A waterfront viewpoint with a side of “wow, SF is pretty”

If you’re anywhere near the Embarcadero, this is an easy “pop in for the views” stop.

The James R. Herman Cruise Terminal at Pier 27 is one of San Francisco’s newer waterfront landmarks—built for modern cruise ships, but honestly just as fun to visit for the skyline-and-bay scenery. Even if you’re not boarding a ship, it’s a great place to soak in the waterfront vibe and snap some seriously good photos.

On a private tour, it’s a super easy add-on: your route can be customized, you can linger for those photo stops, and you don’t have to deal with the typical Embarcadero parking puzzle.

Quick Overview: Cruise Terminal at Pier 27

• What it is: San Francisco’s modern cruise terminal on the Embarcadero with big waterfront views.
• Name: Officially the James R. Herman Cruise Terminal at Pier 27.
• Opened: 2014.
• Size: About 91,000 square feet.
• Capacity: Built to accommodate cruise ships carrying up to 4,000 passengers.
• Views: Bay Bridge, city skyline, and Telegraph Hill panoramas.
• Notable feature: State-of-the-art shore power system designed to reduce emissions while ships are docked.
• Location: Pier 27, The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94111.
• Hours: Vary based on cruise schedules and events.

Explore This Page: Intro | Quick Overview | History | Fun Facts | Why Visit / What You’ll Do | Highlights / Don’t Miss | Why a Private Tuk Tuk Tour Works Here | Plan Your Visit | FAQ | Related Guides | Nearby Points of Interest

History of the Cruise Terminal at Pier 27

Built to accommodate the growing demands of the global cruise industry, the James R. Herman Cruise Terminal at Pier 27 opened in 2014. The facility was designed not just for functionality—welcoming ships and crowds efficiently—but also to reflect the city’s environmental values.

Did you know? The terminal’s construction was part of a broader initiative to revitalize San Francisco’s waterfront, turning it into a vibrant hub for both locals and visitors.

• 2014: The terminal officially opened at Pier 27 on the Embarcadero.
• Waterfront revitalization: Part of broader efforts to refresh and re-energize the SF waterfront experience.
• Cleaner docking: Shore power infrastructure supports reduced emissions while ships are docked.

Fun Facts About the Cruise Terminal at Pier 27

• Name with meaning: The terminal honors James R. Herman, a former Port Commissioner and labor leader.
• It’s big: The facility spans about 91,000 square feet.
• Designed for major ships: Built to handle cruise ships carrying up to 4,000 passengers.
• Views are part of the “feature set”: You get sweeping sightlines of the Bay Bridge, skyline, and Telegraph Hill.
• Cleaner at the dock: Shore power lets ships connect to the city grid instead of running diesel engines while docked.

Why Visit / What You’ll Do

Whether you’re about to sail away or you’re just wandering the waterfront, Pier 27 is a surprisingly satisfying stop. You’ll get a front-row seat to San Francisco’s bayside energy—plus those big, open views that make the city feel extra cinematic.

It’s also a neat “modern SF” contrast moment: you’re standing on a waterfront with deep maritime roots, but in a building that’s all about today’s travel needs and cleaner technology.

Highlights / Don’t Miss

• Panoramic Bay Bridge views: A prime angle for photos—especially when the light starts to soften.
• Skyline + Telegraph Hill scenery: The terminal has wide-open sightlines that make the city feel big and sparkly.
• Shore power technology: A standout sustainability feature that allows docked ships to plug into SF’s electrical grid.
• Waterfront architecture vibes: A modern terminal built to handle serious cruise traffic without feeling purely industrial.

Why a Private Tuk Tuk Tour Works Here

• Convenience on the Embarcadero: This is a busy waterfront zone—being dropped off and picked up keeps your day easy.
• Views without the hassle: You can swing by for a quick look (or stay longer) without worrying about parking logistics.
• Photo stops included: When the view hits, you stop—simple as that.
• Your guide adds the “so what”: It’s more fun when someone helps connect the dots between SF’s maritime past and its modern waterfront.
• Flexible, custom routing: Your route and stops can be adjusted around your timing—especially handy if you’re coordinating with a cruise schedule.
• Always private group: It’s just your people—no strangers, no weird pacing, no group-tour herding.

If you’re already exploring the waterfront, this is one of those easy, high-reward add-ons that fits neatly into a private tour day.

Plan Your Visit

• Location: Pier 27, The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94111
• Website: Port of San Francisco Cruise Ship Terminal
• Hours: Vary based on cruise ship schedules and events; check the website for current details.
• Best time to visit: If you’re coming for views and photos, aim for a calmer window when cruise activity is lighter—and bring a light jacket because it can get breezy on the bay.
• Logistics note: The Embarcadero can be busy and parking can be limited, so public transit or a drop-off-style visit tends to be the smoothest plan.

Cruise Terminal at Pier 27 FAQ

Related Guides (Worth a Click)

• Alcatraz Island and Prison
• PIER 39 and the Sea Lions
• North Beach / Little Italy

Nearby Points of Interest

• Alcatraz Island: This island prison is now a famous tourist attraction, but in its heyday, it housed the era’s most infamous prisoners. Inmates could hear laughter carried across the water from the city, and many attempted the one-mile swim to land. Visit today for a tour!
• Pier 39: Famous for its sunbathing sea lions, shopping, and seafood, PIER 39 houses a delightful collection of specialty shops and tourist attractions that will delight the entire family. Eat at the Hard Rock Café, ride the vintage hand-painted carousel, or watch a live magic show with the kids. 
• Coit Tower and Telegraph Hill: Don’t miss the panorama from the 210-foot high tower, which offers views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, Angel Island, the Bay Bridge, and the San Francisco skyline.
• North Beach / Little Italy: Little Italy offers a variety of bars, comedy clubs, and authentic Italian restaurants. Try some focaccia bread, or take a walk in the relaxing green space of Washington Square.