It seems that everyone who visits San Francisco has to spend some time in Fisherman's Wharf. This part of the city has a lot of things to see and do and offers beautiful views of the San Francisco Bay, the Golden Gate Bride, Alcatraz, and more.
Some of the many things to see and do include:
Ghirardelli Square - Offers dining, shopping, and of course their world famous chocolate.
Boudin Bakery - Peak through the window and watch the bakers make the sour dough bread that San Francisco is know for. Or, you can take a tour of the bakery and museum.
Musee Mecanique - This is a large privately owned collection of antique arcade machines with over 300 items. It's located at Pier 45. It's free to get in to see these unique items and you can actually play them too. But it won't cost you just a nickle anymore, the machines accept quarters now.
Wax Museum - Located on Jefferson Street in the heart of Fisherman's Wharf the Wax Museum has over 200 figures in elaborate sets.
Ripley's Believe It or Not - The Ripley's museum has over 10,000 square feet of oddities on display.
SS Jeremiah O'Brien and USS Pampanito - Tour an authentic World War II era ship and submarine.
The Cannery - Originally built back in 1907, The Cannery was the largest peach cannery in the world at the time. Today The Cannery at Del Monte Square offers, restaurants, shopping, and live entertainment.
Various museums, restaurants, and of course there's the famous Pier 39. Some people love it and some people hate it. Without a doubt it is a classic tourist trap full of expensive trinkets and more expensive restaurants but it is worth spending some time to see it. There is a lot to do. There are beautiful views of the city, street performers, fresh seafood but one of my favorite things about Pier 39 are the sea lions that have moved in. There are dozens of sea lions that have taken over a small area and call the place home. It's fun to be able to get a close up look at nature in the hustle and bustle of a place like San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf.
One last bit of food for thought. You can get to Pier 39 by car but I wouldn't recommend it. Since the Wharf area is so popular with tourists there are always masses of pedestrians that don't really pay to much attention to the cars they step in front of. Parking there is a nightmare and the cost of parking if you can find it is outrageous.
San Francisco's public transit is quick and reliable and you can get to Pier 39 from just about anywhere in the city for about $1.50 and that's the best bargain you'll find all day.
