San Francisco, CA-Today, Mayor London N. Breed announced thearrival of theCity’sbelovedFerris Wheel, which will beginoperationsin its new locationatthe iconicFisherman’sWharfthis evening.After athree-year run at Golden Gate Park’sMusicConcourse,theattraction, also known as theSkystarWheel,will nowentertainriders with unparalleled views of theCity’s waterfront.
Riders of the Ferris Wheel, now located near the famed Bistro Boudin and Pier 39 attractions, will enjoy breathtaking views of San Francisco and the Bay, including Alcatraz Island and the Golden Gate Bridge. The wheel’s presence at Fisherman’s Wharf, which attracts about 13 million people each year,adds to the area’s fun environment that will delight visitors and residents alike.
TheSkystar FerrisWheel’s arrivalat Fisherman’s Wharfcomes as San FranciscohostsAPEC(Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation),the leading economic forum for the 21 Member Economies of the Asia-Pacific region.
“With APECunderway,along with so many other activations happening throughout theCityduring the holiday season, theFerris Wheel’smove to Fisherman’s Wharf couldn’t have come at a better time,”saidMayor London Breed. “As it moves fromone iconic location to another,theWheelhas now become an important part of San Francisco’shistory and I’m thrilled to see it continue its runin this vibrant and lively neighborhood, creating more experiences for our tourists and residents to enjoy.”
TheWheel will operateat its new locationfor six monthsundera special event permitfromthe Port of San Francisco.For future planning consideration, the Portis open to extending that timeline afterfirstengaging with community, residents, businesses,and the Port Commission.
“When the sunrise hits the crest of the Ferris Wheel on the waterfront, there can be no doubt that we made the right decision to relocate it here,”said Board of Supervisors President and Bay Conservation and Development Commissioner Aaron Peskin, who helped bring the Ferris Wheel to Fisherman’s Wharf. “It belongs among other boardwalk attractions, and now it can inspire awe and fun alongside theMuséeMechanique, the SS Jeremiah O’Brien, the Maritime Museum, and Boudin’s legendary bread bowls. I’m delighted we could pull this off in time for the APEC Summit and even more delighted by the positive responses from locals and tourists alike.”
“ThePortisdelightedto welcome theWheel to Fisherman’s Wharf,”said Port Director Elaine Forbes. “It’sa thrilling rideandasymbol oftherevitalizationunderwayon the Wharf.Fromnew muralsandactivations tolarger proposed efforts like Fisherman’s Wharf Revitalized, the district isalive withinterest and opportunity.”
The SkystarWheel arrived at Golden Gate Park in early 2020 as part of thepark’s 150thanniversary.The wheel closed to the publiclast monthand crewsbegan carefully dismantling itto prepareforitsinstallationat the newwaterfrontlocation.
AtGolden Gate Park, the wheel’s proximity to popular spots such as the de Young Museum, the California Academy of Sciences, the Bandshell,and the Japanese Tea Garden made it an instant favorite.During its three-year stay,more than 650,000 people enjoyed the wheel and its breathtakingviews.Of those rides,Rec and Park distributednearly14,000free tickets to children, families, and seniors through its partnership with more than 100 schools, camps, and community organizations.
“At Golden Gate Park, the Skystar Wheel provided so much joy to visitors and residents, while also honoring the park’s long history,”Rec and Park General Manager Phil Ginsburg said.“We’reelated to see itcome to anotherhistoric San Franciscoarea whereit willcontinue to bring happiness to people of all ages.”
"Today marks a new chapter for Fisherman's Wharf as the iconic Ferris wheel becomes part of our skyline,” saidRandall Scott, Executive Director, Fisherman's Wharf Community Benefit District.“Like a Phoenix rising, this addition symbolizes the resilience and renewal of our community. The Ferris wheel is more than just a fun ride - it represents the spirit of Fisherman's Wharf and its place as the heartbeat of the waterfront. We're proud the Ferris wheel can now offer its thrills against the backdrop of the Bay as the newest attraction for all to enjoy. It will become a landmark celebrating the Wharf's renaissance."
Skystar Ferris Wheel is 150 feet high andfeatures 36gondolas that can accommodate a maximum ofsixpeople.General admission to the ride is $18. Seniors (65+)andchildren 12 and under $12.People who aretwo years old and under ride free.Skystar has committed toproviding500 complimentary tickets per month to community organizations.For information about riding visit:skystarwheel.com.
“Today is an exciting day for San Francisco and Skystar,”said Skystar CEO Todd Schneider. “This would not have happened without the leadership and commitment of Mayor Breed and the dedication of Port Director Elaine Forbes and her staff. My hope is this attraction is one more reason for people all over the region and world to enjoy this amazing city.”
Pier 39ranksamongthe City’s most visited attractions, second only to the Golden Gate Bridgeaccording to the San Francisco TravelAssociation’s2022 Visitor ProfileStudy.The SkyStar Wheel was the 9th most visited out of 35 sites included in the study.Sales atthePierare at 95%ofpre-pandemic levels.
Home to San Francisco’s fishing industry, Fisherman’s Wharf is also hometoAquariumof the Bay,MuséeMécanique, and many world-classattractions,cafés and restaurants, many of whichserve fresh seafood.
For additional information on things to do in Fisherman’s Wharf, visitthis link.
Fora listofservices,retail,anddiningexperiencesduring APEC, visitthis link.
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