Parking at San Francisco‘s top attractions, Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39, is expensive! Even street parking at a meter can cost over $20. But there are actually several areas with free parking near Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39.
The secret to free parking that is walking distance from Fisherman’s Wharf: The San Francisco Maritime National Historic Park.
Best free parking near Pier 39: NPS Visitor spots
The San Francisco Maritime National Historic Park stretches along San Francisco Bay from Powell Street to Van Ness Ave. But the important part of this part of the National Park system, for parking purposes, is just one block: Jefferson Street, where it dead ends after intersecting with Hyde Street. On this block, you’ll find 10 or fewer free parking spots, labeled “Visitor Parking.” It’s just over half a mile, about a 10-minute walk, to Pier 39. In fact, the souvenir shops start just across Hyde Street from this parking area.
Read the signs carefully, because there are also a number of parking spots on this street reserved for NPS employees and volunteers. And just a few feet away, there are curb parking spots you have to pay for at the pay box. Also note the signs limiting free parking here to four hours.
You can identify the free NPS spots by this sign:
I checked in at the nearby NPS visitor center, and the ranger there confirmed that: 1) These sites are really free, and 2) You don’t have to stay in the Maritime Historical Park to use them. You can park there and walk to Pier 39, or wherever you want. There are also three spots here for drivers with a disability placard.
On a recent Wednesday afternoon in June, there were several free NPS Visitor spots available at Jefferson and Hyde.
By the way, the free National Park Visitor Center, at 499 Jefferson St., has clean public restrooms and drinking fountains, not to mention a fun exhibit.
More free parking near Pier 39: Beach Street, next to the Maritime Museum
Just over three quarters of a mile from Pier 39, about a 15-minute walk, you’ll find a few more free parking spots where Beach Street dead ends just west of the Maritime Museum building. Unlike the spots at Jefferson and Hyde, they’re not designated for NPS visitors. But they are free, with a four-hour limit. Normally, there are free parking spots on both side of Beach here, but in June 2024, the Bay side of the street is under construction, leaving only about seven curbside spots.
On a June Wednesday afternoon, I found just one free parking spot available here. As soon as I pulled out of it, another driver grabbed it.
The Maritime Museum, by the way, is free. Open every day, it’s another part of the Maritime Historical Park. Less than a block away, on the way to the Wharf, is Ghiradelli Square. If you park in the Ghiradelli Square garage, you’ll have to pay $18 for up to three hours, or $28 for three to four hours.
Even more free parking near Fisherman’s Wharf: Van Ness at the Aquatic Park Pier
If you don’t mind walking a full mile to Pier 39, there is more free parking where Van Ness dead ends at old Muni Pier. Most people can cover that mile in 20 minutes or less — and it’s a pleasant stroll along bayside paths. Turn back toward your car, and you’ll see the Golden Gate Bridge.
Personally, I would not mind the walk, because if I’m going to Pier 39, I want to eat a bag of Mini Donuts. I might as well burn off some calories first. By the way, I used to love walking out on the Muni Pier, but it’s permanently closed now. It’s still fun to walk past Aquatic Park and watch all the serious swimmers. Or, take some time to lounge on the sandy beach or go swimming yourself.
Most delicious free parking at Fisherman’s Wharf: Scoma’s valet
On a recent trip to eat at the best seafood restaurant in the Wharf area, Scoma’s, I totally forgot that they offer free valet parking! I blew $23 parking at a meter I had to walk a few blocks to and from. I would have happily tipped that money to the valet rather than wasting it on a meter.
Would Scoma’s let you leave your car in their lot while you walk around Pier 39 before or after eating? I haven’t asked, but they are really nice there.
Risks of street parking in San Francisco
Unfortunately, parking your car on the street anywhere in San Francisco involves the risk of a break-in. Parking near tourist destinations like Fisherman’s Wharf is even more dangerous. And it seems like rental cars get broken into more than others.
Because of that risk, you might decide it’s worth it to pay to park in a garage in the Fisherman’s Wharf area. If you do, make sure to ask any businesses you patronize in the Wharf area if they will validate your parking.
Warning: No matter where you park in San Francisco, make sure not to leave any bags or valuables in your car!