San Francisco Tourist Trap Tips by Jerelis

Is Fisherman's Wharf a must visit or a tourist trap to avoid? Let's explain our vision. Fisherman's Wharf was the base of a rather large fishing fleet up untill the 1940s. Now it's the place to be if you like all kinds of tourists attractions, seefood restaurants with waterfront views, et cetera. It is loosely defined as the area Ghirardelli Square (near Pier 41) and Pier 35.

Of course we went to Fisherman's Wharf, by Cable Car and intended not to stay long. But in some we liked it as well. We rapidly learned that there were more things to see in San Francisco than this meeting point for tourists. But we also did realize that it is not just about the more established attractions and shops. There are plenty of sidewalk activities taking place. We enjoyed the street performers including: artists, musicians, craft makers, magicians, human robots, you name it! Keep an eye open for the "Bushman" who for the last 25 years has some branches to hide behind on the sidewalk to surprise and welcome passres by.

Address:
Beach Street and the Embarcadero, Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco, CA 94109.

Directions:
It is loosely defined as the area Ghirardelli Square (near Pier 41) and Pier 35.

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At Least Do This: See the sea lions.
Alternative: Sorry...maybe it's also a must-see?

Family entertainment is the specialty along Jefferson Street with attractions such as the Wax Museum and Ripley's Believe It Or Not! Fun to see, because we also visited Ripley's Believe It Or Not! in Surfers Paradise, Australia. At the San Francisco Maritime National Park (hyde Street Pier) you can see and board four national landmark ships, including the famous Balclutha. On January 15, 1887, with a twenty-six-man crew, Balclutha sailed for San Francisco. The ship entered the Golden Gate after 140 days at sea and never left.

Our conclusion after a few hours at Fisherman's Wharf; it's very toursitic indeed, but also a kind of fun. Cheap trinket shops are everywhere. The public restroom was tiny and not very clean. The freshly made crepes were great. The sea lions and occasional seal were fashinating. Interesting to see the fishing boats. Fairly good seafood at stands and little restaurants nearby. Not for discerning tastes, but more a "fun at the faire" type of morning.

Address:
Beach Street and the Embarcadero, Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco, CA 94109.

Directions:
It is loosely defined as the area Ghirardelli Square (near Pier 41) and Pier 35.

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At Least Do This: See the sea lions.
Alternative: None...maybe it's also a must-see?

A variety of specialty shops and restaurants are located at the Anchorage and The Cannery, which is located at the west end. It used to be the largest peach cannery in the world. Ghirardelli Square, once home to the world-famous chocolate factory, has been renovated to an open-air shopping center filled with specialty shops, international restaurants, an ice cream parlor and displays of the origional chocolate making machines.

But the most amazing thing about Fisherman's Wharf was the amount of sea lions we saw and the noise they produced! We learned that the first sea lions started coming to the wharf in 1989 and are continuously monitored by the Marine Mammal Center.

Not far from the sea lions docks - and visible in the Pier 39 Sea Lions panaorama - you can see Forbes Island, the only man made floating island. Forbes Island with its 12 meters high lighthouse has been afloat between Pier 39 and Pier 41 since February 1999.

Address:
Beach Street and the Embarcadero, Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco, CA 94109.

Directions:
It is loosely defined as the area Ghirardelli Square (near Pier 41) and Pier 35.

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At Least Do This: See the sea lions.
Alternative: None...maybe it's also a must-see?

Transportation to Fisherman's Wharf can be an attraction of itself, the F Market runs through the area, the Powell-Hyde Cable Car lines runs to Aquatic Park, at the end of Fisherman's Wharf and the Powell-Mason Cable Car carline runs few blocks away. We did it hiking and when we were walking to Pier 39 (the second most visited attraction in California) we were stopped by the "smiling police". We were asked to smile a bit more and as a reward we received a "I love San Francisco" and "I luv your smile" sticker.

Pier 39 (just 2 blocks away from Fisherman's Wharf) is located at Beach Street and this renovated cargo pier is home to the Blue & Gold Fleet. The pier has two levels of restaurants and specialty shops. It's a great place to watch the sail boats, cruise ships and cargo ships pass by on the San Francisco Bay. The innumerably amount of seelions on K-Dock are definately worth a visit. Pier 39 is also about as close as you can get to Alcatraz Island without getting on a boat.

Address:
Beach Street and the Embarcadero, Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco, CA 94109.

Directions:
It is loosely defined as the area Ghirardelli Square (near Pier 41) and Pier 35.

Leave a Comment

At Least Do This: See the sea lions.
Alternative: Sorry...maybe it's also a must-see?

Whenever you're thinking about visiting Alcatraz, be aware that you have registered for tickets in advance. We were NOT able to go to Alcatraz because every single ticket was sold out.

We made a circle around the island when we made a boattrip through the entire bay. It gave us a good impression about the island anyway.

Still we were sorry to learn that you need at least 3 weeks in advance to get ticket. Massive tourist trap!!!

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