Visiting Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco

Fisherman's Wharf is a popular tourist destination in San Francisco, CA.  It's on the eastern side of the city bordering the San Francisco Bay and is littered with hotels, parking structures, restaurants, and tourist shops and services.  This is one of the first few places that I take out-of-towners - most recent being my in-laws for my wedding this past March 2010.

HISTORY
So, why is this section of San Francisco called Fisherman's Wharf?  Historically, the Gold Rush had brought in a mass of people to San Francisco - and it just so happened that this section of San Francisco was where all the dungeness crab were easily being caught.  Because of this, many fishermen stayed at this popular wharf to catch seafood to sell to locals or to provide for their families.

In the 1970's, Fisherman's Wharf was transformed into the tourist destination that it is today.  But, if you ever have the chance to visit, you can still spot fleets of fisherman catching local fish and crab for many Bay Area restaurants. 

Fisherman's Wharf offers a variety of good food, most notably the Dungeness crab which are caught fresh from the San Francisco Bay.  Another popular San Francisco treat that I recommend are the clam chowder bowls which you can order at virtually any restaurant at the wharf; large hollow sourdough bread filled with locally made clam chowder... it keeps you nice and warm during cold and foggy San Francisco days!  Seafood is the prime seller here, but that doesn't mean restaurants don't offer other choices for those who want red meat, chicken, and even non-meat varieties.

Discover the rich chocolate of the city by venturing to Ghirardelli Square on the northeastern side of Fisherman's Wharf.  Once the home of the original Ghirardelli chocolate factory, the brick square now offers a variety of chocolate squares and ice cream for visitors to enjoy in the seating area or outside of the square.  Just a word of advice from a local (myself!): no matter what time you go, there's going to be a long waiting line - but trust me, it's worth it.

I will admit it: Parking is expensive down here.  Because of that, find the participating restaurants or attractions of various parking structures to get your parking validated - that way, you either get free parking or a deeply discounted parking rate for patronizing local partners.  There will be a list of surrounding locations where parking is validated with larger structures printing lists on additional discounts on the back of your parking ticket.

While walking along Fisherman's Wharf, you'll notice many tourist shops where visitors can buy souvenirs, stands offering fresh crab, sea lions along Pier 39, street performers (the World Famous Bushman who hides in bushes scaring unsuspecting pedestrians, dancers and musicians, magicians, caricature artists, and human statues that scare unwitting pedestrians). 

Popular Events at Fisherman's Wharf include:
1. 4th of July: Many locals and tourists squeeze together at the Wharf to celebrate independence and catch a breathtaking fireworks display over the San Francisco Bay.
2. Fleet Week: The Blue Angels air show is highly popular in San Francisco and draws over one million people around the shores of the city to catch a glimpse of the show. Fisherman's Wharf is home to one of the best views of the Blue Angels air show and the wharf fills quickly during the day.

Popular Places to go:
1.  Pier 39
2.  San Francisco Maritime National Historic Park
3.  Ripley's Believe it or Not
4.  The Wax Museum at Fisherman's Wharf
5.  Teatro Zinzanni's
6.  Aquarium by the Bay

Many tour services are also found here and are offered by several companies to choose from.  Popular tours include: Alcatraz, Napa Valley Wine Tours, San Francisco landmarks, Yosemite, Muir Woods/Sausalito, and more.

* For a list of current events at Fisherman's Wharf to guide your next visit, check out: http://www.fishermanswharf.org/events.aspx

* OR you can purchase a GO card, which discounts admission tickets to popular destinations at: http://www.gosanfranciscocard.com