It’s quite possible one could design a complete San Francisco getaway agenda around the marvelous sights, sounds and smells of this charming old fishing neighborhood, home of the Wharf’s famous fishing fleet. One of the busiest popular attractions in the Western United States, if the laughter of sociable sea birds, the spicy-sweet steam of boiling crab cauldrons and heavenly aroma of freshly baked, crusty sourdough bread is twining through your daydreams, or the contrast of sturdy piers against ever-changing waters and tidy rows of vibrantly colorful fishing vessels tucked neatly into their slips embodies your idea of the perfect view, enchanting Fisherman’s Wharf is for you! Visitor favorites Pier 39, Ghirardelli Square, Ripley’s Believe it or Not, The Wax Museum , The Aquarium of the Bay, The Musee Mechanique and The San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park are all located in this bustling center richly seasoned with a diverse and hearty culture rooted in the early days of local fishing industry history. Additional crowd pullers sure to appeal to sightseers of all ages and walks are the Hyde Street Pier, home to one of the world’s largest collection of historic ships, the USS Pampanito, a decommissioned WWII era submarine preserved as a museum ship, and 19th century full-rigged ship Balclutha. Pause for a moment, and quietly envision perfect storm scenarios as you pay your respects at “ The Fishermen’s and Seamen’s Memorial Chapel,” a touching memorial tribute constructed in memory of “The Lost Fishermen” of San Francisco and Northern California . Colonies of lumbering and vocal sea lions congregate on docks, cavorting, feeding and basking in the California sunshine-you can’t help but be amused by their antics! The Fourth of July brings world class fireworks to the Wharf, and some of the best views of the Fleet Week air shows can be enjoyed right here. A veritable foodie’s haven, the Wharf boasts some of the finest feasting in the world, offering ravenous sea dogs and landlubbers alike hungry for a taste of Old San Francisco a fabulously eclectic mix of local seafood and international cuisine-served full service or open-air, crab-stand style! Grab your group and get your steamy fresh crab or bubbly-hot and fresh clam chowder sourdough bowl fix at venerable landmark Fisherman’s Wharf- don’t forget to save a few crusts for the seagulls.
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