Which Pier? San Francisco Dinner Cruise Departures

San Francisco’s dinner cruises leave from Pier 3 on the Embarcadero, two piers north of the Ferry Building, not from Fisherman’s Wharf. City Cruises boards its dinner, brunch and holiday cruises there, at Hornblower Landing. The other evening cruises use the piers at the Wharf: the City Lights cruise leaves from Pier 43 1/2 and the sunset cruises from Pier 39. They are well over a mile apart along the waterfront, so check your ticket before you set off.

Which cruise leaves from which pier

Departure points from each operator’s own website and the GetYourGuide listings (checked October 2026). Your booking confirmation has the final word.

Getting to Pier 3

Pier 3 is on the bay side of the Embarcadero, two piers north of the Ferry Building, with Hornblower Landing as the boarding point. City Cruises offers “discounted paid parking at Pier 3, based on availability” and warns that weekday parking is limited. Embarcadero BART station is about 10 minutes away, and the Ferry Building is the landmark to aim for: from there, walk north along the waterfront.

• From Fisherman’s Wharf, allow time to get down the Embarcadero: it is the other end of the waterfront from the Wharf piers.
• For a holiday sailing, such as the Christmas Day cruise, leave extra time, and come by BART if you can: the Pier 3 parking is first come, first served.
• Dress for the dining room, but bring a layer for the walk and the deck. The dress code guide has the details.

Check dates for the Premier Dinner Cruise

Getting to Pier 43 1/2 and Pier 39

Red and White Fleet’s pier, Pier 43 1/2, is at Fisherman’s Wharf, a short walk west of Pier 39. The City Lights cruise boards there. At Pier 39, Adventure Cat’s catamaran boards at Gate J, next to the sea lions (Adventure Cat asks you to arrive 30 minutes early), and Blue & Gold Fleet’s box office is at the West Marina of Pier 39.

And from Sausalito

One sunset sail starts on the other side of the bay: Sailing SF Bay’s two-hour sail for at most six guests leaves from its dock in Sausalito, from $149 (October 2026). It is not a dinner cruise, but it is the smallest boat on this list.

Does the pier matter?

Yes, more than most people expect: book the cruise first, then plan the evening around its pier. Pier 3 puts you by the Ferry Building, with the Bay Bridge lit up as soon as the boat leaves; the Wharf piers put you nearer the Golden Gate. Either way, the cruise gives you the view that no pier does.