The Fisherman’s Wharf: Chocolate & Gold Tour with Exploratorium offers a captivating blend of San Francisco’s maritime history and culinary delights. Theres some good renowned chocolate samples while exploring Ghirardelli Square, Aquatic Park, and Pier 39. The tour culminates in an interactive visit to the Exploratorium, promising an unforgettable experience for all. Whether you’re a history buff or a foodie, this tour provides a unique opportunity to discover the city’s rich cultural tapestry. What surprises might this immersive journey hold?
Key Points
- Explore the history and chocolate-making process at Ghirardelli Square, the starting point of the Fisherman’s Wharf tour.
- Discover San Francisco’s maritime history and visit attractions like Aquatic Park, Hyde Street Pier, and Pier 39.
- Experience the Exploratorium with one hour of free time to explore the interactive science museum.
- Ride historic streetcars along the waterfront and enjoy the wheelchair-accessible tour with skip-the-line museum access.
- Sample treats from renowned local establishments like Ghirardelli’s chocolate factory and Boudin’s Sourdough Bakery.
Tour Overview and Pricing
The Fisherman’s Wharf Tour offers visitors a comprehensive exploration of San Francisco’s iconic waterfront, with prices starting from Kč 782 per person.
The 3-hour tour includes guided visits to Ghirardelli Square, Aquatic Park, Hyde Street Pier, Fisherman’s Wharf, and Pier 39, as well as free time at the Exploratorium.
The 3-hour tour explores Ghirardelli Square, Aquatic Park, Hyde Street Pier, Fisherman’s Wharf, Pier 39, and provides free time at the Exploratorium.
Guests can enjoy a ride on historic streetcars, sample treats from local eateries, and visit three museums.
The tour is wheelchair accessible, and participants can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Comfortable walking shoes, a camera, and sun protection are recommended.
Here are more experiences we've reviewed in San Francisco
Itinerary Highlights
The tour begins at Ghirardelli Square, located at 801 Beach Street, where guests will enjoy a 15-minute guided exploration of this iconic chocolate factory and historic landmark.
Next, the tour moves to Aquatic Park for a 30-minute guided visit, followed by a stop at the Hyde Street Pier.
Guests will then explore Fisherman’s Wharf for 45 minutes, learning about the area’s maritime history and gold rush era.
The tour continues to Pier 39, where guests have 30 minutes to visit the Musée Mécanique and observe the famous sea lions.
The finale is a one-hour free time at the Exploratorium.
Key Attractions and Experiences
Explore San Francisco’s top attractions and hidden gems along the waterfront during this comprehensive tour.
Explore San Francisco’s top attractions and hidden gems along the waterfront during this comprehensive tour.
You’ll hear stories about the city’s maritime history and gold rush era as you visit:
-
Ghirardelli Square to sample treats from the iconic chocolate factory
-
Boudin’s Sourdough Bakery for a taste of the famous San Francisco sourdough
-
Three museums – the Maritime Museum, Musée Mécanique, and the Exploratorium – to dive into the city’s culture and history.
Ride historic streetcars and see the sea lions at Pier 39 for a well-rounded experience of Fisherman’s Wharf.
Transportation and Accessibility
During the tour, guests can enjoy a ride on historic streetcars along the waterfront, which provides a unique and scenic mode of transportation. The tour is also wheelchair accessible, allowing everyone to fully participate. Plus, guests can skip the ticket line for the museums, saving valuable time.
| Feature | Availability |
| — | — |
| Streetcar Ride | Included |
| Wheelchair Accessibility | Yes |
| Skip Museum Lines | Included |
This seamless transportation and accessibility make the Fishermans Wharf tour a truly enjoyable and inclusive experience for all visitors.
More Great Tours NearbyExploring Ghirardelli Square
As guests arrive at the starting point of the tour at Ghirardelli Square, they’ll be greeted by the iconic Ghirardelli Chocolate Factory, where they’ll learn about the company’s rich history and sample some of its delectable treats.
During this 15-minute stop, visitors can:
Discover the origins of Ghirardelli’s signature chocolate, observe the chocolate-making process, and indulge in free samples of its renowned treats.
-
Discover the origins of Ghirardelli’s signature chocolate recipes dating back to the Gold Rush era.
-
Observe the chocolate-making process and witness the craftsmanship of the experienced chocolatiers.
-
Indulge in free samples of Ghirardelli’s renowned chocolate squares, sipping on a warm cup of hot cocoa.
Discovering Aquatic Park and Hyde Street Pier
Next, the tour guides lead guests on a captivating journey through Aquatic Park, a scenic waterfront area steeped in maritime history.
Visitors explore the restored lagoon, historic WPA-era bathhouses, and the Hyde Street Pier, home to a fleet of historic ships, including the Balclutha, a 19th-century cargo ship. The guides share stories about the park’s role in San Francisco’s rich seafaring past.
After, guests have time to wander the pier, admiring the iconic Golden Gate Bridge in the distance.
The tour then moves to Fisherman’s Wharf, where the group learns about the area’s fishing industry and sees the famous sea lions at Pier 39.
Immersing at Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39
Arriving at Fisherman’s Wharf, the tour group immerses themselves in the vibrant atmosphere of this iconic San Francisco landmark.
Fisherman’s Wharf, a vibrant San Francisco landmark, immerses the tour group in its iconic atmosphere.
They stroll along the bustling waterfront, taking in the sights, sounds, and flavors:
-
Browsing the colorful stalls and shops, filled with souvenirs, seafood, and local artisanal treats.
-
Watching the playful sea lions lounging on the docks at Pier 39, a must-see attraction.
-
Visiting the Musée Mécanique, a quirky museum showcasing an impressive collection of antique arcade games and mechanical displays.
The tour moves on to the Exploratorium, where the group can freely explore the interactive science exhibits and hands-on experiences.
Visiting the Exploratorium
The tour group then makes their way to the Exploratorium, a renowned interactive science museum located at Pier 15. Here, they have an hour of free time to explore the museum’s hands-on exhibits and immersive experiences. From the perplexing Tightrope exhibit to the mesmerizing Wave Organ, the Exploratorium offers a captivating glimpse into the world of science and technology. Visitors can engage with the exhibits, participate in interactive demonstrations, and unleash their curiosity.
| Exhibit | Description | Emotion |
| — | — | — |
| Tightrope | Challenge your balance and perception | Awe |
| Wave Organ | Listen to the harmonies of the San Francisco Bay | Wonder |
| Tornado Exhibit | Generate your own vortex and witness its power | Excitement |
Frequently Asked Questions
What Food Samples Are Included in the Tour?
The tour includes free samples from Ghirardelli Chocolate Factory and Boudin’s Sourdough Bakery. Visitors can savor treats from these iconic San Francisco establishments as part of the overall experience.
Can I Bring My Own Snacks and Beverages?
According to the tour overview, visitors are encouraged to bring their own snacks and beverages. The tour includes free samples from local attractions, but bringing extra provisions is permitted and may be preferred by some participants.
Is the Tour Guided or Self-Guided?
The tour is guided, with a knowledgeable local guide leading the group through the key attractions and providing insights into the city’s history and attractions. Participants don’t have to navigate the route on their own.
Are Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Children?
The tour pricing does not mention any discounts for seniors or children. However, travelers should check with the tour operator to inquire about any available discounts or special rates for those groups.
Can I Extend My Time at the Exploratorium?
Yes, you can extend your time at the Exploratorium. The tour includes 1 hour of free time at the Exploratorium, but you can choose to spend additional time there on your own after the guided portion ends.
The Sum Up
The Fisherman’s Wharf: Chocolate & Gold Tour with Exploratorium offers an unforgettable experience blending San Francisco’s maritime history and culinary delights. Theres some good renowned chocolate samples, explore iconic landmarks, and enjoy the interactive Exploratorium. This tour provides a memorable day for all, showcasing the city’s rich heritage and diverse attractions.
You can check availability for your dates here:More Tours in San Francisco
- San Francisco: Hop-On Hop-Off Open-top Sightseeing Tour
- From LA: SF, Yosemite, Santa Barbara and Carmel 3-Day Tour
- SF: Guided Muir Woods Tour & Hop-On Hop-Off Tour (Save 15%)
- From San Francisco: Napa & Sonoma Valley Full-Day Wine Tour
- San Francisco: Holiday Lights and Sights Tour on a Tuk-Tuk
- From San Francisco: Guided Tour to Muir Woods
More Tour Reviews in San Francisco
- San Francisco: Hop-On Hop-Off Open-top Sightseeing Tour
- American Bookbinders Museum: The Story of the Book
- From LA: SF, Yosemite, Santa Barbara and Carmel 3-Day Tour
- California: Oakland Airport Transfer from San Francisco
- California: Oakland Airport Transfer to San Francisco
- California: SFE Airport Transfer to San Francisco
Still browsing? Here are more San Francisco experiences we've covered recently
- San Francisco: Hop-On Hop-Off Open-top Sightseeing Tour
- American Bookbinders Museum: The Story of the Book
- From LA: SF, Yosemite, Santa Barbara and Carmel 3-Day Tour
- California: Oakland Airport Transfer from San Francisco
- California: Oakland Airport Transfer to San Francisco
- California: SFE Airport Transfer to San Francisco
- SF: Guided Muir Woods Tour & Hop-On Hop-Off Tour (Save 15%)
- San Francisco: Explore at Your Own Pace All Day on E-Bike
- San Francisco: Empress Yacht July 4th Fireworks Party Cruise
- Amador County Wine Tasting Digital Passport
- From San Francisco: Napa & Sonoma Valley Full-Day Wine Tour
- San Francisco: Holiday Lights and Sights Tour on a Tuk-Tuk