FISHERMAN’S WHARF

Description

Essentials about Fisherman’s Wharf in brief

Fisherman’s Wharf is the number one tourist hotspot in San Francisco and an absolute must-see on a trip to the Californian metropolis. The harbor district on the northeastern tip of the city attracts even more visitors each year than the Golden Gate Bridge. This is not surprising, since Fisherman’s Wharf is home to some of San Francisco’s most popular sights and attractions, such as the Aquarium of the Bay, the Exploratorium, Ghirardelli Square, Pier 39 and the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park.

Pier 39

The main attraction of Fisherman’s Wharf is Pier 39, which is busy at all times of the day. Here, seafood restaurants and stores with more or less kitschy offerings line up, and street musicians and performance artists entertain the crowds that roll across the pier every day. Speaking of performance artists, the most famous of this guild are a group of sea lions that call parts of the pier home.

The museums at Fisherman’s Wharf

Fisherman’s Wharf is also home to some of San Francisco’s most famous and important museums. Those with a passion for ships can “immerse” themselves in the history of seafaring at the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park at Hyde Street Pier and see some historic ships, including a World War II submarine.

Those interested in the underwater world should head to the Aquarium of the Bay. Science fans will find happiness at the Exploratorium, one of the best interactive science museums in the world. Chocolate addicts will probably head straight for the old Chocolate Factory on Ghirardelli Square. Those who still remember slot machines from her/his childhood will get bright-eyed at the Musée Mécanique. And those interested in curiosities should definitely visit Ripley’s Believe It or Not! curiosity exhibition.

The fishermen of Fisherman’s Wharf

Incidentally, Fisherman’s Wharf was created in the second half of the 19th century, when Italian fishermen settled there. Since the 1950s, the neighborhood has developed into what is now San Francisco’s most popular tourist district. Nevertheless, the neighborhood still deserves its name today. Fishermen still land their catch from the San Francisco Bay at the piers of Fisherman’s Wharf every day. Early risers can watch this spectacle early in the morning at Pier 47 (the so-called “Fish Alley”). Late risers can then enjoy the catch on a plate or in a pot at one of Fisherman’s Wharf’s many excellent seafood restaurants.

Other attractions in Fisherman’s Wharf

In summer, many open-air events are also held on the streets of Fisherman’s Wharf, as well as flea markets and live concerts. And anyone who wants to take a trip to the legendary prison island of Alcatraz or to the nature reserve of Angel Island will inevitably pass through Fisherman’s Wharf, because ferries to the two islands leave from Pier 33.