GPS tour, USA, California, San Francisco, waterfront, Pier 39, fishermans wharf, Maritime Museum, Cable Car, Ghirardelli, Cannery
Description
For the sights, sounds and smell of the sea, hop the Powell-Hyde cable car from Union Square and take it to the end of the line. The views toward the bay are great with Alcatraz in the distance together with the Marin Headlands form a backdrop to the Golden Gate Bridge. Once you reach sea level at the cable car turnaround, the Aquatic Pak and the National Maritime Museum are immediately to the west and Fisherman's Warf is to the east. Bring good walking shoes and a jacket or sweater.
The Maritime National Historical Park has gradually been collecting historic ships and other memorabilia. This museum overlooks the Aquatic Park and has a very fine collection of mast heads, bowsprits, life boars, paintings and ship models. Built in 1939 by WPA workers and initially serving as a public bathhouse, the streamlined art-deco design lends a stylish luxury-liner guise, complete with a bridge, tubular steel railings and portholes. The views from the top floor are stunning, and be sure to step onto the first-floor balcony, which overlooks the beach and check out the WPA era tile designs. (less) The Maritime National Historical Park has gradually been collecting historic ships an...(more)
Ghirardelli Square
Most of the redbrick building in this early 20th century complex were part of the Ghirardelli chocolate factory. Now they house name brand emporiums, tourist-oriented restaurants, and galleries that sell everything from crafts and kuickknacks to sports memorabilia. Placards throughout the square describe the factory's history. Many tourists come to pick up some of the famous chocolate, but you can purchase it all over town as well. (less) Most of the redbrick building in this early 20th century complex were part of the Ghi...(more)
Hide Street Pier
This is the heart of the wharf. Depending on the time of day, you might see boat builders at work or children manning a ship as folks did in the early 1900s. The centerpiece collection of historic vessels, part of the Maritime National Historic Park, all can be boarded. The Balclutha, an 1886 full-rigged three-masted sailing vessel, sailed around Cape Horn 17 times. Kids will especially like the Eureka, a side-wheel passenger and car ferry, for her onboard collection of vintage cars. Across the street is the San Francisco Maritime National Historic Park's Visitor Center with fun, large scale exhibits which make it an engaging relatively quick stop. (less) This is the heart of the wharf. Depending on the time of day, you might see boat bu...(more)
Buena Vista Cafe
The Buena Vista Cafe claims to be the first US establishment to serve Irish Coffee. The late San Francisco columnist Stan Delaplane is credited with importing the Celtic concoction. It is always crowded but try for a table overlooking nostalgic Victorian Park and its cable-car turntable. They serve a great breakfast. (less) The Buena Vista Cafe claims to be the first US establishment to serve Irish Coffee. ...(more)
Del Monte Cannery
The three story structure was built in 1894 to house what became the Del Monte Fruit and Vegetable Cannery. Today it contains shops, art galleries, a comedy club, and some unusual restaurants. The main plaza is shaded by 130 year-old olive trees and has a year-round organic framers' market Friday and Saturday mornings. (less) The three story structure was built in 1894 to house what became the Del Monte Fruit ...(more)
Fishermans Wharf
The chaotic streets of the wharf have numerous seafood restaurants, among them sidewalk stands where shrimp and crab cocktails are sold in disposable containers. T-shirts and seats and gold chains galore are sold here. This is probably the city's best-known attraction and thus mostly avoided by locals. Many visitors make this a first stop, while most of th eentertainment is somewhat slohlocky, the are a couple notable exceptions:
Musee Mecanique is a time-warped arcade with antique mechanical contrivances, including peep shows and nickelodeons. Some of the favorites are the giant and rather creepy "Laughing Sala", an arm wrestling machine, and the world's only steam-powered motorcycle. Admission is free, but you'll need quarters to bring the machines to life.
USS Pampanito provides a glimpse into life on a WW II submarine. The sub sank six Japanese warships and damaged four others during World War II. Admission is $9, a family pass is $20 (less) The chaotic streets of the wharf have numerous seafood restaurants, among them sidewa...(more)
Pier 39
The citys most popular waterfront attraction draws millions of visitors each year. The pier can be quite crowded. Arrive early in the morning will ensure you a front-row view of the sea lions basking off the pier. The double decked carousel is decorated with images of city landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge and Lombard Street. At the aquarium there are moving walkways that transport you through a space surrounded on three sides by water filled with indigenous bay marine life, from fish and plankton to sharks. (less) The citys most popular waterfront attraction draws millions of visitors each year. ...(more)
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