Pier 35 sits along San Francisco’s historic waterfront between Fisherman’s Wharf and the Ferry Building, serving as a working pier, cruise ship terminal, and public space with sweeping views of the Bay Bridge and Alcatraz Island. Whether you’re catching a cruise departure, exploring the Embarcadero promenade, or looking for a less-crowded vantage point along the bay, understanding what Pier 35 offers helps you decide if it fits your San Francisco itinerary.
This guide covers what you’ll find at Pier 35, how to reach it, what activities and views await, and how to combine a visit with nearby waterfront attractions.
What Is Pier 35 and Why Visit It?
Pier 35 is a cargo and cruise ship terminal on San Francisco’s Embarcadero that also welcomes pedestrian visitors along its public walkways. You’ll find an open deck area with unobstructed views of the bay, occasional cruise ship activity, and a quieter atmosphere compared to the busier tourist piers to the west, making it useful for photography, waterfront walks, or observing maritime operations without heavy crowds.
Getting to Pier 35
Pier 35 stands on the Embarcadero between Broadway and Bay Street, roughly halfway between Fisherman’s Wharf and the Ferry Building. You can walk along the Embarcadero from either direction, with the distance from Fisherman’s Wharf approximately one mile and from the Ferry Building about three-quarters of a mile.
San Francisco’s historic F Market & Wharves streetcar runs along the Embarcadero and stops near the pier, offering a convenient option if you’re connecting from Market Street or other waterfront locations. Multiple Muni bus lines also serve the Embarcadero corridor.
If you’re driving, limited metered street parking exists along the Embarcadero, and several paid parking garages operate within walking distance. Parking fills quickly on weekends and during cruise ship arrivals, so arrive early or use public transit when possible.
What You’ll Find at Pier 35
Unlike commercial piers dominated by shops and restaurants, Pier 35 retains its working waterfront character. The pier functions primarily as a cruise ship terminal, hosting vessels from various cruise lines throughout the year, particularly during Alaska cruise season from spring through fall.
The public-access areas include an open observation deck on the north side of the pier where you can stand near the water and take in views without entering restricted terminal zones. This deck provides clear sightlines toward Alcatraz Island, Angel Island, the Bay Bridge, and the hills of Marin County.
Views and Photography
The pier’s position along the northern waterfront gives you different angles than those available from more westerly piers. The Bay Bridge frames nicely from this location, especially during blue hour when the bridge lights illuminate, and you can capture Alcatraz Island with Telegraph Hill and Coit Tower in the background.
Early morning and late afternoon offer the best natural light for photography, and fog patterns change throughout the day and season. Summer mornings often bring fog that burns off by midday, while winter typically offers clearer conditions but with shorter daylight hours.
Cruise Ship Activity
If you enjoy watching maritime operations, check cruise schedules online to see when ships dock at Pier 35. Arrivals and departures create activity with passengers, crew, and provisioning, though access to the terminal itself requires a valid cruise ticket or authorized business.
Observing from the public areas gives you a sense of the scale of modern cruise vessels without interfering with operations. Be aware that cruise activity brings temporary increases in foot and vehicle traffic around the pier.
How Long to Spend at Pier 35
Most visitors spend between 15 and 30 minutes at Pier 35, enough time to walk the public deck, take photos, and enjoy the views. The pier works well as a stopping point along a longer Embarcadero walk rather than a standalone destination requiring significant time.
If you’re departing on a cruise, cruise lines typically require passengers to arrive two to three hours before sailing. Check your specific cruise documentation for exact requirements, security procedures, and boarding times.
Combining Pier 35 with Nearby Attractions
The pier’s location makes it easy to include in a broader waterfront exploration. Walking west along the Embarcadero brings you to Fisherman’s Wharf, Pier 39, and Ghirardelli Square within 15 to 20 minutes, where you’ll find sea lions, restaurants, shops, and higher tourist density.
Heading east takes you past the historic Ferry Building Marketplace, a renovated 1898 terminal now housing artisan food vendors, restaurants, and a farmers market on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday mornings. The walk from Pier 35 to the Ferry Building takes about 10 to 15 minutes.
Telegraph Hill and Coit Tower
Telegraph Hill rises directly behind Pier 35, topped by Coit Tower, a 1933 Art Deco monument offering 360-degree views of the city and bay from its observation deck. You can hike the steep Greenwich Steps or Filbert Steps from the Embarcadero up to the tower, a climb that gains approximately 300 feet in elevation over several blocks.
The stairs pass through residential gardens and offer their own scenic lookouts, but the route demands reasonable fitness and sturdy walking shoes. Coit Tower charges a modest admission fee for elevator access to the top; verify current pricing and hours before visiting.
The Embarcadero Promenade
The entire Embarcadero provides a pedestrian-friendly waterfront path stretching roughly three miles from Fisherman’s Wharf south past AT&T Park. The promenade includes benches, historical markers, public art installations, and palm trees, making it pleasant for walking, jogging, or cycling.
You can rent bikes from several shops near Fisherman’s Wharf if you prefer to cover more distance, though pedestrian traffic can be heavy near major piers and the Ferry Building during peak hours and weekends.
Seasonal Considerations
San Francisco’s climate remains relatively mild year-round, but waterfront conditions vary by season. Summer brings frequent morning fog and afternoon wind, with temperatures typically ranging from the mid-50s to mid-60s Fahrenheit (13 to 18 degrees Celsius), often cooler than visitors expect.
Fall, particularly September and October, tends to offer the warmest and clearest weather, with less fog and calmer winds. Winter and spring see more rain and cooler temperatures but also fewer crowds and lower accommodation prices.
Dress in layers regardless of season, and bring a windbreaker or light jacket even on sunny days. The wind off the bay can make the waterfront feel significantly colder than inland neighborhoods.
Accessibility and Practical Information
The public areas of Pier 35 are accessible to wheelchair users and those with mobility devices, with level pathways and no stairs required to reach the observation deck. The cruise terminal itself provides accessible facilities for passengers with documented needs, but specific arrangements should be confirmed with your cruise line in advance.
Public restrooms near Pier 35 are limited; the closest facilities are typically found at nearby commercial piers like Pier 39 or at the Ferry Building. Plan accordingly if you’re spending extended time along this section of the waterfront.
What Pier 35 Doesn’t Offer
Unlike Pier 39 or Fisherman’s Wharf, Pier 35 has no restaurants, shops, or tourist-oriented attractions within the pier structure itself. You won’t find food vendors, souvenir stands, or entertainment here, which contributes to the quieter atmosphere but also means you should plan for meals and facilities elsewhere.
The pier’s working nature means certain areas remain restricted to authorized personnel and cruise passengers. Respect all posted signage and barriers, and don’t attempt to access terminal areas without proper credentials.
Alternative Piers and Viewpoints
If you’re specifically seeking waterfront views and activities, several other piers offer different experiences. Pier 39 provides the most tourist amenities, including restaurants, shops, street performers, and the famous sea lion colony, but also the largest crowds and commercial atmosphere.
Pier 7, located between Pier 35 and the Ferry Building, offers a long public observation pier extending into the bay with benches and fishing allowed, popular with locals and less busy than tourist-focused piers. The smaller scale makes it pleasant for a quiet break with equally impressive views.
Fort Mason and Aquatic Park
West of Fisherman’s Wharf, Fort Mason and Aquatic Park offer waterfront green spaces, historic buildings, and swimming beaches with views toward Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge. These areas provide more room to spread out and relax compared to the paved Embarcadero, though they require a longer walk or transit connection from Pier 35.
Aquatic Park serves the hardy swimmers of the Dolphin Club and South End Rowing Club year-round, and you can watch from the beach or pier even if the cold water (typically 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit or 10 to 15 degrees Celsius) doesn’t appeal to you personally.
Planning Your Visit
Pier 35 requires minimal advance planning unless you’re departing on a cruise, in which case follow your cruise line’s specific instructions for arrival time, documentation, parking, and check-in procedures. For general visits, simply incorporate the pier into your Embarcadero walk whenever convenient.
The waterfront remains accessible 24 hours, though lighting is limited after dark and fewer people are around during evening hours. Most visitors explore during daylight when views are clearest and other waterfront attractions are open.
Best Times to Visit
Weekday mornings offer the quietest conditions, especially before 10 AM when cruise activity is minimal and tourist crowds haven’t yet built up. Weekend afternoons see more pedestrian traffic along the Embarcadero as locals and visitors alike take advantage of the waterfront promenade.
If you want to see cruise ship activity, check published cruise schedules online through the Port of San Francisco or individual cruise line websites. Spring through fall sees the highest volume of cruise departures, particularly for Alaska-bound vessels.
Nearby Dining Options
While Pier 35 itself has no dining facilities, the surrounding waterfront provides numerous options within a short walk. The Ferry Building Marketplace houses artisan vendors, bakeries, and restaurants ranging from casual to upscale, along with the outdoor farmers market on operating days.
Fisherman’s Wharf offers seafood restaurants, clam chowder stands, and tourist-oriented dining, though prices tend to run higher and quality varies. For better value and local favorites, explore restaurants in North Beach, the Italian neighborhood just uphill from the waterfront, where you’ll find trattorias, cafes, and bakeries.
Safety and Common Sense
San Francisco’s waterfront areas, including Pier 35, see regular foot traffic and maintain a visible presence of workers, pedestrians, and occasional security personnel. Standard urban precautions apply: watch your belongings, stay aware of your surroundings, and avoid isolated areas after dark.
The waterfront has no barriers along most of the Embarcadero, so supervise children carefully near the water’s edge. Bay currents are strong and water temperatures remain cold year-round, making swimming dangerous outside designated areas like Aquatic Park.
Making the Most of Your Stop
Pier 35 serves its purpose best as a brief, scenic pause along a broader waterfront exploration rather than a primary destination. Combine your visit with a walk to other piers, a trip up Telegraph Hill, or a stop at the Ferry Building to create a fuller experience of San Francisco’s historic waterfront.
If you enjoy less-crowded observation points with authentic working-waterfront character, Pier 35 delivers exactly that without the commercial overlay of more tourist-focused piers. Set your expectations accordingly, and you’ll appreciate what this functional pier offers within the broader context of the Embarcadero.
For more helpful Tourist Destination articles, explore our guides to Lighthouse Rooftop and Tampa Bay Aquarium to plan your next waterfront adventure.