A certain aura of authenticity still clings to San
Francisco’s old wharf area, but you’ll have to look closely to find the
historic details – mostly, it has been overwhelmed by tourism.
Nevertheless, it’s fun to get a walk away crab cocktail and a chunk of
sourdough bread, and to sidestep the crowds to check out the few
remaining fishing boats that still haul in their daily bounty. And after
all, what’s so bad about taking home a few San Francisco souvenirs?
Anchorage Shopping Center
USS Pampanito
Ripley's Believe It Or Not!
Wax Museum145 Jefferson St 1 800 439 4305 415 202 0402 Open 10am–9pm daily
Aquarium of the Bay
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In 1853 the first wharf was
built here, and it quickly became a center for maritime-related
enterprise, including shipbuilding, and fresh seafood joints. Italians
soon monopolized almost every aspect of the fishing industry – even
today, most of the eateries along the Wharf bear Italian names. With
technology, however, the Bay was fished-out by the 1950s, and any
big-time fishing industry went out of business or moved elsewhere.
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Plan of Fisherman’s Wharf
Fisherman’s Wharf sign
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Try one of the Wharf’s oldest institutions, Scoma’s ( Pier 47 & Alcona Way ; 415 771 4383), for seafood.
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Don’t miss the pod of wild sea lions that lounge around the docks just to the west of Pier 39.
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Top 10 SightsGhirardelli Square The Ghirardelli family ran a chocolate factory here from 1859 to 1962. The site is now home to upscale shops and eateries .
Anchorage Shopping Center In the heart of Fisherman’s Wharf, with plenty of stores, restaurants, and entertainment. The Cannery Built
as a warehouse in 1907, a makeover was completed in 1967, and it’s now
the site of some appealing boutiques, as well as tourist shops. Pier 39 Built
over a disused pier, this 1978 commercial venture became an instant
success for promoting tourism in the wharf area. Two floors of shops and
eateries, with a large central promenade complete with an antique
Venetian carousel, keep drawing in the crowds.
USS Pampanito This
vintage submarine sank six enemy ships and damaged four others in World
War II. You can tour its interior and get an idea of what life was like
for the crew.
Fisherman’s and Seaman’s Memorial Chapel This little wooden chapel was built in 1980 as an interfaith memorial to all those who make and have made their living at sea. Fish Alley This
alley is possibly the last vestige of the authentic, workaday wharf.
Here you can see fishing boats come in and watch as the catch of the day
is landed and prepared for market.
Aquarium of the Bay The
aquarium’s transparent tunnel visually immerses you in the San
Francisco Bay marine habitat, where thousands of members of diverse
ocean fauna disport themselves before your eyes. Video presentations and
marine specialists help you understand what you’re seeing. Boudin Bakery This
is the home of the famous chain of San Francisco sourdough bread
makers. Stop by to try the distinctive crusty round loaf, best enjoyed
warm from the oven with plenty of butter. Ripley's Believe It Or Not! and Wax Museum These
two fun-zone denizens – found as “attractions” around the world – are a
give-away that these blocks of Jefferson Street are pure tourist trap.
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