Viator

San Francisco SkyStar Wheel - Private Gondolas

4.4(30)San Francisco1 hour
VIATOR4.2(13)TRIPADVISOR4.5(17)

Description

Never before seen, birds-eye views of the magnificent San Francisco Bay. SkyStar Observation Wheel is a spectacular new attraction on the San Francisco waterfront at Fisherman's Wharf. Each gondola can hold between 1 to 6 adults and are private for your group. They are also full enclosed, so rain (or fog!) won't put a damper on your day. General admission rides are about 12 minutes long and there are no restrictions pertaining to weight, height or age. You’ll leave your heart in San Francisco after a ride on the City’s first waterfront observation wheel!

Tour Options

San Francisco SkyStar Wheel - Private Gondolas

Itinerary

Admission included

San Francisco’s newest crown jewel...SkyStar Wheel, Fisherman’s Wharf! Standing over 150 feet tall along the Barbary Coast Trail in world-famous Fisherman’s Wharf, SkyStar offers spectacular views of San Francisco and its Bay Harbor. Experience never-before seen bird’s-eye views of San Francisco - from North Beach, Russian Hill and Telegraph Hill neighborhoods, to Coit Tower, the Golden Gate Bridge, the Bay Bridge, Sausalito and the notorious Alcatraz Island!

Highlights

All Fees and Taxes

What's included

Included
All Fees and Taxes

Traveller Ratings

4.4
30 reviews
5
20
4
4
3
4
2
1
1
1

Important Information

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Reviews(30)

L
Lizeth_G
June 19, 2026
We loved it; I thought they would only give us a tour, but in the end, I think it was 6 or 7.

If you are afraid of heights, believe me, you will overcome it here; the ride is calm and very relaxing. We loved it.

C
Christa_P
May 22, 2026
We purchased through a...

We purchased through a third party vendor and the person we had to get the tickets through wasn’t very helpful when we got up to the window. So, for those of you like us who didn’t know this, you will find the information they need in your email. Besides that we had a wonderful ride!! Absolutely gorgeous view of the bay and the city.

Operator response

Thank you for such a great review, Christa. Sorry you had a hassle at the ticket office. We’ll speak with staff. Happy you were able to ride and see the City and the Bay from atop the Wheel.

L
LexyS018
May 22, 2026
It was alright, but not for us

Typically we love ferris wheels and don't have issues with motion sickness, but this one for some reason just made us feel so sick. We started off fine, but every time we came up and over the top, our stomachs turned and it made it tough to enjoy the view. The staff were all friendly enough, and the ride lasted about 10 minutes. I don't know if it's the way it is made or what, but this isn't one we'll try again. If you have any issues with motion sickness, I don't recommend this one.

Operator response

Hi Lexi. Thanks for your review. We’re sorry to hear you felt the way you did. Thats the first time we’ve ever heard anything like this. The SkyStar Wheel is generally known for its smooth, steady rotation in all weather conditions.

B
bryanl342
May 21, 2026
Great view

Nice ride with a great view especially on a nice day. $20 for adult, big enough for 6 people. : laps

Operator response

Thank you for your 5-Star review, Bryan! The Wheel does have one of the best views of the City and the bay from any location.

R
Rebeca_H
April 27, 2026
Very short and nothing special

Very short but nice and enjoyable, it’s good if it is your very first time there. The wheel goes very slow.

Operator response

Hi Rebecca, thank you for your review of the SkyStar Wheel. We’re happy you enjoyed the experience. With one loading round and three revolutions without stopping, we’ve found the best way to make sure the Wheel, and the incredible views of the city and the bay, can be enjoyed by the highest number of people. We hope to see you again.

8
861joser
April 18, 2026
Sky star Wheel

Cool way to see the city up above. The kids loved it. Go early to prevent crowds it gets crowded at night.

Operator response

We are so happy you and your children were able to experience the unique perspectives and great views of the City from the SkyStar Wheel. Hope to see you again soon.

J
Jay_L
April 11, 2026
Check the weather

It was awesome to ride around but the rain got us. Other then that tho it was a nice ride and they sell ponchos.

Operator response

Thank you for the great review, Jay, even though you caught a bit of rain. We hope to see you again.

A
Amanda_T
March 27, 2026
Do it at night!

This was ok. Nice view of city and wharf. Probably better at night. Staff were great and really helpful.

Operator response

Thank you for taking a spin on the SkyStar Wheel, and for mentioning our hardworking staff. Please let us know what we can do to get a 5 star review next time!

S
stevehG4084OM
January 28, 2026
Kids and family loved this

We had a wonderful time at the SkyStar -- our kids and their cousins loved every time we went up and came down. They got to see San Francisco, the Bay, Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge, and Marin from a totally different perspective. One kid said "this is the best ride ever..." Definitely a great stop for a family visit!

Operator response

Thanks for the great review, Steve H! So glad to hear you got to experience the Wheel with your kids.

D
Darlene_F
January 18, 2026
Great view

Pretty neat ride. I would suggest going at night. More city lights to see. And it was a little warm in the gondola

Operator response

Thanks for your 5-Star review Darlene! Yes, the evening lights of the city coming on is a great way to see the magic of San Francisco. We appreciate you taking the time to share your experience. Hope to see you again soon!

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