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San Francisco, California / History

The Cannery

A striking red-brick marketplace at Fisherman's Wharf, this historic site evolved from a massive Del Monte peach cannery into a vibrant hub of indie shops, art galleries, and outdoor dining.

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What is The Cannery known for?

The Cannery is a red-brick marketplace at Fisherman's Wharf that was once a Del Monte factory and the Association's largest peach cannery.

What can I do at The Cannery?

Visitors can tour the historic site and visit indie shops, galleries, and food options, as well as enjoy music and outdoor dining.

What is the history of the building?

The brick-walled cannery was purchased by Leonard Martin in 1963, and a new building opened in 1967. In 2011, the Academy of Art University bought the building.

What should I check before going?

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

What to know

The Cannery stands as a prominent red-brick marketplace along San Francisco's northern waterfront at Fisherman's Wharf. Originally serving as a Del Monte factory, the site once functioned as the Association's largest peach cannery, marking a significant era of industrial food production in the city. The preservation of the site is linked to Leonard Martin, who purchased the brick-walled cannery in 1963 to save the structure. Following this acquisition, a new version of The Cannery building officially opened its doors in 1967, transitioning the space toward its current commercial use. In more recent history, the property changed hands again when the Academy of Art University bought The Cannery in 2011. This transition has helped maintain the site as a cultural and commercial destination where the industrial past meets modern creativity. Today, visitors can tour the historic grounds and explore a collection of indie shops and galleries. The plaza also offers easy eats and great food outdoors, often accompanied by live music, blending the site's rugged architectural heritage with a relaxed shopping atmosphere.

Visitor tips

  • Explore the indie shops and galleries located inside the red-brick marketplace.
  • Look for outdoor food options and live music performances in the plaza area.
  • Wear comfortable walking shoes as the site is part of the larger Fisherman's Wharf pedestrian circuit.

Nearby context

Located in the heart of Fisherman's Wharf, The Cannery is situated near other waterfront landmarks, including the Balclutha ship and the Powell-Hyde Cable Car Turnaround.

Sources

Evidence and links