Aquatic Park
On the north end of San Francisco, a renowned neighborhood called Fisherman’s Wharf is packed with memorable attractions. You can see Pier 39 with sea lions basking in the sun, visit the historic Ghirardelli Chocolate factory and sample delectable chocolates first introduced to the city during the Gold Rush; or tour the Maritime Museum on Hyde Street Pier. But one landmark is not as famous for many San Francisco travelers. Called the Aquatic Park, it’s located directly in front of the historic Ghirardelli Chocolate factory in Fisherman’s Wharf.
The Aquatic Park Historic District was created in 1936 when a curved Municipal Pier was built to protect a specific cove of the San Francisco Bay from tidal swell. Over the years, locals have used the cove for recreational swimming and the pier for afternoon fishing, and the views have been enjoyed by locals and travelers alike.
Today, there’s a bathhouse and beach to further enhance the Aquatic Park.
Around the Aquatic Park you’ll find more attractions: you can relax in Victoria Park, the patch of greenery in front of the Fisherman’s Wharf cable car turnaround; lie on the beach for some sun (or fog); or tour the historic Maritime Museum, which is technically not part of the Aquatic Park but its boats rest in the calm Aquatic Park waters.
Do you want a tour of California? —if so, CLICK HERE!
Most people look at the Aquatic Park as the main center point of Fisherman’s Wharf, but many don’t know the park by name. Now when you visit San Francisco — specifically Fisherman’s Wharf — now you know the concrete sidewalk and protected cove is the Aquatic Park. Enjoy the view.
How Do I Find the Aquatic Park?
- The Aquatic Park is located in the heart of Fisherman’s Wharf, or more specifically, near the corner of Beach and Hyde Streets.Â
- You can use public transportation routes 9x, 10, 19, 20, 30, 39, 47 and bus 49; the Powell-Hyde and Powell-Mason cable car lines; or the easiest (and most crowded in the morning), the F-line. If you’re in a rush, just grab an uber.
- To reach the Aquatic Park from Union Square you can ride most of the above bus lines, the fastest being bus 30 (around 20 mins), or you can ride the F-Line (40 mins) and face crowds. And FYI — waiting for a cable car IS NOT worth your time. Instead, ride a cable car during a less-crowded time of day.
- Other notable attractions near the Aquatic Park include the Buena Vista Cafe, Cable Cars, Pier 39, Ghirardelli Square, Fort Mason, The Marina, Sea Lions, Alcatraz, North Beach, Lombard Street, Hyde Street Pier and the Maritime Museum, Russian Hill and the Golden Gate Bridge.
Orange Sky Co. says:
The Aquatic Park is located in front of Ghirardelli Square. You’ll see the Maritime Museum historic vessels and locals swimming in its waters. The Aquatic Park gets cold at night. Dress warm and always be prepared to duck inside for an Irish coffee.
Location of the Aquatic Park
