How to Enjoy Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco, CA
Fisherman's Wharf is one of San Francisco's premier attractions. Located on the picturesque San Francisco Bay and made up numerous piers and busy side streets, the Wharf has something for everyone. From refreshing boat rides to one-of-a-kind gift shops, educational attractions and sunbathing sea lions, this is one placed that just can't be missed. It's also one of the best places in town to get a great meal. Visitors can enjoy fancy meals, casual fare and a plethora of tasty snacks. Don't miss fresh crab meat at small stands on the Wharf, clam chowder soup in a bread bowl, and miniature donuts for a snack. Plan on spending at least two days to see everything.
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Things You'll Need
- Comfortable shoes
- Warm sweater or jacket
- Suntan lotion
- Fisherman's Wharf map
Instructions
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Exploring the wharf
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1
Visit the Aquarium of the Bay at Pier 39. Walk through underwater glass tunnels for a unique view of the fish and other wildlife as they swim all around you. At three pools you can touch starfish, sharks, stingrays and more. Watch special events such as shark feedings, which take place throughout the day.
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2
Ride the San Francisco Carousel, also on Pier 39. With 1,800 lights and paintings of the Golden Gate Bridge, Chinatown and Lombard Street, it's the only carousel in the country that display images of it's hometown. Listen to traditional organ music while riding on a horse, swinging on a swing or sitting in a rocking chariot.
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3
Visit on Pier 39, K-Dock and witness the multitude of sea lions that make Fisherman's Wharf their home. After arriving in mass numbers after the earthquake of 1989, the sea lions now reside on the docks formerly used by boaters. During the weekends, volunteers are available for lectures and to answer questions. Stop by Level 2 of Pier 39 at the Marine Mammal Center's Interpretive Center and Gift Store for interactive displays and souvenirs. For the best viewing, dine at the Sea Lion Cafe just above where the sea lions make their home.
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4
Tour the USS Pampanito (maritime.org/pamphome.htm), a submarine museum honoring World War II. See the equipment and the tight quarters that sailors dealt with while patrolling the Pacific Ocean.
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5
Take one of many tours of Fisherman's Wharf including a walking tour so you don't miss any of the piers or attractions. A full itinerary and map can be found on the resources section of this page; City Segway Tours (citysegwaytours.com/) includes the new lean steer technology and informative lectures about attractions. Waterfront Horse and Carriage offers romantic rides up and down the wharf while you hear about the area.
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Enjoy lunch and dinner at one of many fine eateries. You will find everything from snacks to casual fare to fine dining. Bubba Gump's Shrimp Company, The Crab House and McCormick & Kuleto's make their home along the wharf.
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Take one of many boat rides that leave from Fisherman's Wharf on a daily basis. Sail along the San Francisco Bay and enjoy the scenery and hear about the history of the city or sign up to cruise to the island of Alcatraz and take a tour of the old shut-down prison, California's second biggest attraction. For details on these boat rides, visit the resources section of this page.
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8
Visit the Musee Mecanique, an old-time arcade filled with more than 200 old-fashioned arcade games, coin operated musical instruments, and silent movies. Admission is free. Pay for each game as you go along.
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Tips & Warnings
Some parking garages provide free parking for one to two hours so you can dine at the many restaurants. Be sure to have the restaurant validate your parking before you leave. Branch out beyond the various piers to enjoy Ghirardelli Square (ghirardellisq.com/), The Cannery at Del Monte Square (delmontesquare.com/), Anchorage Square (anchoratthewharf.com/) and Aquatic Park.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Denise M. Ruggieri
