San Francisco Cruise Port
San Francisco, United States · Pacific
Cruise ships dock at Pier 27 — James R. Herman Cruise Terminal, San Francisco.
Plan my port daysWalkable waterfront cruise port with world-class sightseeing right outside the terminal.
At a glance
Port summary
San Francisco is one of the best walk-off cruise ports in North America. Pier 27 (James R. Herman Cruise Terminal) puts you steps from Fisherman's Wharf and the Embarcadero. Most top attractions are reachable on foot, by streetcar, or a short rideshare. Alcatraz requires advance booking. The Golden Gate Bridge needs transport but is unmissable. San Francisco's famous fog can roll in any time of year — always bring layers, even in summer.
Cruise docks
🚢 Pier 27 — James R. Herman Cruise Terminal
The primary cruise berth in San Francisco. Modern glass-fronted terminal opened in 2014 with full passenger facilities. Accommodates vessels up to 950+ feet. Located on the Embarcadero waterfront between Pier 23 and Pier 29.
📍 Latitude: 37.8046, Longitude: -122.4014
See dock on port map →🚢 Pier 35 — Historic Overflow Berth
Historic 100-year-old pier used as overflow during busy periods or for smaller luxury vessels. Basic passenger handling facilities. Closer to Fisherman's Wharf than Pier 27.
📍 Latitude: 37.8076, Longitude: -122.4058
See dock on port map →Getting to San Francisco
From the cruise terminal to the city centre
Flat waterfront walk to Fisherman's Wharf, Pier 39, and Ferry Building. Best option for nearby attractions.
📍 Exit the terminal and walk north along the Embarcadero
Taxis available at the terminal. All accept card payment. Good for reaching Golden Gate Bridge or inland attractions.
📍 Taxi queue inside the Pier 27 parking lot area
Uber and Lyft both operate in San Francisco. Surge pricing possible during cruise ship departures.
📍 Request pickup at street level outside the terminal on the Embarcadero
Historic F-Market streetcar runs along the Embarcadero waterfront to the Ferry Building, Market Street, and the Castro. Tap-to-pay or Clipper card.
📍 F-Market streetcar stop on the Embarcadero near Pier 27
Muni bus network covers the whole city. Route 28 connects to the Golden Gate Bridge. Tap-to-pay accepted.
📍 Muni bus stops along the Embarcadero and nearby streets
Map & things to do
Money & payments
Cards and contactless work everywhere; cash rarely needed
Things to do
Golden Gate Bridge
⭐ Highlight
Walk or bike across San Francisco's world-famous suspension bridge.
🕐 Morning before fog rolls in; clearest skies typically September–October
Palace of Fine Arts
Short stop⭐ Highlight
A stunning Beaux-Arts rotunda and lagoon in the Marina District.
🕐 Golden hour before sunset for best photography light
Alcatraz Island
⭐ Highlight
Tour the infamous island prison with audio guides and stunning bay views.
🕐 Book the first ferry of the day to avoid afternoon crowds and wind
Chinatown
Short stop🚶 Walk
Explore the oldest Chinatown in North America with dim sum, tea shops, and temples.
🕐 Late morning for dim sum; avoid major holidays when crowds peak
Fisherman's Wharf
Short stop🚶 Walk
Stroll the iconic waterfront with seafood stalls, street performers, and bay views.
🕐 Late morning for fresh seafood and fewer crowds
Ferry Building Marketplace
Short stop🛒 Market
Browse artisan food vendors, local produce, and gourmet treats in this landmark building.
🕐 Saturday mornings for the outdoor farmers market (8am–2pm); weekdays for a quieter browse
Cable Car Ride
Short stop🎯 Activity
Ride San Francisco's beloved cable cars up and down the city's steepest hills.
🕐 Early morning or late afternoon to avoid long queues at Powell Street
Pier 39 & Sea Lions
Short stop🎯 Activity
Watch hundreds of sea lions basking on the docks and explore the lively pier.
🕐 Anytime; sea lions most numerous January–May
North Beach & Little Italy
Short stop🍽️ Restaurant
San Francisco's Italian neighborhood with espresso bars, trattorias, and Beat Generation bookshops.
🕐 Lunch or early evening for the best restaurant atmosphere
Coit Tower
Short stop📸 Viewpoint
Climb Telegraph Hill for panoramic views and WPA-era murals inside the tower.
🕐 Morning for clearest views; sunset for golden light
Golden Gate Park
🌿 Nature
A vast urban park with gardens, museums, and peaceful trails stretching to the ocean.
🕐 Weekday mornings for quieter paths; Japanese Tea Garden opens at 9am
Ghirardelli Square
Short stop🛍️ Shopping
Shop and taste chocolate at this converted waterfront factory complex.
🕐 Anytime; the chocolate shop is open daily
Build your perfect day in San Francisco
Tell us how long you have, who you're with, and what you enjoy — our Intelligent data platform will create a personalised itinerary just for you.
Plan my port days →Frequently asked questions
- Where does my cruise ship dock in San Francisco?
- Your ship docks at one of the cruise terminals in San Francisco, United States. The specific berth is assigned by the port a few days before arrival.
- Can I walk from the cruise port into San Francisco?
- Yes. San Francisco is walkable from the cruise port — many cruisers reach the city centre on foot.
- How do I get from the cruise port to San Francisco centre?
- Typical options include On foot, Taxi, Ride-hail (Uber/Bolt), Tram, Local bus. Durations and costs are listed in the transport section above.
- How much time do I need in San Francisco?
- Plan for at least 4 hours ashore to see San Francisco independently and return to the ship with a safe buffer.
- What currency is used in San Francisco and are cards accepted?
- San Francisco uses the US Dollar. Carry some cash for markets, taxis, and smaller vendors — cards aren't accepted everywhere.
- Is there Wi-Fi at the cruise port?
- Free Wi-Fi is available at the San Francisco cruise terminal.
- When should I be back at the ship?
- Cruise lines usually require all passengers on board about 30 minutes before scheduled departure. Confirm the exact all-aboard time on your daily programme.
Have something to share about San Francisco Cruise Port?
Share a photo, suggest a thing to do, drop a map link, or tell us what you did in port.
Add a contributionAdmin reviews every contribution before it goes live.