Homeport Destination Guide: San Francisco

By Kimberly Coyne

With a rich history dating well before the Gold Rush, San Francisco is one of the most picturesque cities in the United States or even the World. Sailing under the Golden Gate bridge into the harbor is truly breathtaking, with the city skyline to the right, Alcatraz in front, the Marin headlands, and Sausalito to the left.

Founded in 1776, San Francisco was originally named Yerba Buena. The current city name was adopted in 1846. Today it’s one of the most densely populated cities with 7 million people in a geographically small area that is roughly 7 miles in both length and width.

San Francisco is rich in history with more than 200 historic landmark buildings, 11 historic districts, and 14,000 Victorian homes.

In preparation for your vacation, the following information will help you prepare for your cruise and make the most of your time while in San Francisco.

Fast Facts + Cruise Port Info
How to Get Around the City
Staying in San Francisco Before or After Your Trip?
Excursions
Member Tips
Airport Information
Parking Information

1. Fast Facts for San Francisco + Cruise Port Information

There are two cruise terminals in San Francisco:

Pier 27 James R. Herman Cruise Terminal - Pier 27 is located on the northern waterfront of The Embarcadero.

Pier 35 on The Embarcadero - Pier 35 is located on the northern waterfront of The Embarcadero, about a 6-8 minute walk north of Pier 27.

While there are plenty of options for public transportation, they all involve a walk to a bus or Muni/BART station. Cruise line transfer, car hire, or taxi are likely the best options when traveling with luggage.

For more information, visit Port of San Francisco.

AIRPORTS:

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) - 14 miles from the airport to the cruise port with an approximate travel time of 30 minutes.

Oakland International Airport (OAK) - about 20 miles from the airport to the port with an average trip time of 40 minutes.

San Jose International Airport (SJC) - is located 50 miles south, with off-peak travel time expected to take just over an hour.

Time Zone - Pacific Time Zone

Climate - Depending on where in the city, there are lots of microclimates. The city and port area are cooler year-round and chilly at night. Always have a jacket or sweater handy, even in the summer.

Fun Facts - Golden Gate park is bigger than Central Park, and the Chinese fortune cookie was invented in San Francisco, home of the oldest Chinatown in North America. San Francisco is also home to the largest Japantown in the United States. If you see the fog roll into the bay, the fog has a name, and the locals call it Karl. Someone has created an Instagram account for Karl the fog.

2. How to Get Around the Area

San Francisco is home to both Uber and Lyft and offers several options for public transportation, making it a city that is easy to get around if you don’t want to rent a car. If you travel by car in the area, be sure to factor in time for traffic delays and the high cost of parking. If you are coming to San Francisco for your cruise, the following are several easy ways to get around the city or to/from an area airport.

Cabs/Rideshare Options - Options like Uber and Lyft are inexpensive options for getting around the area. Several local cab companies service the area as well.
BART - short for Bay Area Rapid Transit, BART connects downtown San Francisco to outlying areas. BART offers service from both OAK and SFO airports to several downtown locations. Even with luggage, BART is a fast, easy, inexpensive way to get from the airport to downtown. You can even take BART to the East Bay, Richmond or Antioch, Oakland, and south to North San Jose. See the coverage map, schedule, and fares here for more information.
Muni - offers a variety of buses, light rail Metro trains, historic streetcars, and iconic cable cars covering all corners of the city. For a cheap city tour, hop on and ride around the city to check out various neighborhoods. To check schedules and plan a trip, click here.

3. Staying in the San Francisco Area Before or After Your Trip?

Hotels

When selecting accommodations, you will want to consider the hotel’s proximity to the cruise port or area of the city you plan to spend the most time. If you are thinking of adding a day or two pre-or post-cruise in San Francisco, consider hotels in areas that are near some of the sites you want to see or a short drive away to wine country. There is no shortage of things to see and do in San Francisco, with many hotel options nearby.

Following are recommended hotels near the cruise ports, airports, and popular area attractions in the greater San Francisco area.

Hotels near the cruise terminal

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Hotel Zephyr San Francisco
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Hyatt Regency San Francisco
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Hyatt Centric Fisherman’s Wharf
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Hotels near San Francisco Airport (SFO)

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Grand Hyatt at SFO
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Courtyard by Marriott SFO
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Four Points by Sheraton at SFO
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Hotels near Fisherman’s Wharf

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Hyatt Centric Fisherman’s Wharf
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Holiday Inn Express Fisherman’s Wharf
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Marriott Fisherman’s Wharf
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Hotels in Napa/Sonoma - Wine Country

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Andaz Napa
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The Meritage Resort and Spa
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Fairmont Sonoma Missin Inn and Spa
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4. Excursions

The Greater San Francisco area is filled with lots to do for foodies, outdoor adventurers, music and film-buffs, sports fanatics, and more. Get out on the water to take in the spectacular skyline or head to a baseball or football game stadium. Arts, sports, and food from countries around the World can all be found in San Francisco. If you are looking for an excursion option, consider one of these to make the most of your time.

More San Francisco Excursion Options from:

5. Member Tips

My first time sailing out of SF. We stayed in the Fishermans Wharf area and loved it! We could walk to anything and really enjoyed the area. - bekki513

If they had offered ten stars then thats what I would have given. Sailing under the Golden Gate Bridge into the bay with Sausalito to the left, Alcatraz dead ahead, San Francisco with its cable cars to the right. Yes, heavenly. - johnnierainey

Always love visiting San Francisco. Lots to do. Visit to Alcatraz was worth it, but a little chilly on the water in the Pacific. The Bay Bridge is stunning at night as they have added synchronized lighting. Sausalito was worth the visit. - scipoletta

Explore All Member Reviews of San Francisco

6. Airport Information

There are three major international airports within an easy drive of the cruise terminal.

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) - approximately 14 miles from the airport to the cruise port but depending on the time of day, it takes well over an hour to make the journey. In off-peak times, the travel time is about 30 minutes.

Oakland International Airport (OAK) - just under 20 miles from the airport to port, this trip can take several hours in rush hour, not only through Oakland but traversing the Bay Bridge and into San Francisco. Off-peak travel is approximately 40 minutes.

San Jose International Airport (SJC) - about 50 miles south is the San Jose airport. While off-peak travel time is slightly over an hour, rush hour can add several hours to the trip.

These are the recommended options to get between the airports in San Francisco and the cruise terminals:

Use a pre-arranged transport service from the cruise line - This option must be pre-arranged with your cruise line before you travel. Generally, you will have a driver waiting at the airport with a sign in the baggage claim area.
Independent Shuttle Services - There are several shuttle services between all area airports and the cruise terminal.
Rideshares - Using Lyft or Uber is an easy way to take a private ride between the airports and cruise terminals. Estimated rideshare costs between airports and ports (note, these prices may vary on timing/driver demand):
- SFO airport to cruise port - approx $30 one way
- OAK airport to cruise port - expect to pay about $45 each way
- SJC airport to cruise port - around $70 each way
Taxi - available at the airports, downtown, and cruise port. All cabs are metered, making costs higher during traffic delays. Typically expect to pay $45-60 from SFO airport to the cruise terminal.
BART - offers service directly to both SFO and OAK airports. BART services the entire Bay Area and offers several stops in downtown San Francisco that connect to Muni or a short walk to hotels, restaurants, and other attractions. There is no stop at the cruise port, so a transfer to Muni or arranged pickup by taxi, Uber/Lyft, or car service will be needed to continue on to the cruise terminals. For schedule, locations and fares, click here.
Private Car Service - Pricing for this option will vary. Many travelers choose to arrange a private car service as there is a guarantee that they will be at the airport/port on time and will have help with luggage transport. This is a great option for parties of 3 or more.

7. Parking Information

Driving right to the port for your cruise? The San Francisco terminal does not offer on-site parking at the pier. For off-site parking, be sure to make arrangements ahead of time.

Off-Site Parking Options:

80 Francisco Garage is located at Francisco and Kearny Street, across from Pier 35 and a short walk to Pier 27. This lot offers long-term parking, and reservations should be made before arrival. The cost is $20 per day.

There may be other garages in the vicinity of the port, but not all of them offer long-term parking. Be sure to check in advance.

There is plenty of long-term parking available around the SFO airport. We recommend dropping luggage and passengers off at the pier or nearby hotel/coffee shop before heading to the airport. A taxi, Uber/Lyft, or public transportation from the airport parking area to the cruise terminal will be needed.

10 Best Things to Do in San Francisco

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