Explore on your own rating
Walk off the ship onto the Embarcadero with great transit.
Where ships dock
- James R. Herman Cruise Terminal, Pier 27 (on the Embarcadero)
- Pier 35 (overflow berth)
Getting to town
You dock on the Embarcadero. Fisherman's Wharf and Pier 39 are a short walk north, and the Ferry Building is about a mile south. The F-Market streetcar stops across from the terminal.
F-Market historic streetcars, cable cars from Powell or Bay Street, Muni buses, taxis and rideshare. SFO airport is roughly 45 minutes by car, or take BART to Embarcadero and the F-line. The terminal has no parking; prepaid cruise parking is about half a mile away on Francisco Street.
Fares are as reported by the sources below and change often. Treat them as estimates.
Money & entry
Currency: U.S. dollar.
Top sights nearby
- Fisherman's Wharf and Pier 39 sea lions
- Ferry Building Marketplace
- Alcatraz (book well ahead)
- Cable cars
- Golden Gate Bridge
Beaches
- Baker Beach and Crissy Field (by taxi or bus)
Safety & tips
- Alcatraz tickets sell out weeks ahead.
- Dress in layers: it is often cool and foggy even in summer.
- Car break-ins are common: leave nothing visible in a car.
Check U.S. State Department travel advisories before you sail.
⏰ Back to the ship on time
From Fisherman's Wharf allow 20–30 minutes on foot; cable car lines can be long.
Ship time can differ from local time. Your ship won't wait for independent travelers.
Shore excursions that get you back on time
Prefer a guided option in San Francisco? Browse shore excursions with reviews, and pick one that returns well before all-aboard.
Find San Francisco shore excursions on Viator ↗
Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission if you book through these links, at no extra cost to you.
Quick answers
Can you explore San Francisco on your own?
Yes, it is rated Easy. Walk off the ship onto the Embarcadero with great transit.
How far is it from the cruise dock to town in San Francisco?
You dock on the Embarcadero. Fisherman's Wharf and Pier 39 are a short walk north, and the Ferry Building is about a mile south. The F-Market streetcar stops across from the terminal.
When should I head back to the ship in San Francisco?
From Fisherman's Wharf allow 20–30 minutes on foot; cable car lines can be long.
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