Ripley's Believe It or Not! Has Announced Closure

The iconic Fisherman's Wharf attraction is set to shutter its doors after nearly 60 years of operation.

Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Openings & Closings

Weathered wooden pier planks and iron bollards overlooking a foggy, historic waterfront in San Francisco. — Ripley's Believe It or Not! announced it will close its Fisherman's Wharf location in San Francisco by the end of 2026, ending a nearly 60-year presence in the city. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Ripley's Believe It or Not! announced that its long-standing San Francisco attraction at Fisherman's Wharf will close. The location, which opened in 1967, expects to cease operations before the end of 2026.

Why it matters

The closure marks the end of a multi-decade presence in the city where Robert Ripley began his professional career. It signals a major shift for the historic Fisherman's Wharf district.

The San Francisco attraction has operated for 60 years at Fisherman's Wharf, compared to a 75-year history for the site in St. Augustine and 50 years for the Myrtle Beach location.

The players

Robert Ripley

He was the cartoonist and entrepreneur who founded the Ripley's Believe It or Not! brand.

Ripley's Believe It or Not!

This company operates a global network of museums and attractions featuring oddities and historical curiosities.

The details

The company stated it will offer select exhibits with specific ties to San Francisco for sale following the closure. Management is also providing support to current team members during the transition period.

1909: Robert Ripley began his career at the San Francisco Bulletin.
1939 and 1940: Ripley's exhibited at the Golden Gate International Exposition.
February 2, 1967: The Ripley's attraction officially opened at Fisherman's Wharf.
Before end of 2026: The attraction is expected to close permanently.

Market Landscape

The closure concludes a historical connection to San Francisco that began with the brand's exhibition at the 1939 Golden Gate International Exposition. This decision represents a significant consolidation of the company's long-running physical assets.

Visitors to Fisherman's Wharf will see the permanent removal of a decades-old attraction before 2027. Local residents and tourists interested in the historical exhibits may have limited opportunities to view the collection before it is sold off.

The takeaway

The end of this attraction reflects the changing commercial nature of the historic Fisherman's Wharf district. Fans of the franchise can still visit other long-running locations in cities like St. Augustine and Myrtle Beach.