San Francisco Dungeness Crab
The undisputed king of the Pacific coast. A culinary icon, a historic industry, and a local obsession.
AN SF ICON
Dungeness crab is more than just food in San Francisco; it's a cornerstone of the city's identity. From the foggy docks of Fisherman's Wharf to the bustling tables of Chinatown, this crustacean connects us to the ocean and our history.
1848FISHERY EST.
10DAILY LIMIT
5.75"MIN SIZE
2025-26 SEASON STATUS
RECREATIONALSTATEWIDE
OPEN JAN 5, 2026COMMERCIAL (CENTRAL)SONOMA/MENDO TO CONCEPTION
OPEN JAN 5, 202640% TRAP REDUCTION
COMMERCIAL (NORTH)OR BORDER TO SONOMA/MENDO
DELAYED > JAN 1515% REDUCTION / FAIR START
SEASON CLOSUREVARIES BY ZONE
MAY 1 (Z3)APR 15 (Z4-6)
Delays due to whale entanglement risk & domoic acid.
Current Market Prices
Prices vary by location and freshness. Buying directly from the wharf supports local fishermen.
AVG DOCK PRICE
~$5.00/lb
Price paid to fishermen
(Disputes pending +$0.50-0.75)
(Disputes pending +$0.50-0.75)
Fisherman's Wharf
Direct from Boats
$10.00/lb
RECOMMENDED
Costco
Whole, Boiled
$7.99/lb
SF Market
Live
$8.99/lb
SF Market
Cooked
$9.99/lb
Safeway
Fresh, Cooked
$9.99/lb
Raley's / Bel Air
Fresh
$8.99/lb
Note: Restaurant prices are significantly higher due to preparation and service costs.
WHERE TO EAT
FROM WHARF TO CHINATOWN
Discover the best spots for roasted crab, cioppino, and classic steamed Dungeness.
FISHING GUIDE
REGULATIONS & TIPS
Everything you need to know to catch your own dinner. Licenses, limits, and gear.
HISTORY
A STORIED PAST
Explore over 150 years of commercial fishing heritage in the Bay Area.
QUICK FACTS
ORIGIN
Named after Dungeness, Washington, a town on the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
GROWTH
Crabs must molt their hard shells to grow, shedding the old exoskeleton.
REGENERATION
Dungeness crabs have the amazing ability to regenerate lost limbs over time.
LIFESPAN
They can live up to 10 years and reach a width of 10 inches across the shell.