San Francisco Tourist Trap Tips by cwest03

SF is full of tourist traps. I guess this is true of any big city. Pier 39 is one of the biggest and best the city has to offer. Now although it's a tourist trap you'll probably spend some time there anyway if you're from out of town. Heck, I've even ended up there a few times and I should know better. In all, it's not that bad. The only thing to be aware of are the shops and the inflated prices. You're especially going to get it if you try to ear at pier 39 or anywhere around it (like Fisherman's Warf). You're likely to have a better meal at a better price somewhere else in the city.

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At Least Do This: Take a walk to the end of the pier which is more of an outdoor shopping mall than anything else. Along the way you may want to duck into a shop or two just for the heck of it. It's also a great place to people watch and you'll probably be able to catch a live show or two. There's always something entertaining going on. At the end of the pier you'll have a great view of the bay and Alcatraz.

If you visit SF and you don't go to Fisherman's Wharf people will look at you funny. It's a tourist trap and for the most part a rip off but I'm not going to blame you for going. It's worth at the very least a quick trip to see it for your self.

For the most part Fisherman's Wharf is a mix of expensive restaurants and some tourist shops selling things that you don't need with the Golden Gate Bridge on it. During the holidays it's jam packed full of people all doing the tourist thing so you won't be alone.

During my last trip to SF I was in the area and in a "tourist" mood so I thought I'd go check it out. It had been some time since I had headed to that part of town for a bread bowl of clam chowder. My advice to you would be to save your money. I was embarrassed at the quality of the chowder that I was served. You're much better off eating away from that area and you'll save yourself some money too.

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At Least Do This: If you do want to eat while you're there the fried shrimp and the crab sandwiches are a fairly good deal. You can find them at the various outdoor stands just outside of the restaurants.

For a good deal on lunch you can head over to Boudin Bakery. You'll see it right in the middle of the wharf area as well as Pier 39. Here you'll find good quality SF sourdough sandwiches at a reasonable price. They have clam chowder bread bowls too.

If money is no object treat yourself to a seafood meal at one of the many restaurants lining the wharf. Keep in mind that you're paying a premium for location. For a better meal check out Crustacean on California Street.
Alternative: There's not much of an alternative here. but my suggestion is to do it early or in the off season. If not, expect lots of crowds.

Here is one of the many outdoor stands where you can find big pots of crab cooking in addition to clam chowder bread bowls and all kinds of seafood delights. Be aware that you might not get the best value for your money here. You're paying for location and for the tourist experience. If you don't want to buy it's at the very least fun to watch for a little while.

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