Overview San Francisco is the 4th most populated city in the US state of California, and is the 14th most populated city in the entire United States. This beautiful city is particularly famous for its steep rolling hills, cable cars, famous landmarks (such as the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz) and an interesting mix of Victorian and modern architecture.
San Francisco typically has mild, wet winters and dry summers. Fog is a typical occurrence during portions of the spring and early summer.
Because of its location, cruises are available from San Francisco to either a cold (Alaska) or hot (Mexico, Central America, South America) destination.
Destinations The following destinations can be visited on a cruise leaving from San Francisco, California:
Alaska
Mexican Riviera
Pacific Coastal
Panama Canal
South America
South Pacific
Currency The official currency of the United States is the dollar.
Language The official language is English.
Tourist Attractions San Francisco is a large and diverse city, filled with places to see and things to do.
Fisherman's Wharf is a popular tourist area in San Francisco's waterfront. Attractions include Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum, Ghirardelli Square, Pier 39, the Cannery Shopping Center, various seafood eateries (most of which serve the area's famous Dungeness crab) and much more.
Cable cars are, without a doubt, a fixture in San Francisco. During a visit there you're sure to see many people riding them up and down the streets of this hilly city.
The Golden Gate Bridge is a suspension bridge that spans the Golden Gate (the opening of the San Francisco Bay onto the Pacific Ocean). Constructed in 1937, this bridge is world-famous and is recognized as a true symbol of San Francisco.
Alcatraz Island, also known as The Rock, is located in the middle of the San Francisco Bay. It was a federal prison until 1963 and has been the subject of a few major motion pictures. Today it is a national landmark that is available to tour groups. This island can be visited via ferry, from Pier 33 (near Fisherman's Wharf).
Chinatown is one of the largest Chinatowns in North America. It's also the oldest Chinatown in the United States (as it was established in the 1850s). This is a major tourist area, as it gets more visitors than the Golden Gate Bridge!
Golden Gate Park is an urban park which happens to be the third most visited city park in the United States. In fact, this park is 174 acres larger than famous Central Park (of New York City).
While in San Francisco you may have the opportunity to catch a professional sporting game, as there are a few professional teams based in San Francisco. For instance the San Francisco Giants (MLB) and the San Francisco 49ers (NFL) both have their home stadiums in San Francisco.
Port Location & Parking Fees San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is located about 30 miles from the Port of San Francisco, with about a 1 hour travel time between them (depending on traffic). San Jose International Airport (SJC) is about 85 miles away from the port, with an approximate driving time of 2 hours. All driving times are subject to change, based on traffic conditions.
Taxis are available at either airport to take you to the pier. Another, recommended, option is to purchase ground transfers through the cruise line (for the airports that they're available from).
Address:
Port of San Francisco
The Embarcadero
San Francisco, California 94111
Parking Fees (subject to change):
$12 to $14 per day, depending on the dates. Cash only. Covered garage with valet parking.
