Departure port · James R. Herman Cruise Terminal, Pier 27 · California
Cruises from San Francisco
Cruises from San Francisco leave Pier 27 on the Embarcadero and sail out under the Golden Gate Bridge, mainly with Princess: Alaska round trips of about 10 nights in summer, Mexican Riviera cruises and Hawaii round trips in the cooler months, plus Pacific coastal voyages in spring and fall. Ships are fewer than in Seattle or Los Angeles, but the setting, steps from Fisherman’s Wharf and North Beach, is hard to beat.
- Alaska
- Mexican Riviera & Baja
- Hawaii
- Pacific Coastal
Photo: Lightandtruth, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Cruise port
- James R. Herman Cruise Terminal, Pier 27
- Location
- San Francisco, California
- Main destinations
- Alaska, Mexican Riviera & Baja, Hawaii
- Cruise lines
- 3 lines sail from here
Sailing from San Francisco
The James R. Herman Cruise Terminal at Pier 27 sits at the foot of Telegraph Hill on the Embarcadero, the bayfront boulevard that runs from the Ferry Building to Fisherman’s Wharf. Coit Tower rises behind it, Alcatraz is in plain view across the water, and every sailing begins with one of the great departures anywhere: gliding past the city and under the Golden Gate Bridge.
Princess has long been the main line here. Its Alaska round trips run about 10 nights, two more than from Seattle because of the extra distance, and typically visit Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway, with glacier scenery and a stop in Victoria. In fall, winter and spring the focus shifts south to the Mexican Riviera, with Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlán and Puerto Vallarta, and to Hawaii round trips of about two weeks. Several premium and luxury lines also start or end Pacific coastal and repositioning voyages here.
San Francisco suits Bay Area and Northern California residents who want to sail without flying, and visitors who want a few days in the city first. The trade-offs are fewer sailing dates than other West Coast ports, limited parking near the pier, extra sea days on Alaska trips and the chance of a chilly, foggy sail-away even in midsummer.
Where cruises from San Francisco go
Alaska cruises
Late April to early October; warmest and busiest June to August.
Mexican Riviera & Baja cruises
Year-round; best November to April. Whale watching December to March; Pacific hurricane season mid-May to November 30.
Hawaii cruises
Year-round; humpback whales December to April. Best weather-and-value months April to May and September to October.
Pacific Coastal cruises
Mainly April to May and September to October; some California coast sailings in winter.
Cruise lines sailing from San Francisco
James R. Herman Cruise Terminal, Pier 27 cruise terminals
Most ships use the James R. Herman Cruise Terminal at Pier 27, where The Embarcadero meets Lombard Street. When a second ship is in port, it usually berths at Pier 35, a few minutes’ walk toward Fisherman’s Wharf. Your boarding documents name the pier. Drop-off and taxi and rideshare zones are in front of the terminal; porters take checked luggage there before you go inside for security and check-in. The terminal is modern and efficient, but the Embarcadero itself can be slow with traffic on weekends, so allow time to get there within your assigned boarding window.
Getting to the port
Flying in
San Francisco International (SFO) is about 14 miles (23 km) south, typically 25 to 40 minutes by car. Oakland International (OAK) is about 30 to 45 minutes away over the Bay Bridge, and San José (SJC) about an hour. On a budget, BART runs from SFO to Embarcadero station in about half an hour, and from there it’s a 20-minute walk or a ride on the F-line historic streetcar along the waterfront to Pier 27.
Driving
From US-101 or I-80, head downtown and follow The Embarcadero north past the Ferry Building to Pier 27 at Lombard Street. From the North Bay, cross the Golden Gate Bridge and follow Lombard or Bay Street east toward the waterfront. Expect congestion around Fisherman’s Wharf on weekends and in summer.
Parking
Parking at the terminal is very limited, and multi-day parking in San Francisco is expensive. A few garages within walking distance along the northern waterfront accept cruise passengers, and booking ahead through a parking app is wise. Many Bay Area residents find a rideshare or a lift from a friend cheaper than parking for a week or longer.
Where to stay before a cruise from San Francisco
Fisherman’s Wharf and North Beach are both within walking distance of Pier 27, with plenty of hotels, Italian restaurants and cafés. The Embarcadero and Financial District, near the Ferry Building, are a short streetcar ride away. Union Square has the widest choice of hotels and easy cable car access, about 15 minutes from the pier by taxi. Hotels near SFO are cheaper but put you at the mercy of city traffic on sailing day.
Things to do in San Francisco before or after your cruise
- 1
Alcatraz Island
history
The former federal prison on its rocky island is one of the city’s most popular attractions, and ferries leave from Pier 33, a few minutes’ walk from the cruise terminal. The audio tour, narrated in part by former inmates and guards, brings the cellhouse to life. Tickets often sell out weeks ahead, so book as soon as your dates are set.
- 2
Golden Gate Bridge walk or bike ride
scenery
Walking or cycling across the 1.7-mile span gives you close-up views of the bridge’s Art Deco towers and the bay. Rent a bike near Fisherman’s Wharf, ride along the waterfront through Crissy Field, cross the bridge and coast down into the waterfront town of Sausalito, returning by ferry.
- 3
Cable cars and Lombard Street
culture
The Powell-Hyde cable car line climbs Nob and Russian Hills from Union Square and ends near Fisherman’s Wharf, passing the top of Lombard Street’s famous switchbacks. Ride on the outside running boards for the full experience. Lines at the turntables are longest in summer afternoons.
- 4
Ferry Building Marketplace
food
The 1898 Ferry Building at the foot of Market Street is now a food hall of local bakeries, oyster bars, cheesemakers, coffee roasters and Northern California produce. A popular farmers market spills onto the plaza several days a week. It’s a short walk or streetcar ride from Pier 27.
- 5
Coit Tower and the Filbert Steps
scenery
Climb the garden-lined Filbert Steps, a few blocks from the cruise terminal, to Coit Tower on top of Telegraph Hill. Inside, 1930s murals depict California life, and the observation deck looks out over the bay, the bridges and your ship. Listen for the hill’s famous flock of wild parrots.
- 6
Muir Woods National Monument
nature
Old-growth coast redwoods tower over the creek-side trails of this valley in Marin County, about 45 minutes north across the Golden Gate Bridge. Parking and shuttle reservations are required, so book ahead or join a guided tour that also stops in Sausalito.
When cruises sail from San Francisco
Alaska round trips sail from about May to September. Mexican Riviera cruises run mainly from fall to spring, and Hawaii round trips are concentrated in spring and fall, with some in winter. Pacific coastal and repositioning voyages north and south cluster in April and May and in September and October. San Francisco’s own weather is famously cool and foggy in summer; September and October are often the sunniest months locally.
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F (°C) | 5815 | 6016 | 6216 | 6518 | 6820 | 7323 | 7423 | 7624 | 7725 | 7524 | 6518 | 5815 |
| Low °F (°C) | 468 | 468 | 479 | 4910 | 5111 | 5412 | 5613 | 5714 | 5814 | 5513 | 4910 | 468 |
| Rain in (mm) | 5.1129 | 3.383 | 3.486 | 1.231 | 0.615 | 0.12 | 0.01 | 0.01 | 0.24 | 1.332 | 2.154 | 4.4111 |
| Daylight (hrs) | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 10 |
Embarkation day tips
- Dress warmly for sail-away, even in July. Wind and fog pour through the Golden Gate in the afternoon, and the top decks can be cold as you pass under the bridge.
- For the best view of the bridge, head to the forward or top decks about 20 minutes after departure; ships pass Alcatraz, then the Marina District and Crissy Field before slipping under the span.
- Book Alcatraz tickets as soon as you know your dates. They’re the most in-demand attraction in the city and are often gone weeks ahead.
- Fly in the day before, ideally into SFO. Fog can delay arrivals at SFO on summer mornings, and missing an Alaska sailing means chasing the ship to Ketchikan or Victoria.
- Remember the extra sea days on Alaska itineraries. A 10-night trip from San Francisco includes about four days at sea, so pick a ship whose onboard life appeals to you.
Cruises from San Francisco: FAQs
Where do cruise ships dock in San Francisco?
At the James R. Herman Cruise Terminal, Pier 27, on The Embarcadero at Lombard Street. When two ships are in port, the second usually docks at Pier 35, a short walk toward Fisherman’s Wharf.
How far is the San Francisco cruise terminal from SFO?
About 14 miles, or 25 to 40 minutes by car. You can also take BART from SFO to Embarcadero station in about 30 minutes, then walk or ride the F-line streetcar to Pier 27.
Can you park at the San Francisco cruise terminal?
Only in very limited numbers, and multi-day parking in the city is expensive. A few nearby garages accept cruise parking if you reserve ahead, but many locals take a rideshare or get dropped off instead.
Do Alaska cruises leave from San Francisco?
Yes. Princess runs Alaska round trips from San Francisco from about May to September, typically around 10 nights. They visit ports such as Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway, add glacier sightseeing and call in Victoria.
Which cruise lines sail from San Francisco?
Princess is the main line, with Alaska, Mexico, Hawaii and coastal itineraries. Other premium and luxury lines start or end occasional Pacific coastal and repositioning voyages at Pier 27.
Can you walk to Pier 27 from Fisherman’s Wharf?
Yes. It’s about a 10- to 15-minute walk along The Embarcadero from the heart of Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39. North Beach hotels are a similar distance away.
Updated November 2026 by the BookMyDreamCruise editorial team. How we research and fact-check.
Sources: Wikipedia, Wikidata, NASA POWER climate data.