Musee Mecanique. ier 45, Shed A. ehind Fisherman's Grotto No. 9. 1 415 346-2000. oad01@yahoo.com. ttp://www.museemechanique.org/. -F 10AM-7PM, Sa-Su and Holidays 10AM-8PM. Has quite an interesting collection of about 300 coin-operated musical instruments and antique arcade machines, that date from the turn of the century.
Fishermen's and Seamen's Chapel. ier 45. aylor St and Embarcadero. ttp://www.fishermanswharf.org/outreach.aspx?q=10015&c=3. ree. This tiny chapel is a memorial to the "Lost Fishermen"... those that have lost their lives on the seas. Every year they hold a special service to commemorate these fishermen. The annual "Blessing of the Fleet" also starts from here every October.
Wax Museum at Fisherman's Wharf. 45 Jefferson St, Suite 500. etween Mason St and Taylor St. 1 800 439-4305. ales@waxmuseum.com. 0AM-9PM daily. dult (18-54) $12.95, Child (6-11) $6.95, Junior (12-17)/ Senior (55+) $9.95. ttp://www.waxmuseum.com/. It has more than more than 270 wax portraits of entertainers, heroes, villains, etc.
Ripley's Believe It Or Not! Museum. 75 Jefferson St. etween Mason St and Taylor St. 1 415 771-6188. anfran@ripleys.com. 1 415 771-1246. id June - Labor Day Su-Th 9AM-11PM, F-Sa 9AM-midnight; rest of the year Su-Th 10AM-10PM, F-Sa 10AM-midnight. 14.99 (ages 13 and older), $8.99 children (ages 5-12), $12.50 seniors and students (with I.D.). ttp://www.ripleysf.com. Set over 2 floors it has over 10,000 square feet of galleries, exhibits, illusions, and interactive displays.
Fish Alley. urn right off Jefferson at Leavenworth. ree. Don't forget to go and see the real fishing boats at what_fs known as Fish Alley — after all it is "Fisherman's Wharf". If you want to see them actually hauling in their catch, you'll have to be there around 6AM to 7AM.
The Cannery. el Monte Square. t the foot of Columbus St. 1 415 771-3112. nfo@thecannery.com. 1 415 771-2424. ttp://www.thecannery.com. Built in 1907 with its award-winning architecture, the Cannery overlooks San Francisco Bay and once upon a time was the largest peach cannery in the world. Today it's a bustling marketplace featuring three levels of restaurants, shops, offices, and live entertainment. In the middle it has a secluded courtyard with outdoor bars and cafes.
San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park. egins at the Hyde St pier. 1 415 447-5000. 1 415 556-1624. ttp://www.nps.gov/safr/. The park consists of a visitor center, Hyde St Pier and the fleet of historic ships moored there, the Maritime Museum, Aquatic Park, and the Municipal Pier.
:*<see name="Visitor Center" alt="" address="The Cannery, Del Monte Square" directions="at Hyde and Jefferson, across the street from the bridge" phone="+1 415 447-5000" email="" fax="" url="" hours="May 25 - September 30: 9:30AM-5:30PM, October 1 - May 24: 9:30AM-5PM" price="Free">The Visitor Center has a visitor information desk and there are also a bunch of small craft and hands-on exhibits that depict San Francisco's rich maritime heritage.</see>
:*<see name="Hyde St Pier" alt="" address="" directions="at the foot of Hyde St" phone="" email="" fax="" url="" hours="May 25 - September 30: 9:30AM-5:30PM daily (last entry 5PM). October 1 - May 24: 9:30AM-5PM (last entry 4:30PM)" price="Free">Prior to the construction of the Golden Gate Bridge and the Bay Bridge, this historic ferry-pier was the primary automobile ferry terminal that connected San Francisco with both Marin County and the East Bay.</see>
:*<see name="Fleet of Historic Vessels" alt="" address="moored at Hyde St Pier" directions="at the foot of Hyde St" phone="" email="" fax="" url="http://www.nps.gov/archive/safr/local/ship.html" hours="" price="Boarding pass for historic vessels: $5 adults, supervised children under 16 free"> Six major ships are on display on the Hyde St Pier. Some are available for a self-guided tour, others by docent-led tours. On payment of the $5 National Park Service fee several can be boarded, depending on tides; kids can join for free. Among the ships you can see are the ''Balclutha'', an 1886 steel-hulled square rigged sailing ship, the ''Eureka'', an 1890 steam ferryboat (which also has an exhibit of antique cars on board), the ''C.A. Thayer'', an 1895 lumber schooner, and the ''Hercules'', a 1907 steam tug.</see>
:*<see name="Maritime Museum" alt="" address="" directions="located in Aquatic Park at the western end of Fisherman's Wharf" phone="+1 415 556-3002" email="" fax="" hours="CURRENTLY CLOSED FOR RENOVATION — Tours of renovated first floor start at 11AM every Thursday and Saturday" price="Free" url="http://www.nps.gov/archive/safr/local/mus.html">Shaped like a ship, this building houses nautical treasures of all descriptions; model ships, figureheads, maritime paintings, nautical photographs, and various artifacts. For the moment, the building is under renovation and the exhibits have been moved to the Maritime National Historical Park Visitor Center at Jefferson and Hyde, but a guided tour of the completed first floor is available.</see>
:*<see name="Aquatic Park and Municipal Pier" alt="" address="" directions="located at the western end of Fisherman's Wharf" phone="" email="" fax="" hours="" price="Free" url="">This area was once part of Fort Mason but is now a complex for museums and artisans, and a great place to take a break from the bustle of Fisherman's Wharf. There is a small beach at the foot of the park where you'll see kayakers, kite fliers, swimmers from the nearby Polar Bear Club, and even rock sculptors at work. At the end of the park is Municipal Pier — the closest you can get to Alcatraz on foot or bike. After dark it can be a bit desolate.</see>
Ghirardelli Square. 00 North Point St. t the corner of Beach St and Larkin St. 1 415 775-5500. nfo@ghirardellisq.com. 1 415 775-0912" hours". ree. ttp://www.ghirardellisq.com/. It was officially declared a city landmark in 1965, and today it's still possible to view the remnants of the old chocolate-making machinery there. The square is packed with boutiques, restaurants, specialty stores, and galleries. It also has great views over the Bay.
Do
Pier 39. t Beach St and the Embarcadero. Detailed information listed under the See section above.
:* <do name="City Kayak" alt="" address="Pier 39, slip A21 and Pier 40, South Beach Harbor" directions="at Beach St and the Embarcadero" phone="+1 415 357-1010" email="info@citykayak.com" fax="" hours="Weekdays: Rentals are available by reservation from 10AM-7PM. Weekends: Walk-ins are welcome between 10AM-7PM" price="From $39 adults, $35.10 youth" url="http://www.citykayak.com">Enjoy the many great views of San Francisco from the water. They offer kayak rentals from South Beach Harbor in San Francisco but only kayak trips from Fisherman's Wharf location. A 'trip' comes with a guide.</do>
:* <do name="Frequent Flyers" alt="" address="Pier 39" directions="near the end of Pier 39" phone="+1 415 981-6300" email="" fax="" hours="" price="$10 per session" url="http://www.pier39.com/Attractions/index.htm">This is an exciting bungee/trampoline combination, suitable for all ages, which allows you to experiment with the dare-devil acrobat inside of you. It's possible to reach heights of up to 20 feet in the air.</do>
:* <do name="Ride the carousel" alt="" address="" directions="first level at the Bay end of PIER 39" phone="" email="" fax="" hours="" price="$3 per ride" url="http://www.pier39.com/Attractions/index.htm"> Crafted in Europe, this fun carousel is famous as the only one of its kind in the US that has artistic depictions of its native town hand-painted onto its frame. </do>
:* <do name="Riptide Arcade" alt="" address="Pier 39 M-3" directions="at the end of Pier 39" phone="+1 415 981-6300" email="info@riptidearcade.com" fax="+1 415 981-6308" hours="Su-Th 10AM-10PM, F-Sa 10AM-11PM" price="Free Admission, price of games varies" url="http://riptidearcade.com/main.html">Have some fun in the largest games arcade in San Francisco.</do>
:* <do name="Turbo Ride" alt="" address="Pier 39" directions="near the end of Pier 39" phone="+1 415 392-8872" email="" fax="" hours="" price="$12.95 adults, $9.95 seniors (60+)/ children (3-11). For two features or a combo ticket, the admission is $15.95 adults, $12.95 seniors/children. The multi-ride ticket, which allows the visitor to ride each of the features, costs $17.95 adults, $14.95 seniors and children" url="http://www.pier39.com/Attractions/index.htm">An action packed adventure using sophisticated simulation technology to combine visual high resolution graphics with hydraulically powered movement.</do>
Boudin Museum and Bakery Tour. 60 Jefferson St. etween Mason St and Taylor St. 1 415 351-5561. ttp://www.boudinbakery.com. aily 12PM-7PM. Take a tour round the bakery, enjoy some of their interactive exhibits and learn about the history of Boudin.
Cable Car. owell-Mason Line from Taylor & Bay or Powell-Hyde Line from Beach & Hyde. t Hyde St and Beach St. 1 415 981-6300. omments@sfcablecar.com. 5 each way ($1 for seniors or disabled before 7AM and after 9PM). ttp://www.sfcablecar.com/. This is fun way to enter or leave the Wharf area. For your convenience, two cable car lines terminate at Fisherman's Wharf — one at Hyde St & Beach St and one at Bay St & Taylor St.
Segway Guided Tour. ours depart from the rear parking lot at 757 Beach St. ear the corner of Hyde St. 1 415 474-3130. 1 415 885-6070. ours depart daily 9AM, 12:30PM and 4PM April-October. Tours depart daily 10:30AM and 1:30PM November-March. rom $75 per person. ttp://www.sfelectrictour.com/segway/san_francisco_city_tours.html. Take a 2 1/2-3 hour tour of Fisherman's Wharf on a segway.
Walk. Walk and enjoy being a tourist. If it gets too much for you, escape to the west into the Marina and the Presidio. You can always find a bus to take you back.
Bay cruises and ferries
From Fisherman's Wharf, one has a wide variety of options to explore the city and the Bay by water.
Angel Island. ttp://www.angelisland.org/. ngel Island is open from 8AM to sunset year around. Take a ferry to this historic California State Park and wildlife preserve — the "Jewel of San Francisco Bay". Spend a whole day on the largest island in San Francisco Bay, which was once known as the "Ellis Island of the West". There are lots of activities once you get there — picnicking, hiking, biking, boating, camping, and baseball, or just spend a day lounging on one of the many beaches there.
Bay Cruises. Bay cruises are very popular 60-90 minute boat tours that usually take you underneath the shadows of the Golden Gate Bridge, around Alcatraz, and along San Francisco's historic 150 year old waterfront. They also offer great views of the city's skyline. Some of them come with lively guides, others with headphone audio equipment. Some cruise providers have extended routes that take you past Angel Island and close to the shores of Tiburon and Sausalito. Others provide alternate routes that sail under the Bay Bridge as far as AT&T Park, along the San Francisco skyline, around Treasure Island, and along Alcatraz Island. Several operators provide specialist cruises of all descriptions including 'Sunset Cruises' and 'Dining Cruises' among others.
Ferries. You can also take a simple ferry across the bay to Sausalito, Tiburon, Vallejo, or Alameda/Oakland, and explore on from there.
The following companies provide cruises or ferry service from Fisherman's Wharf.
Adventure Cat Sailing Charters. Dock next to Pier 39. t Beach St and the Embarcadero. 1 212.209.3370 or 800 498-4228. ttp://www.adventurecat.com/. ruise times vary — see website. ay Cruise: Adult: $30, Children 6-12: $15,Kids 5 and under: $2; Sunset Cruise: Adult: $45 (no discount for children) — Includes light hors d_foeuvres and 2 complimentary drinks>Offers a 90 minute bay cruise on a 55-foot luxury Catamaran and also sunset cruises in the evening.
Blue & Gold Fleet. ier 39. t Beach St and the Embarcadero. 1 415 705-8200. nfo@blueandgoldfleet.com. 1 415 705-5429. ttp://www.blueandgoldfleet.com/. ruise times vary — see website. ay Cruise: adults $22, seniors (62+) and teens $18, children (5-11) $14. Ferries (price varies by destination): adults $6-$12.50 one-way, children $3.25-$6.25 one-way. In addition to their bay cruise from Pier 39, Blue & Gold Fleet offers ferries from Pier 41 across the bay to Sausalito, Tiburon, Angel Island, Vallejo, and Alameda/Oakland.
Vallejo Baylink Ferry. ier 41. t Jefferson St and the Embarcadero. 1 877 643-3779. ttp://www.baylinkferry.com/. dults $12.50 one-way, seniors/children $6.25 one-way. Offering ferry service to Vallejo.
Alameda/Oakland Ferry. ier 41. t Jefferson St and the Embarcadero. 1 510 749-5972. ttp://www.eastbayferry.com/. eekends/holidays only from late May through October. dults $6 one-way, seniors $3.50, children $3.25 one-way. Offering ferry service to Alameda/Oakland and Angel Island.
Red & White Fleet. ier 43?. aylor St and the Embarcadero. 1 415 673-2900. 1 415 447-0619. ttp://www.redandwhite.com/. ruise times vary — see website. ay Cruise: Adults $22, children/teens (5-17) $16 Sunset Cruise: Adult (18+) $48; and Youth (5-17) $33. They offer a 1 hour "Golden Gate Bay Cruise". They also offer a 2 hour "California Sunset Cruise".
Alcatraz
<do name="" alt="" address="Pier 33, Alcatraz Landing" directions="" phone="Box office: +1 415 981-7625" email="info@alcatrazcruises.com" fax="+1 415 986-1721" url="http://www.alcatrazcruises.com" hours="Cruises start at 9AM and continue throughout the day. Ten to 14 daily departures depending on the time of year. Evening tours offered Thursdays-Mondays" price="Adults from $26, Children from $16, Seniors from $24.50">Information on the island can be found on the National Park Service's website [http://www.nps.gov/archive/alcatraz].</do>
Alcatraz is a decommissioned island federal penitentiary nestled beautifully in the bay. Before it was a prison it served first as a lighthouse (the West Coast's first lighthouse), then a military outpost, and then a military prison. After this, it served as a federal prison for 29 years between 1934 and 1963. Its location was near perfect due to its isolation and the frigid waters and hazardous currents of the bay, which made escape attempts difficult to say the least. Known by it's nickname "The Rock", this prison was once home to some of the most notorious inmates in U.S. history. Famous inmates included Al Capone, who served four and a half years here, and Robert Stroud — "The Birdman of Alcatraz," — who spent a long 17 years here. The notorious gangster and bootlegger, George "Machine Gun" Kelly, also served time at the Rock. It was claimed (by the penitentiary) that no one ever escaped from the prison alive, despite 29 separate attempts.
Take a tour and listen to an audio tape in English, Japanese, Chinese, or other languages. The most interesting aspect of the tour is that you can go into the prison and see what it was like to be imprisoned. The tour takes you all around the interior of the prison, including into some of the tiny cells, the segregated cells, the old barber shop and mess hall, and then out into the parade grounds and exercise yard. It might be more interesting if you've watched the movie ''Escape from Alcatraz'' and seen what happened in Alcatraz when it was operating as a prison. Tickets for the Ferry to Alcatraz are available at the Alcatraz Cruises website, but they sell out fast so buy in advance. Only one company is allowed exclusive access to dock at Alcatraz.
Events and festivals
Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at Ghirardelli Square. hirardelli Square. t Beach and Larkin St. 1 415 775-5500. nfo@ghirardellisq.com. ttp://www.ghirardellisq.com/ghirardellisq/. nd of Nov: noon-5:30PM. ree. Why not ring in the holiday season by attending the festivities at Ghirardelli Square. There's theater, live music, and then at the end they decorate the 45 foot Christmas tree with ornaments, lights, and chocolate bars... yum!
<listing name="Crab Season" alt="" directions="" address="" phone="" email="" fax="" url="" hours="" price=""> The festivities and excitement of Crab Season begin in November after a priest has officially blessed the fleet, sending eager crabbers out to land their catch. Local vendors fire up their blackened pots in preparation for the arrival of the delicious, and much sought-after Dungeness Crab. Approximately 1 million pounds of Dungeness are caught every year, ensuring that the feast lasts for several months.</listing>
<listing name="Fleet Week" alt="" directions="" address="" phone="+1 650 599-5057" email="SFFleetweek@airshownetwork.com" fax="" url="http://www.military.com/fleetweek" hours="" price="Free, although you can pay up to $150 to watch the Air Show from premium select locations along the Marina Green and waterfront area">Usually held in the first week of October, it's a tribute to the men and women in the armed forces. A flotilla of Navy ships dock on the Wharf in parade fashion, and there are many free deck tours available from crew members. There are also several air displays by the Navy's Blue Angels, Team Oracle, and the Air Force's F-16 Demonstration Team.</listing>
<listing name="Fourth of July" alt="" address="" directions="" phone="" url="" hours="2PM-10PM, 9:30PM fireworks" price="Free" lat="" long="" email="" fax=""> San Francisco's main Independence Day celebrations take place on Fisherman's Wharf. There is lots of free entertainment during the day, particularly around Aquatic Park and all down Jefferson St. The festivities culminate with an impressive fireworks display from the foot of Municipal Pier, and at the other end of the Wharf from barges moored off the north of Pier 39.</listing>
Ghirardelli Square Chocolate Festival. hirardelli Square. t Beach and Larkin St. 1 415 775-5500. nfo@ghirardellisq.com. ttp://www.ghirardellisq.com/ghirardellisq/. irst or second weekend in Sept: Sa-Su noon-5PM. ree (chocolate tasting requires ticket purchase: $10-$20). Chocoholics — indulge your decadent side at this annual chocolate fest. Activities include chocolate tasting, chocolate sculpting, chocolate cooking demonstrations, and a chocolate eating competition.
Holiday Festival of Lights. ec 14th 2008. ree. The Holiday Festival of Lights is the official start of the holiday season in the city. Stores hang out decorations and lights and the piers are adorned with shimmering lights.
<listing name="Opening Day on the Bay" alt="" directions="" address="Fisherman's Wharf Waterfront" phone="+1 415 331-0702" email="" fax="" url="http://picya.homestead.com/index.html" hours="" price="Free">An annual boat parade, held on the last Sunday in April, that signals the start of the Northern Californian sailing season. Up to 200 vessels, decked out in full regalia, participate each year and sail from the Golden Gate Bridge to Pier 39. Impartial judges are on hand to award prizes in several esteemed categories. The event is organized by the Pacific Inter-Club Yacht Association.</listing>
Buy
There are five principal shopping centers in Fisherman's Wharf. However, all along the Wharf and its side streets you will find an abundance of souvenir stores, T-shirt stores (''"I'm with stupid"'' and ''"Alcatraz Outpatient"''), electronic stores (digital cameras etc), candy and sweet stores, jewelry stores, craft stores, and various other specialty stores of all descriptions.
Three of the major shopping centers of Fisherman's Wharf are also attractions in their own right: '''Pier 39''', '''The Cannery''', and '''Ghirardelli Square,''' which are all listed under the See section above. Each one has multiple shops to explore.
The Anchorage Shopping Center. nchorage Square. eavenworth at Beach St. 1 415 775-6000, ext. 203. ttp://www.anchoratthewharf.com. Covering just one square block in Fisherman's Wharf, there are over 30 specialty shops and restaurants here.
North Point Shopping Center. 00 North Point St. etween Mason St and Powell St. Less touristy, and set back a few blocks from the actual Wharf, this shopping center contains 15 shops, including a Safeway supermarket, Walgreens drug store, GNC, and Radio Shack, as well as services such as ATMs and 24 Hour Fitness center.
Eat
Many of the restaurants here are seafood restaurants, so if you're not into seafood at all, it's best to go to any other section of town. North Beach (Italian) and even Chinatown are within healthy walking distances. Many of the older established restaurants have Italian names like "Castagnola's" and "Alioto's" — a reflection on the fact that many of the Wharf's first fishermen were immigrant Italians. Alas, much of the fare available is overpriced, but not all, there are still plenty of places on the Wharf where you can fill up on the cheap. If you're tired of the manic crowds, get take out and bring it up to Aquatic Park where there is lots of room to sit and enjoy your food in peace.
Budget
Boudin. isherman_fs Wharf (3 locations): 160 Jefferson St, 2890 Taylor St, and Pier 39. 1 415 351-5561. oudin@boudinbakery.com. 1 415 351-5579. ttp://www.boudinbakery.com/. ier 39 cafe: 8AM-7PM daily. 2890 Taylor St cafe: M-F 10AM-5PM, Sa-Su 9AM-7PM. Bistro: Su-Th 11AM-10PM, F-Sa 11AM-10:30PM. afes: $5-$7, Bistro: $15-$30. Home of the sourdough bread with a recipe they've nurtured since 1849, where you can get (among other things) their popular clam chowder in a bread bowl. Visit their flagship location (the Bistro Boudin) at 160 Jefferson St, where you can shop for gifts here or stroll around their museum to learn about Boudin's history.
China Station Restaurant. 33 Jefferson St. etween Jones St and Leavenworth St. 1 415 928-2106. 0AM-9PM daily. 7-$14. Small restaurant, located at the Anchorage Center, serving low-fat, fresh Chinese food made to order. No MSG here either.
Chowder and Crab Sidewalk Stands. 00 Jefferson St. t Taylor St. 4 and up. Get clam chowder in a bread bowl, Dungeness crab (in season November through June), fish and chips, shrimp cocktails, calamari salad, etc. from this busy outdoor marketplace. If you're getting a crab, ask for a fresh one and they'll cook it up for you on the spot.
Chowders. ier 39, Building A, Level 1. t Beach St and The Embarcadero. 1 415 391-4737. nfo@chowderspier39.com. ttp://www.chowderspier39.com/. ame hours as Pier 39. 5-$11. Serving fresh seafood cocktails, clam chowder in a bread bowl, fish and chips, sandwiches, and salads. They also have a small "Not so Fishy... " menu for those who don't like seafood.
Darren's Cafe. 731 Taylor St. etween Beach St and Jefferson St. 1 415 673-3345. u-Su 11AM-8PM. 6-$9. Reasonably priced "mom and pop" Vietnamese/breakfast place on the Wharf. They serve Vietnamese dishes, soup, and sandwiches as well as more traditional breakfast options like country potatoes and omlettes. Small but friendly!
Fisherman's Wharf Deli and Taqueria. 640 Mason St. etween Beach St and Jefferson St. 1 415 788-1110. -Th 7:30AM-6:30PM, F-Su 7:30AM-7:30PM. 4-$8. Inexpensive breakfast and lunch restaurant serving both Mexican and American fare like tacos, burritos, omlettes, toast, bagels, burgers, salads, and sandwiches. They also have internet facilities costing $3 for 20 min, $5 for 40 min, and $7 for an hour.
In-N-Out Burger?. 33 Jefferson St. ear Jones St. 1 800 786-1000. ttp://www.in-n-out.com/. u-Th 10:30AM-1AM, F-Sa 10:30AM-1:30AM. 5-$8. Standard In-N-Out Burger, but it has the distinction of being the only one in the city. They serve "fresh burgers" and fries cut straight from the potato in front of you... it's still fast food, but it's definitely better than the usual fare. This place gets seriously packed but the line does tend to move quickly.
La Salsa. ier 39, Building P, Level 2. t Beach St and The Embarcadero. 1 415 291-0717. ame hours as Pier 39. 5-$10. Serving fresh Mexican food like tacos, burritos, and quesadillas at Pier 39.
Mid range
Caesar's Italian Restaurant. 299 Powell St. t Bay St. 1 415 989-6000. aesars.italian@att.net. 1 415 989-8025. ttp://caesars.citysearch.com/. u-Sa 11:30AM-2:30PM, 4:30PM-9:30PM, Su 1:30PM-9:30PM. 12-$30. Great Italian restaurant on the Wharf... they have been around for over 50 years. Try the tender calamari.
Cafe Pescatore. 455 Mason St. t North Point St. 1 415 561-1111. athan.hobson@cafepescatore.com. 1 415 292-4549. ttp://www.cafepescatore.com/. -Th 7AM-10:30AM, 11:30AM-10PM, F-Su 7AM-10PM. 14-$25. A mid-range Italian trattoria that focuses on the staples of Italian food like pasta, pizza, and risottos. It being Fisherman's Wharf, they do have a particular focus on seafood however.
Cioppiono's on the Wharf. 00 Jefferson St. n the corner of Jefferson and Leavenworth Sts, across from the Cannery Building on the bayside of Fisherman_fs Wharf. 1 415 775-9311. ioppinos@aol.com. 1 415 775-7044. ttp://www.cioppinosonthewharf.com/. pen 365 days a year 11AM-10PM. 14-$27. Family dining with indoor and outdoor seating. Cioppino is a flavorful San Franciscan seafood soup.
Eagle Cafe. ier 39, Ste 201. t Beach St and the Embarcadero. 1 415 433-3689. ebmaster@DaveVdW.net. ttp://www.eaglecafe.com/. :30AM-9PM daily. 7-$30. One of the more reasonably priced places to eat on the Wharf. Traditional fare served. Pancakes are a favorite.
McCormick and Kuleto's Seafood Restaurant. hirardelli Square, 900 North Point St. t Beach St and Larkin St. 1 415 929-1730. usanr@mccormickandkuletos.com. 1 415 567-2919. ttp://www.mccormickandschmicks.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=content.display&pageid=96&id=16. -Th 11:30AM-10PM, F-Sa 11:30AM-11PM, Su 10:30AM-10PM. 11 and up. A good seafood restaurant that also serves other fare such as pastas and steaks. The restaurant is perched atop Ghirardelli Square and has magnificent views of the bay, as well as a spacious and airy feel inside.
Pier Market. ier 39. t Beach St and The Embarcadero. 1 415 989-7437. nfo@piermarket.com. ttp://www.piermarket.com/. inter hours: M-Th 11AM-9PM, F 11AM-10PM, Sa-Su 10:30AM-9PM. Summer hours: M-Th 11AM-10PM, F 11AM-11PM, Sa 10:30AM-11PM, Su 10:30AM-10PM. 10-$33. Pier Market is a real market and restaurant at Pier 39. It's definitely one of the better seafood options on the Wharf; the fish always seems to be fresh, the service is fast and friendly, and the prices are pretty low given the quality.
Rainforest Cafe. 45 Jefferson St, Suite 400. etween Mason St and Taylor St. 1 415 440-5610. ttp://www.rainforestcafe.com/. u-Th 11AM-9PM, F 11AM-10PM, Sa 11AM-11PM. 5-$24. A jungle-themed restaurant with a wide variety of fare from chicken, seafood, pasta, pizza, and beef. Popular with young children.
Sea Lion Cafe. ier 39. art of Neptune's Palace at the end of Pier 39. 1 415 434-2260. nfo@pier39restaurants.com. 1 415 434-4208. ttp://www.pier39restaurants.com/bay_view.htm. 1AM-8PM daily. 9-$30. Good restaurant if you're with kids; it serves fish & chips, fresh seafood entrees, cafe sandwiches, salads, and pasta dishes while watching the sea lions (but expect to pay a "San Francisco Minimum Wage Surcharge" with every meal).
Splurge
Alioto's. o. 8 Fisherman_fs Wharf. aylor St and Jefferson St. 1 415 673-0183. ttp://www.aliotos.com/. 1AM-11PM daily. 22-$48. Established in 1925 by the Alioto family, it plates Sicilian recipes incorporating the local, fresh seafood.
Castagnola's. 86 Jefferson St. cross from Ripley's and the Wax Museum, and the nearby Ghirardelli Square. 1 415 776-5015. 1 415 776-0463. ttp://www.castagnolas.com/. 1AM-9PM daily. 20 and up. Voted San Francisco_fs No. 1 Seafood and Family Restaurant of 1998 by The National Academy of Restaurant Evaluation and The Best of San Francisco Pocket Guide. They specialize in seafood and Italian cuisine, complimented by quality Californian wines.
Crab House at Pier 39. ier 39, Second Level, West Side. t Beach St and the Embarcadero. 1 415 434-2722" email=comments@crabhouse39.com fax="+1 415 434-4038. ttp://www.crabhouse39.com/. u-Th 11:30AM-10PM, F-Sa 11:30AM-11PM. 18-$60. Voted "Best Crab in San Francisco" and famous for it's "Killer Crab" — 2 pounds of Dungeness Crab! Comes with great views of the Golden Gate Bridge.
Forbes Island. ea Lion Harbor — H Dock. etween Pier 39 and Pier 41. 1 415 951-4900. ttp://www.forbesisland.com/. -Su 5PM-10PM. 30-$45. Fancy a bit of an adventure for your next dining experience? Well, how about dining on a floating island? Forbes Island is a floating wooden island (100 foot by 50 foot) complete with a lighthouse, waterfall, and real palm trees. It was built in 1975 and was originally intended to be a floating home... the creator was inspired by the novel ''"Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea."'' The dining room is partially under water and portholes give you a underwater view from your table. It's moored about 100 yards from the sea lions at Pier 39 and a pontoon ride will have to take you there and back... so don't drink too much! The cuisine is French.
Nicks Lighthouse. 815 Taylor St. t Jefferson St. 1 415 020-1300. 1 415 989-1544. ttp://www.nickslighthouse.com/. u-Th 11AM-10:30PM, F-Sa 11AM-11PM. 12-$37. Warm and aromatic Italian restaurant serving popular family fare.
No. 9 Fisherman's Grotto. o. 9 Fisherman's Wharf. aylor St and Jefferson St. 1 415 673-7025. eservations@fishermansgrotto.com. ttp://www.fishermensgrotto.com/. u-F 10AM-10PM, Sa 10AM-11PM. 14-$49. On the side of the plaza, this restaurant is an old favorite. The small ground floor room has a warm Venetian inspired ambiance; the upstairs is larger and more modern. Its windows overlook the fishing boats.
Sabella and LaTorre. 809 Taylor St. aylor St and Jefferson St. 1 415 673-2824. tlatorre@comcast.net. 1 415 923-0585. ttp://www.bestofsanfrancisco.net/sabellalatorre.htm. estaurant: 10:45AM-10:45PM; Crab Stand: 7AM-10:45PM. 11-$37.50. A family owned restaurant that's been open since 1927 providing fresh seafood, family fare, and a full bar. They're known in particular for their "cracked crab".
Scoma's Restaurant. ier 47 on Al Scoma Way. here Jones and Jefferson Sts intersect. 1 415 771-4383. eafood@scomas.com. 1 415 775-2601. ttp://www.scomas.com/. -Th 11:30AM-10PM, F-Su 11:30AM-10:30PM, Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day. The Bar is open daily 30 minutes prior to lunch service. 20 and up. Overlooking the bay and Alcatraz, and nestled amongst the fishing boats on Pier 47, this restaurant is popular among locals and tourists alike for its fresh seafood.
Drink
Bars
The Wharf is not particularly well known for its nightlife scene. Most of what is there is of the "smart casual" variety, in restaurant bars and hotel bars. As the Wharf is primarily commercial, and not residential, the clientele consist mostly of either tourists, or workers from the local businesses. There are still some interesting watering holes however, including:
Buena Vista Cafe. 765 Hyde St. t Beach St. 1 415 474-5044. fbuenavista@aol.com. 1 415 474-2207. ttp://www.thebuenavista.com/. -F 9AM-2AM, Sa-Su 8AM-2AM. ntrees $9-$17. Famous for its Irish Coffee and great views over the bay.
Dirty Martini. 801 Leavenworth St. t Beach St. 1 415 775-5110. gr@dirtymartinisf.com. ttp://www.dirtymartinisf.com/. u-F 4PM-2AM, Sa 2PM-2AM. Featuring "Happy & Hungry Hour: 4PM-8PM daily — $3 coronas, $5 margaritas, $5 specialty drinks. Light menu is available. Free snacks, free pool.
Fiddler's Green. 333 Columbus Ave. etween North Point St and Beach St. 1 415 441-9758. ttp://www.fiddlersgreensf.com/. AM-2AM daily. Irish bar and restaurant featuring live music and DJ's.
Jacks Cannery Bar. 801 Leavenworth St. t Beach St. 1 415 931-6400. 0AM-2AM daily. Opened in 1932. The bar has a 90 foot oak-paneled hall. 110 Beers on tap!
Knuckles Sports Bar. 55 North Point St. etween Jones St and Taylor St. 1 415 486-4346. nfo@knucklessportsbar.com. ttp://knucklessportsbar.com/. ar 10:30AM-11PM, Restaurant 6:30AM-10PM. A lively sports bar with a huge 61" big-screen and filled with sports memorabilia.
Las Margaritas. el Monte Square, 2nd Level, South Bldg. efferson St and Leavenworth St. 1 415 776-6996. 0AM-11:30PM daily. A Fruit Margarita in the Cannery anyone?
Lou's Pier 47 Restaurant and Blues Club. 00 Jefferson St. t Al Scoma Way. 1 415 771-LOUS (5687). ouspier47@yahoo.com. 1 415 771-7060. ttp://www.louspier47.com/. pen at 11AM daily. over Charge: M-Th: 4PM-8PM $3, 8PM-close $5, F: 4PM-8PM $3, 8PM-close $10, Sa: 4PM-8PM $5, 8PM-close $10, Su: 4PM-8PM $3, 8PM-close $5, Sa noon-3PM show is free. Lou's has live Blues music 7 days a week.
O'Neill's Irish Pub. hirardelli Square. t Beach St and Larkin St. 1 415 771-8560. ttp://www.tisoneills.com/ghirardelli/welcome.html. noon-2AM daily. Irish Bar with great views over the bay and of the Golden Gate Bridge. Given its swanky location, the drinks are unsurprisingly a little more expensive.
Red Jack Saloon. 31 Bay St. t Midway St. 1 415 989-0700. 1AM-2AM daily. Dive Bar, set back a few blocks from the Wharf, it's popular with Eastcoasters and Red Sox fans. Cheap drinks and a decent juke box.
Suede. 83 Bay St. 1 415 399-9555. nfo@suedesf.com. h-Sa 9PM-2AM. Has a trendy lounge feel with reasonably priced drinks.
Coffee
Coffee Adventures. 331 Columbus Avenue. etween Leavenworth St and North Point St. 1 415 441-0301. offeeadventures@sbcglobal.net. ttp://coffeeadventurescafe.com/. aily 7AM-7PM. Nice little "art cafe" with an extensive selection of coffees and teas. They also serve bagels, fresh sandwiches, and even "Bagelwiches." Occasionally they exhibit local artwork on the walls to add to the ambiance.
Ghirardelli Choclaterie and Cafe. hirardelli Square. t Beach St and Larkin St. 1 415 474-3938. -Th 8:30AM-8PM, F 8:30AM-10PM, Sa 9AM-10PM, Su 9AM-8PM. Serving premium espresso drinks, pastries, and desserts.
San Francisco Coffee Roasting Co.. IER 39, Building Q, Level 1. t Beach St and The Embarcadero. 1 415 393-9554. ttp://www.sanfranciscocoffeeroasting.com/index.php. u-Th 7AM-10PM, F-Sa 7AM-11PM. Cappuccinos, Lattes, espressos, and Mochas at Pier 39.
San Francisco Tea & Coffee Co.. ier 39. t Beach St and The Embarcadero. 1 415 421-5119. ttp://www.sfteaandcoffee.com/. -F 10AM-8PM, Sa-Su 10AM-10PM. Serving a broad range of organic teas, herbal teas, white teas, rooibos, and coffee.
Sleep
Many of the nation-wide chains have hotels in the area but the prices can be very high, so expect to pay a premium. There are very few budget options here, so if you're traveling on a shoestring and need somewhere for under $100, you'll have to either go south a bit towards North Beach, or west towards the Marina. Either way you'll just be a 10 minute or so walk from the action. If you are insistent on staying within the Wharf area, do check for the actual location if you want to be right in Fisherman's Wharf — the names of the accommodations can be confusing.
Budget
Bayside Inn at the Wharf. 201 Columbus Ave. t Bay St. 1 415 776-7070. aysideinnwharf@yahoo.com. 1 415 -474-5887. ttp://www.baysideinnwharf.com/. PM. oon. 120-$190. Set back from the crowds of the Wharf, this small, and slightly run down 25 room inn, has a good location nestled on the boundary between the Wharf and North Beach. They have a swimming pool, free wi-fi, and a business services area.
Wharf Inn. 601 Mason St. t Beach St. 1 415 673-7411. nfo@wharfinn.com. 1 415 776-2181. ttp://www.wharfinn.com/index.html. PM. 1AM. 160-$195. Small, friendly, and in the heart of Fisherman's Wharf. It has free parking.
Mid range
Best Western Tuscan Inn Fisherman's Wharf. 25 North Point St. 1 415 561-1100 and +1 800 648-4626. 1 415 561-1199. ttp://www.tuscaninn.com. PM. oon. 180-$250.
Courtyard-Fisherman's Wharf. 80 Beach St. etween Mason St and Taylor St. 1 415 775-3800. 1 415 441-7307. ttp://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/sfocf-courtyard-san-francisco-fishermans-wharf/. PM. oon. 210-$290. Part of the Marriott group, this non-smoking, four story hotel is just 2 blocks from Ghirardelli Square.
Hilton Fisherman's Wharf. 620 Jones St. blocks southwest of Pier 39. 1 415 885-4700. 1 415 771-8945. ttp://www1.hilton.com/en_US/hi/hotel/SFOFWHF-Hilton-San-Francisco-Fisherman-s-Wharf-California/index.do. PM. oon. 240-$360. Non-smoking hotel.
Holiday Inn Express San Francisco — Fisherman's Wharf. 50 North Point St. etween Jones St and Taylor St. 1 415 409-4600. es-hiex-sfwharf@ihg.com. 1 415 409-5111. ttp://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/ex/1/en/hotel/sfonp?&firstpoint=dcb1&cm_mmc=mdpr-_-GoogleMaps-_-ex-_-sfonp. PM. oon. 200-$270. One of the better rated hotels on the Wharf.
Holiday Inn — Fisherman's Wharf. 300 Columbus Ave. etween Jones St and Leavenworth St. 1 800 942-7348. 1 415 771-7006. ttp://www.hifishermanswharf.com/. PM. oon. 220-$270. Among the bars, cafes, and the vast number of specialty shops in Fisherman's Wharf.
Radisson Hotel Fisherman's Wharf. 50 Beach St. etween Powell St and Mason St. 1 415 392-6700. hi_sffw@radisson.com . 1 415 986-7853. ttp://www.radisson.com/sanfranciscoca_wharf. PM. oon. 190-$400. Nice hotel, centrally located (only two blocks from Pier 39). Heated outdoor swimming pool.
Suites at Fisherman's Wharf. 655 Hyde St. etween Bay St and North Point St. 1 415 771-0200. uestservicessfw@yahoo.com. ttp://www.shellhospitality.com/hotels/suites_fisherman/accommodations.html. PM. 0AM. 175-$250. The Suites is a small (24 suites) but comfortable and modern hotel that offers one or two-bedroom floor plans with many amenities.
Splurge
Argonaut Hotel. 95 Jefferson St. t the end of the Powell-Hyde cable car line and right across from the historical ships, with nautical exhibits next to the lobby. 1 415 563-0800. 1 415 563-2800. ttp://www.argonauthotel.com. PM" checkout= "noon. 250-$450. A high-end luxury boutique hotel overlooking the bay and very centrally located on the Wharf. Ask for a room away from the front if you mind noise. It's a 100% smoke free environment.
Hyatt-At Fisherman's Wharf. 55 North Point St. etween Jones St and Taylor St. 1 415 563-1234. 1 415 486-4444. ttp://fishermanswharf.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/index.jsp. PM. oon. 250-$350. Modern hotel with full-service and clean and comfortable rooms.
Marriott Fisherman's Wharf. 250 Columbus Ave. etween Bay St and North Point St. 1 415 775-7555 and +1 800 551-6433. 1 415 474-2099. ttp://www.marriott.com/sfofw. PM. oon. 200-$300. 285 rooms and 11 suites.
Sheraton-At Fisherman's Wharf. 500 Mason St. t North Point St. 1 415 362-5500. heratonsf@ihrco.com. 1 415 956-5275. ttp://www.starwoodhotels.com/sheraton/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=315. PM. oon. 230-$290. This hotel is newly renovated and centrally located.
Contact
The Fisherman's Wharf Deli and Taqueria, listed under the Eat section above, has internet facilities. Other options include:
<listing name="California Welcome Center" alt="" directions="on Pier 39, next to the Frequent Flyers" address="Pier 39, P Building-2nd Level" phone="+1 415 981-1280" email="cwcsanfrancisco@guestservicesolutions.com" fax="" url="http://www.visitcwc.com/destinations/sanfrancisco/index.php" hours="Winter hours: 10AM-5PM daily. Summer hours: 10AM-6PM daily" price="$5 for 20 min">In addition to maps and info, the welcome center also offers a computer with internet access.</listing>
Stay safe
Fisherman's Wharf sometimes attracts an unsavory element; with questionable charitable organizations, timeshare marketers, and 'Three Cup Shuffle' scam artists. It's wise to steer clear of these traps, and be mindful of how you spend your money.
Beware of pickpocketing, it is a common occurrence at Fisherman's Wharf. Follow the usual steps for avoiding being pickpocketed, such as keeping your wallet inside your front pocket or an inside jacket pocket.
While not necessarily a danger, the Wharf (being the major tourist destination it is) is home to a huge number of buskers, and some of them get pretty creative in order to coax you out of a few bucks. Particularly well-known is the infamous "Bushman," who sits behind a pair of eucalyptus branches and harmlessly scares passing pedestrians. It's always best to take such antics with a sense of humor — and hey, if you enjoy it, why not drop a few bucks and stick around to see the next unknowing person get scared/entertained?
Get out
The Marina — If you are interested in boats in general, why not take a 15 minute walk over through Fort Mason and into the Marina District. There you will find some impressive yacht clubs with both sail and power boats.