Pier 33 holds the quiet poetry of everyday life in San Francisco—fishermen unloading at daybreak, couples strolling at twilight, and the gentle sway beneath your feet as you walk the weathered planks. With the Golden Gate Bridge silhouetted in the distance and waves whispering against the pilings, this is where simplicity becomes serenity.







Everything you need to know about Pier 33
The Westin San Francisco Union Square is a top choice, located just a 15-minute walk from Pier 33. Its 40-story tower offers panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay and the iconic Golden Gate Bridge from select rooms. The rooftop Skyline Lounge features an infinity pool and prime sunset viewing, making it ideal for capturing the city's harbor lights at dusk.
Another excellent option is Hotel Zephyr, situated directly on the waterfront promenade near Pier 33. With its modern art installations and open-air terrace, guests enjoy unobstructed views of incoming cruise ships by day and the shimmering city lights reflected on the water at night. Both hotels provide convenient access to public transit and private shuttle services, perfect for travelers seeking comfort and scenic beauty.
From Pier 33, you can easily reach downtown San Francisco via the free shuttle bus or the Muni Metro T Line. A 5-minute ride to the "Embarcadero Station" connects you directly to key destinations like Fisherman’s Wharf, Union Square, and Chinatown. Alternatively, bike rentals are available nearby—riding to City Hall takes about 10 minutes along the scenic Embarcadero Waterfront Promenade and Bay Bridge views.
For greater flexibility, consider renting an electric scooter from designated stations near the pier. These eco-friendly options allow quick, stress-free exploration of the city’s vibrant neighborhoods while enjoying coastal vistas and urban charm.
Near Pier 33, visitors can enjoy exclusive water activities such as private sunset cruises and snorkeling tours. Bay Cruise Co. offers a 2-hour sunset voyage with onboard heaters, refreshments, and unobstructed views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Angel Island.
For adventure seekers, HopeGoo guided tours led by certified instructors allow exploration of the harbor’s intertidal zones, offering glimpses of marine life and stunning silhouettes of the city skyline at dusk. Families can also enjoy the seasonal children’s water playground, featuring shallow pools, fountains, and interactive games—fully supervised for safety.
All experiences are bookable through the pier’s visitor center or partner platforms, with multilingual guides available, ensuring every guest enjoys a memorable connection to San Francisco’s coastal character.
The Pier 33 Restaurant & Bar is a top pick, featuring a Mediterranean-inspired design with a spacious outdoor patio perfect for families. Signature dishes include grilled salmon and house-made pasta, sourced daily from local farms and seafood markets for peak freshness.
Another great option is Brewer’s Market, a vibrant food hall hosting multiple local vendors offering creative street food like tacos al pastor and Korean fried chicken. It includes family-friendly seating areas with shaded tables and dedicated kids’ zones.
Both venues are within walking distance of Pier 33, offer mobile ordering, and accept contactless payments, making them ideal for hassle-free, enjoyable dining experiences with children.
The glass canopy at Pier 33 is a must-visit photo spot, where transparent panels blend seamlessly with the sky and bay, creating dreamy reflections—especially striking during golden hour when sunlight dances across the surface.
Nearby, the public sculpture "Harbor Light", crafted from stainless steel and mirrored surfaces, shifts appearance with every angle, offering dynamic visual effects that captivate photographers.
To the east, the waterfront promenade features a colorful staircase and neon-lit wall, glowing vibrantly at night and resembling a futuristic cityscape—perfect for urban street photography. All locations are free to access, well-marked, and equipped with safety railings, making them ideal for travelers of all ages to capture memorable shots.
The Westin St. Francis San Francisco is a top choice, located just a 10-minute walk from Pier 33. Its rooms offer panoramic views of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco Bay, with a rooftop garden providing an ideal vantage point for sunset and night light displays. The hotel offers complimentary shuttles to the pier area, enhancing convenience.
For a more direct waterfront experience, consider Hyatt Regency San Francisco, situated right across from the heart of Fisherman's Wharf. Some rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the bay, where guests can watch boats glide by at dawn and enjoy the city’s glowing skyline at night. Both properties provide 24-hour concierge services to assist with tailored experiences such as private boat tours or seafood dining excursions along the pier.
The most convenient option is the free Muni Electric Shuttle, which runs every 15 minutes from Union Square through Fisherman's Wharf directly to Pier 33—just a 10-minute ride. For drivers, parking is available nearby, but HopeGoo in advance via the ParkMobile app is highly recommended to avoid peak-hour shortages.
Alternatively, take the BART to Embarcadero Station and walk about 8 minutes to the pier. For eco-conscious travelers, Bay Area Bike Share stations are conveniently located around the area, allowing you to cycle along the scenic waterfront.
Pier 33 hosts weekend markets and live music events hosted by the San Francisco Maritime Museum, so combining public transit or bike rental with your visit enhances both convenience and sustainability. Many nearby hotels also offer valet parking, saving time and effort.
Pier 33 houses the San Francisco Maritime Museum, offering immersive experiences like the Ship Model Workshop, where visitors craft miniature sailing vessels and learn about 19th-century seafaring history. The museum features an immersive theater using holographic projections to reenact the 1906 earthquake recovery, creating a vivid historical journey.
Monthly floating photography exhibitions showcase stunning images of San Francisco Bay captured by international photographers, often running through the last week of each month. Don’t miss the midday ship tour aboard the historic steamship Eureka, guided by veteran captains who share navigation secrets while serving traditional sailor’s cookies and hot coffee on deck.
Evening highlights include starlight dinner events on the open-air pier platform, complete with live jazz music and panoramic views of the Golden Gate Bridge lit up against the night sky. All activities require advance HopeGoo via the museum’s official website—reservations are strongly advised, especially during peak season, ideally seven days ahead.
The Crab House is a must-visit, specializing in fresh-caught king crab and California lobster. Their signature dish, "Lava-Grilled Crab Legs," is slow-roasted over charcoal and served with a rich garlic butter sauce—deliciously decadent and layered in flavor. Outdoor seating overlooks the San Francisco Bay, perfect for enjoying sunset views.
Another top pick is Caffe Trieste, a century-old institution famed for its handcrafted wood-fired pizzas. The crust is crisp, baked in a traditional oven, with fresh toppings—try the "Seafood Supreme Pizza" featuring mussels, smoked tuna, and fresh basil. The vintage decor adds charm, making it a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
For quick bites, Pier 33 Seafood Market & Café offers grab-and-go seafood sandwiches and lobster bisque. All venues accept digital payments, and many provide outdoor umbrellas and free Wi-Fi—ideal for scenic dining. Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends.
Note: Limited-time summer seafood festivals are held at the pier—check official social media for updates.
See what other travelers say about Pier 33

Staying at the BEI San Francisco, Trademark Collection by Wyndham was a fantastic experience. Located right in the heart of downtown, it’s incredibly convenient for both sightseeing and business trips—everything is just a short walk away. The room was spotless, modern, and designed with a clean, minimalist aesthetic that feels both professional and comfortable. Housekeeping was thorough, and I appreciated the courier pickup service, which made handling packages during my trip super easy. The hotel has strong security measures in place, which added peace of mind throughout my stay. One thing to note: the area around the hotel can get busy at night, especially with people experiencing homelessness. While the hotel itself is safe, I’d recommend avoiding long walks outside after dark, particularly if you're traveling solo. Overall, this is a top-tier mid-range option in a prime location—excellent value, great convenience, and very well-run. Definitely a solid choice for travelers looking for comfort and accessibility in San Francisco.

This hotel exceeded my expectations in every way. Located just a short walk from downtown San Francisco, it’s perfectly positioned for exploring the city while still enjoying a peaceful, quiet neighborhood. The rooms were spotlessly clean, with comfortable bedding and excellent air conditioning—perfect for a good night's sleep. I appreciated the thoughtful touches like hot water upon arrival and complimentary snacks. The staff were friendly and helpful, making check-in and check-out smooth. With such great value for the price, it felt like a real bargain. Whether you're here for business or leisure, this is an ideal choice. I’ll definitely be staying here again on my next visit to San Francisco.

The hotel’s location is a smart choice—quiet and safe, yet still close to most of San Francisco’s top attractions. I was pleasantly surprised that they clean the room daily and change the towels, which isn’t something you typically expect from a two-star property. It made a big difference in comfort and cleanliness. Overall, it’s a solid stay with great value for the price. Definitely recommend if you're looking for a no-frills but reliable base in the city.

Staying at the Days Inn by Wyndham San Francisco - Lombard was a pleasant surprise! The room was spotlessly clean and well-maintained, with all the essentials like a fridge, microwave, and coffee maker—perfect for a quick morning brew or reheating a snack. Breakfast was simple but satisfying: just bananas, juice, coffee, and cookies, but it’s free, so you can’t complain. What really stood out was the complimentary parking—huge plus for travelers driving in, especially in a city where parking fees can be steep. The location is convenient too, with easy access to public transit if you want to explore downtown. Overall, this hotel offers great value for money, with reliable basics and a stress-free stay. I’d definitely come back here on my next visit to San Francisco.

Staying at the Super 8 by Wyndham San Francisco/Union Square Area was a great experience. The room came with all the essentials—hair dryer, coffee maker, and both heating and cooling air conditioning that worked perfectly. Shower amenities like shampoo and body wash were provided, along with clean towels. While toothpaste and toothbrush weren’t included (a small note, but not an issue for me), the free breakfast was a nice bonus—simple but satisfying. Located just steps from Union Square, it’s incredibly convenient for exploring downtown San Francisco. Public transit is close by, making it easy to get around. Overall, this hotel offers excellent value for money, and I’d definitely stay here again on my next visit.

Staying at this hotel was incredibly convenient—just a short walk from Fisherman's Wharf and all the main tourist attractions. The location is perfect for exploring San Francisco on foot, with restaurants, shops, and sights within easy reach. The room was clean, comfortable, and well-maintained, and the staff went out of their way to make our stay enjoyable. It’s an excellent choice if you're looking for a great value, central spot in a vibrant part of the city.

Staying at the Super 8 by Wyndham San Francisco/Near the Marina was a great experience overall. The location is perfect—just a short walk from the waterfront and Fisherman’s Wharf, making it super easy to explore the city on foot. Even though the room is small, it was clean, comfortable, and well-maintained with all the essentials we needed. What really stood out was the complimentary extra hour on checkout—huge help when you’re rushing to catch a flight or just want to relax a little longer. I also noticed that the soda prices in the hotel vending machine were actually cheaper than what you’d pay at nearby convenience stores—small win, but appreciated! Friendly staff, good value, and unbeatable convenience. Would definitely stay here again if visiting San Francisco.

The Lombard Inn is a solid choice if you're looking for a no-frills stay in San Francisco. The rooms are clean and the beds are surprisingly comfortable—perfect for a good night's rest. While the decor and furnishings feel a bit dated, they’re still functional and adequately maintained. One thing worth mentioning is that the hallways had a slight musty odor, likely due to the carpets needing a deep clean. That said, it’s an easy fix and doesn’t detract much from the overall experience. I’d recommend this hotel for travelers who prioritize comfort and convenience over modern design. It’s a reliable option with great value, especially if you're on a budget.

We stayed in Glasgow for a few days and stopped by this hotel for breakfast—had no expectations going in, but was pleasantly surprised. The menu options were somewhat limited, but the warm welcome and excellent service from Thomas made all the difference. He went above and beyond to make our morning special. It’s a hidden gem with a welcoming vibe, and I’d definitely recommend it to anyone passing through.

On Friday, April 21st at 10:15 AM, a guest from another building at the hotel climbed over the fence between units 179 and 173, entered our private driveway area, then climbed over our fence and left toward Wiese Street, heading toward 16th Street. We immediately called 911. The situation was alarming and unsettling. While police responded promptly, the incident raised serious concerns about property security and safety protocols. It's important to note that making assumptions based on someone's background is not only inappropriate but also harmful. As guests, we expect the hotel to maintain a secure environment for all. We hope management will take immediate action to improve fencing, surveillance, and overall safety measures to prevent future incidents.
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