Torpedo Wharf
Bring your fishing pole and camera to this popular pier beneath the Golden Gate Bridge.
When it comes to locations for that picture-perfect shot of the Golden Gate Bridge, the Presidio offers many choices – but none better than Torpedo Wharf.
First built in 1854 to aid in the construction of Fort Point, today this pier is a beloved place for fishing, crabbing, and snapping photos of surrounding San Francisco landmarks – and even a curious sea lion.
Getting There
Torpedo Wharf, Long Avenue, San Francisco
By Public Transit
Muni Route: 28 19th Avenue
Stop: Golden Gate Bridge Parking Lot
Directions: From the Golden Gate Bridge Parking Lot, follow the Battery East Trail down a staircase to reach Torpedo Wharf, just past the Warming Hut Park Store
By Presidio GO Shuttle
Route: Any
Stop: Presidio Transit Center
Directions: While there is no direct shuttle access to Torpedo Wharf, visitors arriving at Presidio Transit Center (1.3 miles away) can follow one of the Presidio Tunnel Tops’ paths down to Crissy Marsh, then head west on the Golden Gate Promenade to the wharf.
Parking
There is a paid parking lot next to Torpedo Wharf by Warming Hut Park Store.
Why We Love Torpedo Wharf
This is a place where local fishers and San Francisco visitors mix, creating a great energy and fantastic people watching. And from this vantage point, there’s something beautiful in every direction: Alcatraz, the city skyline, and San Francisco Bay.
Accessibility at Torpedo Wharf
The large lot near the Warming Hut has parking spots for those with mobility limitations in proximity to Torpedo Wharf.
Insider Tip
It can get windy at Torpedo Wharf. If you’re looking for shelter or Presidio food, you’ll find it steps away at the Warming Hut Park Store. There are restrooms near there as well.
Best View of the Golden Gate Bridge
Located at Crissy Field right off the Golden Gate Promenade/Bay Trail SF, Torpedo Wharf is a great place to catch a fish or snap a great San Francisco view.
Presidio History at Torpedo Wharf
Built to aid in the construction of nearby Fort Point, there’s been a wharf here since 1854. It’s been rebuilt several times and finally became “Torpedo Wharf” when the U.S. Army constructed a submarine mine depot here around 1907-1909. The U.S. Army used the wharf to plant underwater mines as part of the harbor defense. The current wharf dates to 1941.
Crabbing
This is a great spot for crabbing. If you want to try your luck, remember Dungeness crabs are off limits, but there are still plenty of red crabs and rock crabs available. No fishing license is needed.
FAQs
The nearest public restrooms to Torpedo Wharf can be found close by near the Warming Hut Park Store.
Yes. Fishing and crabbing are both allowed and welcomed at Torpedo Wharf – except for Dungeness crabs, which are strictly off-limits. The good news is that there are still plenty of red crabs and rock crabs available for you to catch.
Located about a mile’s walk away along Crissy Field on the Golden Gate Promenade/Bay Trail, Sports Basement is more than a retailer for sport equipment and gear – it’s a community center for outdoor enthusiasts, athletes, families, and visitors alike, located within an 80,000 square foot former Army commissary.
