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Senior Moments Online
Travel Guide to:
San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf
Try not to pass up a ferryboat ride to San Francisco from Sausalito and a day of sightseeing and shopping. The ferry dock is located on El Portal. There is a large parking area for commuters for you to use if you are not staying within walking distance.
The trip across the bay is very scenic so a camera is a must. |
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You will pass Alcatraz Island - the home of the famous Alcatraz prison. It has a natural isolation with cold water and strong sea currents that held the prisoners of the past. The Island has a fascinating history worth looking into. There are tours around the Island to provide you with more information.
The bay weather is changeable so dress like the locals. Dress in layers. Wind, fog and rain can change temperatures quickly. We have seen Sausalito under sunny skies and watched the fog roll in over San Francisco.
The ferry disembarks at the San Francisco Ferry building. You can walk over to Fisherman’s Wharf. |
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Fisherman’s Wharf goes back to the days of the Gold Rush. The gold fever brought in sailing ships with people from all over the world that would debark at the Pier. The fishing fleets brought in fresh fish for the hungry, soon to be gold miners.
There is a story told about these courageous fisherman. They would sail outside the Golden Gate to fish. When the fog rolled in, and when they could no longer see each other, they would communicate by singing. Their voices brought comfort to each other but at the same time, told them their family and friends were safe. Nothing like today's large modern fishing fleet with state of the art communication. |
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You can still see the fishermen leaving from Pier 45 but you need to be there before sunrise. However, they may not be singing so early in the morning.
The Wharf and the surrounding area are great places for shoppers. You have Pier 39, Ghirardelli Square and the Cannery. If you get hungry - restaurants of all tastes are yours for the choosing.
After lunch, take the time to visit Pier 39. It has an added attraction of a gang of fun loving sea lions. They have taken up residence around the Pier. Be sure to bring your camera to catch these rascals in action. |
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If you prefer to stay in San Francisco, Fisherman’s Wharf offers well over 2000 rooms from full service hotels to smaller lodges and inns. The hotels around Fisherman’s Wharf are a good jumping off point to enjoy the city's attractions. |
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One fun way to explore is to use the world famous San Francisco Cable Cars. They leave from a terminal three blocks from Fisherman’s Wharf at Bay and Taylor.
A trip to the "City by the Bay” would not be complete without a ride on one of these wonderful historic cable cars. If you have time to visit the Cable Car Museum at 1201 Mason Street, it is well worth it! The museum has old cable cars and smaller exhibits to explore. |
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San Francisco:
