San Francisco struggling tourism takes another hit as legendary attraction closes after nearly 60 years

San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf has changed plenty over the decades, but some attractions seemed almost permanent. Ripley’s Believe It or Not! was one of them. After welcoming tourists since 1967, the longtime waterfront attraction is preparing to close its doors before the end of 2026.

Nearly six decades at Fisherman’s Wharf

Ripley’s San Francisco Odditorium became part of the classic Wharf experience with more than 400 unusual artifacts, curiosities and a 2,000-square-foot mirror maze. The company has not announced an exact closing date, but said the decision reflects changes around Fisherman’s Wharf and the direction of the business rather than one specific event.

Some of its San Francisco history is also going up for sale

The closure means more than losing another tourist stop. Ripley’s plans to sell several locally connected pieces from the collection, including Joe DiMaggio’s crutches, a chicken-wire portrait of Janis Joplin and miniature Golden Gate Bridge creations. After almost 60 years, some of what visitors remember seeing inside will now find new homes.

Ripley’s may not be done with San Francisco

The company has left open the possibility of returning elsewhere in the city someday. But for now, the closing marks another change for Fisherman’s Wharf and the end of an unusually long run for an attraction that arrived in 1967, during San Francisco’s Summer of Love, and stayed for nearly six decades.