Fisherman’s Wharf is one of SF’s most iconic tourist destinations, and whether you love it or hate it, the area has a long history in the city. On Friday, June 6, the Port of San Francisco announced a Fisherman’s Wharf Forward, a multi-year program intended to invest in the wharf to help revitalize it for years to come.
The program’s main initiatives include creating a new public plaza on Taylor Street, which will replace a historic Italian fish restaurant. Additionally, a new waterfront overlook will be added along Al Scoma Way to connect the rest of the wharf to the inner lagoon. The program also lists plans to add new lighting along the inner lagoon to highlight the historic boats. According to reports from SFGATE, the project is estimated to cost $10 million.
“Fisherman’s Wharf is one of San Francisco’s most iconic neighborhoods and an essential part of our city’s economy,” said Mayor Daniel Lurie. “With these investments, we’re bringing new life to the waterfront while strengthening critical infrastructure and supporting our small businesses. I want to thank the Port and all our partners for their vision and dedication to making the Wharf an even more vibrant place for generations to come.”
The program also intends to address the infrastructure of the wharf, particularly on Taylor Street and the Inner Lagoon, in order to protect against rising sea levels and ensure the longevity of the area. The improvements are estimated to be completed in the summer of 2026.
Fisherman’s Wharf drew 10 million visitors in 2024 alone, and while it often gets the reputation of a “tourist trap,” it still has a special place in many San Franciscans’ hearts. The wharf was a bustling commercial fishing center for many years, and while it’s changed a lot over the years, you can still buy Dungeness crab right off the boat. Some of the popular attractions at the wharf include the numerous sea lions, a vintage arcade museum, and many well-known restaurants, including Scoma’s.