Wharfs are buildings on the seashore and riverside for ships or ferries to berth, let passengers get on and off, and load and unload goods. They are usually found in commercial cities with developed land and water transportation.

Wharfs are a long dike extending from the shore to the water, or they may be just a row of stairs extending from the shore to the water. Most of them are man-made civil engineering buildings, or they may be formed naturally.

People use the wharfs as places for ferries to park and unload passengers and goods. Secondly, they may be a landmark to attract tourists or date. Common buildings or facilities around the wharfs include cruise ships, ferries, container ships, warehouses, customs, floating bridges, fish markets, waterfront promenades, stations, restaurants, or shopping malls.

The most famous wharf should be the Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco. The fisherman's Wharf roughly includes the area from Ghirardelli Square in the northern waters of San Francisco to Pier 35, of which Pier 39 is the most famous. Attractions around fisherman's Wharf include San Francisco Marine National Historical Park, Godley square and the machinery Museum. Many large-scale activities were also held in the fisherman's Wharf Area, including the fireworks show on 4th of July.

Fisherman's Wharf originated in San Francisco, California, USA, and then appeared in cities around the world. In fact, fisherman's Wharf is not only a brand, but also a mode of life.