It was definitely a touristy place, but hey that's what vacations are for. We loved the fun atmosphere, shopping & watching the sea lions, even though they smell bad. Great place to jump on a cable car to the top of the hills and walk down.

It is fun to go here and eat with my daughter. She really enjoys the atmosphere. You can't live here and not come here for the clam chowder in a sourdough bowl. Sometimes the weekends can be pretty crowded along with lots of traffic, so I prefer to come during the week.

Several insider redeeming features about the wharf:

You can hang out with the sea lions for hours at no cost and watch the tourists go by.

The Buena vista hotel and bar is a great place to tip a couple of pints. Continue down the street and you got Ghiradelli Square with the decadent ice cream creations. Parking in the area can be a bear but if you have good karma- don't give up! It's worth it.

I thought the pier was beautiful and exciting. There are so many things to do and see. I will go there many more times and it will be even more exiting than the first because I know how many more things there are to do.

If you want a plasticized, Disneyesque experience with no culture and no soul, go to Fisherman's Wharf. Everything is overpriced, mediocre, and overrun with tourists. Locals only go there under duress.

it would be in your best interest to visit fishermans wharf not only for the animal experience the romantic atmoshpere the wonderful lights and scenery but for the experience . . .

The lobster I ordered was huge...but it was hard to enjoy because they provided no clarified butter, nor did you have a place to sit and enjoy the food. You ate standing up..and that is certainly no way to enjoy a meal. It was disappointing.

I have gone to the wharf many times as a child with my family and now as an adult with my own children and it is still a great place to go. There is something for everyone of all ages. And enough things at all price ranges so everyone can enjoy at their own budget. I will say it can get realllly crowded at times so just be prepared to wear ...

I am an expert on "the city". There are two reasons that I go to Fisherman's wharf and two reasons only....

(1). Scoma's
(2). Fisherman's grotto number 9.

Fisherman's wharf is a cheap tourist trap full of tackey souveniers and undesirable people. Take a trolley car and eat at these two fine restaurants and then leave this terrible place.