Port Area Snapshot
San Francisco’s cruise terminal, located along the iconic Embarcadero, is a vibrant entry point to one of the most famous cities in the world. Visitors docking here are greeted with stunning views of the Bay Bridge, Alcatraz, and the city skyline. With Fisherman’s Wharf, Chinatown, and downtown just minutes away, this port is ideal for walkable adventures. San Francisco Cruise Terminal blends urban charm, waterfront beauty, and easy access to top attractions. Whether you’re headed to the Golden Gate or hopping a trolley, it’s the perfect start or end to a cruise vacation.
Port Overview
Port Name: James R. Herman Cruise Terminal at Pier 27
City: San Francisco, California
Address: Pier 27, The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94111
Terminals: 1 (Pier 27; overflow at Pier 35)
Cruise Lines: Princess, Carnival, Norwegian, Holland America, Cunard, and others
Annual Passengers: ~300,000
Features:
- Views of Bay Bridge and Alcatraz
- Walkable to tourist areas
- On-site parking garage
- Modern terminal with customs facilities
- Close to BART, Muni, and taxis
Weather:
- Winter: Highs in the 50s°F; occasional rain; light fog
- Summer: Highs in the 60s–70s°F; dry and breezy; cool evenings
Transportation & Access
| Option | Details | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Nearest airport | San Francisco International Airport (SFO), 14 miles away | SFO Website |
| Public transit | Muni F-Line streetcar stops at Pier 27 | SFMTA |
| Rail | BART Embarcadero Station, 1.2 miles (5 min by cab or Muni) | BART |
| Shuttles | Shared or private shuttles from airport/hotels | SuperShuttle |
| Rideshare | Uber/Lyft available; pickup on the Embarcadero | Uber |
| Accessibility | Terminal and restrooms ADA compliant; drop-off curb ramps | Port Info |
Things to Do Within 30 Minutes
| Attraction | Why Go | Hours / Cost* | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pier 39 | Seals, shops, views, and family fun | 10am–9pm / Free | pier39.com |
| Alcatraz Island | Famous prison tour via ferry | Varies / $$ | nps.gov/alca |
| Exploratorium | Interactive science museum on the waterfront | 10am–5pm / $$ | exploratorium.edu |
| Chinatown | Oldest in the U.S. – shops, food, culture | Always open / Free | sfchinatown.com |
| Ghirardelli Square | Chocolate, boutiques, and views | 11am–9pm / Free | ghirardelli.com |
Where to Eat Near the Port
Premium Dining
| Restaurant | Best For | Cuisine / Price | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coqueta | Upscale tapas with bay views | Spanish • $$$ | coquetasf.com |
| Waterbar | Oysters with Bay Bridge views | Seafood • $$$ | waterbarsf.com |
| Boulevard | Celebrated fine dining | Californian • $$$$ | boulevardrestaurant.com |
| EPIC Steak | Bayfront steaks and cocktails | Steakhouse • $$$ | epicsteak.com |
Budget‑Friendly Dining
| Spot | Meal Times | Cuisine / Price | LINK |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boudin Bakery Café | Breakfast–Dinner | Sourdough & soups • $ | boudinbakery.com |
| Golden Boy Pizza | Lunch–Late | Sicilian slices • $ | goldenboypizza.com |
| Gotts Roadside | All day | Burgers & shakes • $ | gotts.com |
| The Codmother | Lunch–Evening | Fish & chips • $ | facebook.com/Codmother |
Safety & Local Tips
- Always watch for pickpockets in tourist areas.
- Layer up — even summer days get chilly near the water.
- Taxis, rideshare, and Muni are safe and reliable.
- Walking is great, but hills can be steep — wear comfy shoes.
- Don’t leave valuables in parked cars (break-ins happen).
Cruise Day Logistics
- Allow 30–45 minutes to disembark and clear customs.
- Onsite luggage storage is not available — plan ahead.
- Drop-off is directly in front of Pier 27; signage is clear.
- Parking garage fills fast on embarkation days — book early.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How far is the terminal from downtown?
A: Less than 2 miles — about 10 minutes by car or Muni.
Q: Can I walk to Fisherman’s Wharf?
A: Yes! It’s about a 10–15 minute walk north along the Embarcadero.
Q: Is there long-term cruise parking?
A: Yes, Pier 27 Garage offers long-term options, but reserve in advance.
Q: What’s the best way from SFO to the port?
A: BART to Embarcadero or rideshare for convenience.
Q: Are there luggage storage lockers nearby?
A: Not onsite, but private services near Union Square offer storage.
Q: What’s the best place to eat with a view?
A: Waterbar offers amazing food and full Bay Bridge views.
Q: Is Wi-Fi available at the terminal?
A: Yes, complimentary Wi-Fi is offered inside Pier 27.