San Francisco Sun

San Francisco, CA - Mayor London N. Breed is proposing to extend the stay of the SkyStar wheel on Fisherman’s Wharf for another 18 months after a successful initial six-month run at the Port. The SkyStar Observation Wheel, which moved to the City’s iconic waterfront in November 2023, has entertained riders with unparalleled views of the City’s waterfront.

Mayor Breed stated, “San Francisco is a city known for its incredible views, and the SkyStar on our waterfront is moving up that list. This is the kind of attraction that can make our City a joy for residents and visitors alike. We are welcoming more people to our city every day, with incredible events like our recent St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Chinese New Year Parade.”

The Port of San Francisco’s initial six-month special event license with SkyStar Wheel LLC is set to expire on April 30, 2024. Mayor Breed introduced legislation to the Board of Supervisors to allow for the extension of the lease, aiming to support tourism and attract people to San Francisco to bolster economic recovery. Port Director Elaine Forbes mentioned, “The Port looks forward to extending the lease of the SkyStar Wheel, a symbol of the revitalization underway on the Wharf.”

Since its opening in November last year, the SkyStar has welcomed more than 90,000 riders and has doubled ridership compared to the same time in 2022. Moreover, SkyStar has been distributing 500 complimentary tickets every month to underserved community groups to ensure equitable access to one of San Francisco’s most iconic attractions.

Rec and Park General Manager Phil Ginsburg expressed excitement, saying, “The SkyStar Wheel was a hit in Golden Gate Park, honoring the park’s history as a place to experience joy and make lasting memories. We are thrilled to learn it will continue to charm visitors to the historic Wharf.”

Randall Scott, Executive Director of the Fisherman’s Wharf Community Benefit District, remarked, “The SkyStar Wheel has been an incredible addition to Fisherman's Wharf, bringing thousands of visitors to the district. The subsequent increase in foot traffic has provided a much-needed economic boost as our businesses recover from the impacts of the pandemic.”

Skystar CEO Todd Schneider expressed enthusiasm about the extended partnership, stating, "We are thrilled to continue this partnership with San Francisco for the next 18 months. The Fisherman's Wharf community, including residents, small business owners, and tourists have welcomed us with open arms, and we are proud to be a part of this community."

The Skystar Ferris Wheel, standing at 150 feet high and featuring 36 gondolas, has become a popular attraction near Pier 39, offering riders unmatched views of San Francisco and the Bay. General admission to the ride is $18, with discounted rates for seniors and children.