Fisherman's Wharf

Pier 39Fisherman’s wharf has become another icon and tourist destination. Not much of the colorful Italian-American culture is left, but the area has much to offer for tourists to deserve its second place in this guide.

Pier 39

Remodeling Pier 39 in a kitschy fashion to resemble a tourist Mecca made the Pier famous and attractive to mass tourism. Families will find kids rides, colorfully painted stores selling tourist memorabilia other items of little value. Weary travelers looking for a quick way to refuel his/her batteries appreciate the many snack shops selling everything from hot dogs to crepes.

Sea Lions took shelter at the docks near Pier 39. A viewing platform is always busy with tourists taking snapshots of the Sea Lions with the city skyline in the background.

The parking garage near Pier 39 is convenient but expensive. If you fall for any of the kitsch sold here, make sure you get your parking ticket validated.

Pier 45

Pier 45 is home to two war vessels, the USS Pampanito, a WWII submarine, and the S.S. Jeremia O’Brien, a WWII cargo carrier. You can enter both ships for a tour of these obsolete fighting machines. Although not my cup of tea, I am sure history buffs will be thrilled by this opportunity.

Jefferson and Taylor Street

Fishermans Wharf VendorVendors along Jefferson and Taylor Street are offering snacks comprised of the fresh catch of the day. Get a bread bowl filled with clam chowder or a tasty snack of fresh crab, a roll with fish or crab salad or any other tasty snack. I guarantee its healthier and better tasting than other deep fried snacks.

Fisherman’s Wharf has more to offer than I can cover in this article. Cable car carrousels, where the cable cars are turned by muscle power or nearby Ghirardelli Square should not be missed either.

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