Learn All You Need To Know About The Port Of San Francisco

James R. Herman Cruise Terminal at Pier 27, a part of the Port of San Francisco opened in 2014 and is on the leading edge of modern ports. Close to the heart of vibrant San Francisco, this new port is close to many interesting attractions and beautiful sights within the city.

Port of San Francisco Information Overview

The Port of San Francisco is on the western edge of San Francisco Bay near the Golden Gate Bridge. It is called one of the three great natural harbors in the world. The port began construction in 1835 and has expanded ever since. After a fire caused by an earthquake in 1906 burned down much of the facility, it ushered in a new era of development on the San Francisco waterfront. James R. Herman Cruise Terminal at Pier 27 opened in 2014 and handles 80 ships and 300, 000 passengers a year.

San Francisco is the cultural, commercial and financial capital of Northern California and the fourth most populated city in California. The city is known for its liberal attitude in the 1960's and the rise of hippie counterculture, the Sexual Revolution, the Peace Movement and the Summer of Love. In the 1970's, it became known world-wide as the center of the gay rights movement. San Francisco is also know for its architecture and landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary, Fisherman's Wharf and Chinatown district. It is also home to the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Ocean Beach, San Francisco Zoo, and San Francisco Maritime National Historic Park.

Cruise ships leaving the Port of San Francisco include Crystal Serenity, Crystal Symphony, Aurora, Queen Victoria, Europa, Star Princess, Sun Princess, Celebrity Infinity, Zaandam and Explorer of the Seas. Cruise companies include Crystal Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean International and Norwegian Cruise Line.

Port Of San Francisco Gate Information

• The Port of San Francisco is just east of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco Bay.
• The north-eastern part of the port consists of Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture, Fort Mason and the San Francisco Maritime National Historic Park. Just east of that is the Fishermans Wharf, an entertainment district, home to Musee Mecanique and Pier 39, which has been converted into a popular tourist attraction home to The Aquarium of the Bay, rides, restaurants, shops, an arcade and a Marine Mammal Center.
• The Central Embarcadero Piers Historic District consists of Piers 1, 1 1/2, 3 and 5. The Exploratorium Museum of science and art is on Piers 15 and 17. AT&T Park, where the San Francisco Giants play is on the southernmost part of the harbor.
• Along the souther portion of the port are the little used cargo shipping facilities consisting of Pier 80, 92, 94 and 96.
• The James R. Herman Cruise Terminal at Pier 27 is located at Pier 27, The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA.
• Travelers turn right off The Embarcadero and can either park their cars or drop off their luggage first. The Ground Transportation Area and parking lot is located directly west of the terminal building.
• The entry plaza is west of the terminal building and south of the parking lot. Cruise Terminal Plaza is located to the direct south of the terminal.
• The James R. Herman Cruise Terminal at Pier 27 building runs north to south with the multiple entrances to avoid lines.
• Passengers make their way through security and exit out the east side of the terminal building. There travelers will see their ship directly in front of them.
• Passenger drop-off, taxi service, buses and private limousines are all available within the interior of the pier.

The official website for the Port of San Francisco contains all the up-to-date info that you'll need to book the perfect cruise. And make sure your car is taken care of by the best at Instapark.

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