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San Francisco, California / Landmarks

Pier 45

The heart of San Francisco's commercial fishing industry, Pier 45 is a historic wooden finger-pier featuring the USS Pampanito submarine, the Musée Mécanique, and active fishing fleets.

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Pier 45
www.fishermanswharf.org, og_image_www.fishermanswharf.org

What is Pier 45 known for?

Pier 45 is the center and base of San Francisco's commercial fishing industry and is the northernmost historic pier in the Embarcadero Historic District.

What attractions are located at Pier 45?

Pier 45 is home to the Musée Mécanique and the USS Pampanito museum and memorial.

What are the hours for the attractions at Pier 45?

Musée Mécanique is open every day from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., while the USS Pampanito is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Can you fish at Pier 45?

Yes, Pier 45 is one of the locations with public fishing platforms within Fisherman's Wharf.

Are there any plans for new developments at Pier 45?

A 2024 redevelopment proposal for Pier 45 included plans for a food hall, a wholesale seafood market, a fish-processing viewing area, and an experiential museum celebrating the history of the wharf.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

Pier 45 serves as the primary base for San Francisco's commercial fishing industry and stands as the northernmost historic pier within the Embarcadero Historic District. For over 100 years, this area has functioned as a working fishing hub, maintaining the largest fishing center along the California coast. To protect the active fishing fleet and the federally owned historic fleet, a breakwater system was constructed in 1988, including a 1,509 foot-long solid concrete sheet-pile structure on the west side. Visitors to the pier can explore significant maritime history through the USS Pampanito. Built in 1943, this submarine completed six Pacific patrols during World War II, sinking six enemy ships and damaging four others. Today, it operates as both a museum and a memorial to those who served in the silent service. Beyond military history, the pier hosts the Musée Mécanique, a family-owned and operated collection of mechanical instruments that has been in place since 1933. The pier's current layout is a repurposed wooden finger-pier filled with restaurants, souvenir shops, and street performers. Looking toward the future, a 2024 redevelopment proposal suggests adding an experiential museum to celebrate wharf history. This plan also envisions a wholesale seafood market, a food hall, and a dedicated viewing area where the public can watch workers processing fresh fish.

Visitor tips

  • Visit the Musée Mécanique between 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. daily.
  • If visiting the USS Pampanito, plan your trip between Wednesday and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
  • Take the F-Line streetcar for a scenic arrival at the Fisherman's Wharf area.
  • Wear comfortable walking shoes to explore the length of the wooden finger-pier.

Nearby context

Pier 45 is a central anchor of the Fisherman's Wharf neighborhood. It is situated near other major attractions like the Boudin Bakery Flagship and Bakery Museum, and is within walking distance of the broader dining and shopping hub of PIER 39.

Sources

Evidence and links