SAN FRANCISCO
FISHERMANS WHARF

San Francisco Fishermans Wharf is one of my favorite attractions, and I'm not alone! It's one of San Francisco's most famous destinations, known world-wide as a place full of history and character.

But it's also one of San Francisco's neighborhoods! The entire area is referred to as "The Wharf," but Fishermans Wharf itself stretches from Aquatic Park and Ghirardelli Square at the west end to Pier 39 at the east end.

WHAT ARE FISHERMANS WHARF'S MAIN ATTRACTIONS?

Where to begin - People who live in San Francisco may have become a little jaded toward Fishermans Wharf (thinking it's too touristy).

But there are so many interesting and fun things to do and see - I say they might be pleasantly surprised if they gave it another shot! (Especially if they could view it as Fishermans Wharf - the neighborhood.)

Stroll along The Wharf and enjoy the shenanigans of the street performers. You'll find mimes, artists, musicians and human statues, many of whom work very hard to entice you to give them a dollar or two.

My favorite San Francisco Fishermans Wharf street performer, because he's such an icon, is The Bushman. He's been around since the 1980s, he squats behind some hand-held branches (the "bush"), and he jumps out at the appropriate moment to scare the silliness out of some unsuspecting pedestrian.

(CC) Allie Caulfield

The best part is when the previously-scared person joins the crowd to watch it happen to the "next guy!"

In case you were worried, he keeps a lookout for older folks and lets them go by without incident - can't go around giving folks real heart attacks!

Be sure to also explore the main wharf area to experience the street vendors with their steaming, malodorous crab pots selling walk-away seafood snacks and lunches of every description imaginable. Need a San Francisco tacky, touristy souvenir? This is the place!

BUT THERE'S "REAL" SHOPPING AS WELL

• Ghirardelli Square, The Wharf's oldest shopping center, has dozens of eclectic shops and is home to outdoor events like the Wine Festival, the Jazz Festival, and ~ of course - the Chocolate Festival

• The Cannery is housed in a converted Del Monte peachcannery and offers shops & restaurants, along with live entertainment in its central square under the shade of its venerable, 130 year old olive trees




• If that's not enough, there's Pier 39 with another 110 shops, bay-view restaurants, an aquarium, a merry-go-round, and its infamous sea lions

I think all that will keep you busy for most of a day, at least!

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