers. Pier 35 is served by the Muni F Line, which stops at the Broadway and Stockton Street intersection, about a 10-minute walk from the terminal.

Fisherman’s Wharf

Fisherman’s Wharf is not a cruise ship terminal, but it is a popular spot for cruise ships to anchor. Ships of up to 2,000 passengers can anchor at Fisherman’s Wharf, and passengers are then shuttled to and from the terminal by tender boats. Fisherman’s Wharf is served by the Muni F Line, which stops at the Jefferson and Taylor Street intersection, about a 15-minute walk from the waterfront.

Getting to and from the Cruise Ship Docks

There are several ways to get to and from the cruise ship docks in San Francisco.

  • By public transportation: The San Francisco Municipal Railway (Muni) F Line stops at all three cruise ship terminals. The F Line runs from Fisherman’s Wharf to the Castro District, and it is the most convenient way to get to and from the cruise ship docks.
  • By private transportation: You can also take a taxi or Uber to the cruise ship docks. The cost of a taxi from downtown San Francisco to Pier 27/29 is about $20, and the cost of an Uber is about $15.
  • By walking or biking: Pier 27/29 and Pier 35 are both within walking distance of downtown San Francisco. Fisherman’s Wharf is a bit further away, but it is still possible to walk or bike there.

Things to Do in San Francisco

There are many things to do in San Francisco, both before or after your cruise and while on your cruise.

Before or after your cruise:

  • Visit Fisherman’s Wharf: Fisherman’s Wharf is a popular tourist destination, and it is home to many seafood restaurants, shops, and attractions. You can take a ferry to Alcatraz Island, visit the Pier 39 sea lions, or take a walk along the waterfront.
  • Explore Chinatown: Chinatown is the oldest and largest Chinatown in North America. It is home to many Chinese restaurants, shops, and temples. You can take a guided tour of Chinatown, or simply wander around and explore on your own.
  • Visit the Golden Gate Bridge: The Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most iconic landmarks in the world. You can take a walk or bike across the bridge, or simply admire it from afar.
  • Visit the Palace of Fine Arts: The Palace of Fine Arts is a beautiful neoclassical building that is home to the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. You can take a tour of the museum, or simply enjoy the gardens and architecture of the Palace of Fine Arts.

While on your cruise:

  • Take a shore excursion: There are many different shore excursions available in San Francisco. You can visit Alcatraz Island, take a ferry to Sausalito, or go on a bike tour of the city.
  • Explore the city on your own: If you don’t want to take a shore excursion, you can explore the city on your own. You can take a walk or bike ride around the city, or visit some of the many museums and attractions.
  • Enjoy the nightlife: San Francisco has a vibrant nightlife scene. You can find bars, clubs, and restaurants to suit any taste.

San Francisco is a beautiful and exciting city that has something to offer everyone. Whether you’re visiting before or after your cruise, or spending time in the city while on your cruise, you’re sure

Q: Where do cruise ships dock in San Francisco, CA?

A: Cruise ships dock at Pier 27, which is located on the waterfront in the city’s South of Market (SoMa) district. Pier 27 is a modern cruise terminal with a variety of amenities, including a passenger terminal, a shopping mall, and a variety of restaurants.

Q: What is the closest airport to Pier 27?

A: The closest airport to Pier 27 is San Francisco International Airport (SFO). SFO is located approximately 15 miles from Pier 27.

Q: How do I get from SFO to Pier 27?

A: There are a few ways to get from SFO to Pier 27. You can take a taxi, Uber, Lyft, or public transportation. The public transportation option is to take the BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) to the Embarcadero station. From the Embarcadero station, you can walk or take a shuttle to Pier 27.

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 has a variety of amenities, including a passenger terminal, a shopping mall, and a variety of restaurants. The passenger terminal has check-in desks, baggage claim, and a variety of shops and restaurants. The shopping mall has a variety of stores, including duty-free shops, clothing stores, and souvenirs shops. The restaurants at Pier 27 include a variety of cuisines, including American, Italian, Chinese, and Mexican.

Q: What are the cruise lines that dock at Pier 27?

A: A variety of cruise lines dock at Pier 27, including Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, and Norwegian Cruise Line.

Q: What are the best things to do in San Francisco?

A: San Francisco is a vibrant city with a lot to offer visitors. Some of the best things to do in San Francisco include visiting Fisherman’s Wharf, taking a cable car ride, visiting the Golden Gate Bridge, and exploring Chinatown.

there are three main cruise ship terminals in San Francisco: Pier 27, Pier 35, and Fisherman’s Wharf. Each terminal has its own unique advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to choose the one that’s best for you. Pier 27 is the closest terminal to downtown San Francisco, but it’s also the smallest and busiest. Pier 35 is further from downtown, but it’s larger and has more amenities. Fisherman’s Wharf is the most scenic terminal, but it’s also the furthest from downtown. 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.