Currency
US Dollar (USD)
Language
English
Time Zone
PST (UTC-8) / PDT (UTC-7)
Best Time to Visit
Apr–Aug
Typical Duration
7-14 nights
Price Range
$351-$8,075 per person
Port Type
Departure & Port of Call
Tender Port
No
Gateway to Alaska cruises and iconic San Francisco Bay, offering stunning Golden Gate Bridge views and access to premium Pacific Northwest and Mexican Riviera itineraries.
Cruises that visit San Francisco, California
- cruises to San Francisco, California
- San Francisco, California sailings
- San Francisco, California cruises
- 6-night Norwegian Cruise Line cruise
- 6-night Norwegian Cruise Line cruise
- 6-night Holland America Line cruise
- 6-night Celebrity Cruises cruise
- 6-night Norwegian Cruise Line cruise
- 6-night Norwegian Cruise Line cruise
- 7-night Royal Caribbean International cruise
- 7-night Explora Journeys cruise
- 7-night Norwegian Cruise Line cruise
- 7-night Holland America Line cruise
- 8-night Virgin Voyages cruise
- 9-night Virgin Voyages cruise
- 10-night Carnival Cruise Line cruise
- 11-night Carnival Cruise Line cruise
- 14-night Holland America Line cruise
- 15-night Carnival Cruise Line cruise
- 15-night Carnival Cruise Line cruise
- 17-night Celebrity Cruises cruise
- 18-night Carnival Cruise Line cruise
- 18-night Explora Journeys cruise
- 18-night MSC Cruises cruise
- 18-night Explora Journeys cruise
- 19-night Norwegian Cruise Line cruise
- 20-night Holland America Line cruise
- 21-night Holland America Line cruise
- 22-night Norwegian Cruise Line cruise
- 23-night Carnival Cruise Line cruise
Build Your Day in San Francisco, California
Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.
Ships typically depart around 4:00 PM
Usually about 8 hours ashore
Embarkation port — worth arriving early
Embarkation port — worth arriving early
Getting around:
PIER 39
The variety of activities makes it a must-see in San Francisco.
Open now
Golden Gate Bridge
The Golden Gate is one of the things to do while in San Francisco.
Alcatraz Island
One of the most iconic attractions to experience when in San Francisco.
Open now
Golden Gate Park
Gardens, trails, museums & festivals
San Francisco International Airport
Hub for Northern California
Ferry Building
Mecca for farmers, vendors & food lovers
Open · Closes 10 PM
Union Square
Famed hub for retail, dining & nightlife
Open now
The Painted Ladies
One of the must go local attractions in San Francisco.
Open now
Palace of Fine Arts
It must go on your bucket list in San Francisco activities.
Muir Woods National Monument
Picturesque, redwood tree-filled park
Golden Gate National Recreation Area
Historic sites & outdoor activities
Coit Tower
Landmark offering 360-degree city views
San Francisco Zoo
Nice Zoo on the coast in San Francisco with a little something for everyone!
The Buena Vista
Long-standing bar & restaurant
Metreon
Restaurant-centric mall with a multiplex
Open · Closes 9 PM
Scoma's Restaurant
Incredible food and atmosphere one of best to eat at in San Francisco!
Closed · Opens 12 PM
Super Duper Burgers
Food was fantastic and atmosphere was great for a casual place.
Brenda's French Soul Food
Among the best brunch and dinner in San Francisco
Crissy Field
Scenic field, beach & restored marsh
Taquería El Farolito
Bustling spot for Mexican street eats
USS San Francisco Memorial
WWII memorial made out of ship parts
Potrero Center
Shopping plaza with grocery store & more
Open · Closes 11 PM
Sotto Mare
Italian seafood spot known for cioppino
Opens soon · 11:30 AM
Pacifica State Beach
Crescent-shaped beach known for surfing
The Melt
It has a casual fast food.
San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park
Exhibits on the oceangoing experience
Salesforce Park
Roof garden with skyline views & coffee
The Grove Restaurant & Bar
Solid cozy-casual cafe nearby the MoMA in downtown SF.
Robert W. Crown Memorial State Beach
2.5-mile stretch for swimming & picnics
Fort Point National Historic Site
Civil War fortress
Anchor's Landing
Retail mall with dining & entertainment
Open · Closes 8 PM
Sightglass Coffee
Espresso drinks & coffee roasted on-site
Smuggler's Cove
Nautical-themed tiki bar
Closed · Opens 5 PM
16th Avenue Tiled Steps
Unique ascending mosaic of sea to stars
Four Barrel Coffee
Sophisticated drip coffee drinks & more
Zuni Café
Classic bistro with a Mediterranean menu
State Bird Provisions
Dim-sum-style American small plates
Closed · Opens 5:30 PM
Baker Beach
Ocean retreat for fishing & picnicking
Tempest Bar & Box Kitchen
It’s a great hangout for groups, game nights, or casual weekend outings.
Closed · Opens 12 PM
Marlowe
Good for business meeting, casual lunch, or a family get together.
Ocean Beach
Tranquil shoreline with striking views
Caffe Trieste
Historic spot for coffee & live music
The Wave Organ
Unique acoustic sculpture on the bay
Bourbon & Branch
Speakeasy bar with vast cocktail menu
Closed · Opens 6 PM
Gray Whale Cove State Beach
Sheltered cove surrounded by cliffs
Open now
Rich Table
One of the most extraordinary dining experiences we had in San Francisco.
Closed · Opens 5 PM
Delancey Street Restaurant
Eclectic fare with Bay views & a mission
Caffe Greco
Espresso drinks & Italian sweets
Mo's Grill
SF institution for burgers & shakes
The Progress
Excellent food - Michelin star quality , reasonably priced.
Closed · Opens 5:30 PM
Little Skillet
Southern American soul-food restaurant
Lazy Bear
New American fare, served communal style
Closed · Opens 5 PM Tue
Crissy Field East Beach
Community beach with bridge views
Marshall's Beach
Rugged shoreline with birds & views
RT Rotisserie
Rotisserie-fired mains in chic quarters
Sam's American Eatery
Comfy diner with a unique menu & beer
Alchemist Bar & Lounge
Excellent cocktails, very friendly staff, and a great ambiance.
Closed · Opens 5 PM
ROOFTOP 25
Trendy American eatery in loftlike space
Closed · Opens 3 PM Tue
Fable
I loved the garden atmosphere and casual foodie vibe.
Pacific Cocktail Haven
Number 38 on the 50 best bars list is pacific cocktail haven!
Closed · Opens 5 PM Mon
The Bite
Health-oriented Mediterranean cafe
Fiddle Fig Cafe & Coffee
Dine-in·Takeout·Delivery
555 Ninth Street
Onsite services
Open · Closes 9 PM
Neiman Marcus
In-store shopping·In-store pickup·Delivery
Closed · Opens 12 PM
Persona
Dine-in·No takeout·No delivery
Closed · Opens 5 PM
Atelier Crenn
Amazing Michelin star experience and it was honestly magical and fun.
Closed · Opens 4:45 PM Tue
Thornton State Beach
Nature park with hiking & scenic views
Sisterita
Dine-in·Curbside pickup·No-contact delivery
Benu
Food, wine pairings, and service were all exceptional.
Closed · Opens 5 PM Wed
Sextant Coffee Roasters
Coffeehouse with exposed brick & beams
Blackbird
Inventive drinks in refined, loungey bar
Closed · Opens 2 PM
The Morris
Chill New American spot with many wines
Closed · Opens 5 PM Mon
Shelby’s Rooftop
Highly recommended for casual drinks or celebrate special occasions.
Saison
Food exceptional, reserve wine pairings were off the charts.
Closed · Opens 5 PM Tue
Owl Tree
Laid-back bar with daily drink specials
Closed · Opens 6 PM
Only In San Francisco
Bustling mainstay for gifts & souvenirs
Open · Closes 10:30 PM
Californios
Mexican tasting menus in swanky digs
Closed · Opens 5 PM Tue
Twisted St. Cafe
Low-key cafe serving classic fare
Prubechu
Wonderful food, above and beyond service, fun casual atmosphere.
Blind Butcher
Meat-centric Californian menu & wines
Birdsong
Each dish was unique, well thought out, and executed perfectly.
Closed · Opens 5:30 PM Tue
Doppio Coffee & Brunch
Dine-in·Curbside pickup·No-contact delivery
The Devil's Acre
Cocktail tavern with apothecary theme
Closed · Opens 4 PM
Mile Rock Beach
Cozy beach with towers of stacked stones
Open now
Sons & Daughters
Simply astonishing service, food, and wine pairing.
Closed · Opens 5:30 PM Tue
Nisei
Delicious and innovative food and excellent wine list.
Closed · Opens 5 PM
Kiln
Every dish felt unique and delicious, and the whole experience was just fun.
Closed · Opens 6 PM Tue
Sacramento Street Shopping District
In-store pickup
Closed · Opens 10 AM Mon
Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.
San Francisco, California
is an embarkation port. Many cruises start or end here —
it's worth arriving a day early or extending your stay to explore beyond a single port day.
About San Francisco, California
San Francisco stands as one of the West Coast's premier cruise hubs, with eight major cruise lines including Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Celebrity, Holland America, Virgin Voyages, MSC, and Explora Journeys offering 79 upcoming sailings from this iconic port. Whether you're embarking on your next adventure or arriving as a port of call, San Francisco provides excellent access to some of the Pacific's most coveted destinations. The most popular cruises from here span ten nights, with itineraries heading north to Alaska's Inside Passage ports like Juneau and Ketchikan, or south to California favorites like San Diego and Ensenada. Peak sailing season runs from April through August, so book early if you're targeting these popular months.
Stepping ashore in San Francisco, you'll find yourself in a city brimming with character and maritime heritage. The famous Golden Gate Bridge, cable cars, and waterfront charm await just steps from the cruise terminals, while the city's renowned culinary scene and vibrant neighborhoods offer endless exploration opportunities for the hours between embarkation and departure.
Stepping ashore in San Francisco, you'll find yourself in a city brimming with character and maritime heritage. The famous Golden Gate Bridge, cable cars, and waterfront charm await just steps from the cruise terminals, while the city's renowned culinary scene and vibrant neighborhoods offer endless exploration opportunities for the hours between embarkation and departure.
Cruise Lines at San Francisco, California
- Carnival Cruise Line (24 cruises)
- Holland America Line (12 cruises)
- Norwegian Cruise Line (12 cruises)
- Celebrity Cruises (3 cruises)
- Explora Journeys (3 cruises)
- Royal Caribbean International (2 cruises)
- Virgin Voyages (2 cruises)
- Disney Cruise Line (1 cruise)
- MSC Cruises (1 cruise)
Cruises Departing From San Francisco, California
Cruises Visiting San Francisco, California
Ship Schedule at San Francisco, California
San Francisco, California Location
Other Cruise Ports in United States
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Port of San Francisco (USSFO)?
USSFO refers to the official port serving San Francisco, a hub for maritime activity and related services.
What attractions are near the Port of San Francisco?
Nearby attractions include Union Square, Chinatown, Fisherman’s Wharf, and the Embarcadero.
What is the best time to visit San Francisco?
Spring and fall offer mild weather; summers can be crowded and mornings may be foggy.
How can I access the Port of San Francisco area?
Public transit and walking are convenient; the area is well-connected via MUNI and other services.