Everitt Aaron Jameson, 25, was held after allegedly discussing the plot with undercover FBI agents.
Jameson allegedly named the San Francisco's Pier 39 as a target, an area popular for its restaurants, shops and resident sea lions, because "he had been there before and knew that it was a heavily crowded area".
Authorities say firearms, a will and a letter claiming the attack were found during a search of his home.
The FBI criminal complaint says that Jameson's letter made reference to Donald Trump's decision to designate Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, according to a BBC report.
They say Jameson came to their attention in September after expressing "radical jihadi beliefs" and support of so-called Islamic State through social media use.
The FBI complaint said he had expressed his support of attacks, including the October 31 truck attack in New York.
Investigators allege Jameson had expressed a will to use explosives in the attack to "tunnel" or "funnel" people into a smaller area to inflict casualties. The FBI says he sought materials that could be made into a pipe bomb from an agent.
But on 18 December he apparently hesitated, telling an agent: "I don't think I can do this after all. I've reconsidered."
A search warrant for his home was issued, where a number of firearms and related material was found.
He has been charged with attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organisation.
Jameson attended basic recruitment training for the US Marine Corps in 2009, but was reportedly discharged for not disclosing details of his asthma.