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Fisherman’s Wharf
An
opalescent twilight sea, a horizon painted in daring bold
strokes and the enchanting ambience reverberating with mirth,
happiness and laughter… sounds like heaven? Well look around
and you will find it somewhere close to you! Pulitzer winning
columnist Herb Caen once remarked that one
day if he goes to heaven; he’ll look around and say, 'It ain't
bad, but it ain't San Francisco!!! Setting afoot in San
Francisco is nothing short of a wonderful experience, but what
make it shoot the realms of unforgettable and sybaritic is the
famous and the most visited spot in the entire area-Fisherman's
Wharf.
Fisherman’s Wharf is the most popular neighborhood in the City
of the Bay. A place where shades of life find expression in
myriad ways, here you will find people from different walks of
life juxtaposed with flavors and fragrances of the various
communities! Many international festivals and spectacles have
chosen the Wharf as their ground of attractions; on Fourth of
July, the entire area is lit up with the special fireworks that
grace the sky and shimmer down on the sparkling waters. The air
is cackling with mystery, there is a hint of merriment pervading
everything; in short Fisherman’s Wharf is abuzz with life at
every single moment of your life!!!
The
Wharf is located midway between the two most famous bridges
Golden Gate and the Bay Bridge; on the Jefferson Street between
Powell-Mason cable car and Powell-Hyde cable car. Its affair
with history started way back during the years of Gold Rush.
That time saw Italian fishermen settling down in this area. The
jetty was especially rich in Dungeness crabs. Till date you can
find pods of crabs swimming in the blue waters. Not just these,
the Bay waters are rich in other marine life like the clam
chowder etc. What is now known and seen as the Fisherman’s
Wharf came about only in the late 1970’s, and from then till now
it has managed to captivate all those who have visited it!
The wharf has to its credit a
potpourri of attractions…
Pier 39, Forbes Island, Ripley’s Museum, San Francisco Maritime
National Historical Park, the list goes on and on… Besides this,
you can feast your eyes on wonders like the Balclutha, a 19th
century ship and the USS Pampanito a submarine that was used
during the Second World War. There is also the Ghirardelli
Square, where you can spend afternoons doing nothing much but
just shopping (Helpers
Bazaar
being a case in point) till you drop and then gorging on the
scrumptious feasts prepared by the various restaurants that dot
the Square.
A
unique point or rather ‘person’ of attraction is the notorious
‘World Famous Bushman’, a local performer; he never fails to
startle the innocent visitor with his gimmicks and pranks!!!
Those who are
eyeing for something more than drinking in the pleasured
delights as they stroll across the scenic sights, presented by
the Wharf can definitely choose to take back home a lill
something from here. The sidewalk hawkers along with the small
shops that surround the Wharf make for an uber memorable
experience. Pick up a few trinkets that remind you of all the
fun that you had here!
Related websites and additional information:
The Fisherman’s Wharf Merchants Association
- Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco's #1 visitor destination. The
Fisherman’s Wharf Merchants Association was founded in 1949
to provide excellent member service and a strong unified voice
that will ensure the growth of the community. Has visitors
information, history and business listings as well.
PIER 39
- San Francisco's
Fisherman's Wharf Premier
Attraction, a festival marketplace with more than 110 stores, 12
Bay view restaurants, and a variety of fun-filled attractions
for all ages including, our world-renowned sea lions, street
performers and live daily entertainment.
Try Frequent Flyers - a fun-filled bungee
trampoline for all ages. See new San Francisco Carousel
handcrafted in Italy. And this is just the beginning...
Riptide Arcade - full
of different arcades and games in he heart of
Fisherman's Wharf.
San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park
- and the Hyde St. pier is located on the edge of San Francisco
Bay, in the Fisherman's Wharf neighborhood, is a park that can
be visited year round. Stand on the stern of
Balclutha, face west to
feel the fresh wind blowing in from the Pacific Ocean. See and
feel the sights, sounds, smells and stories of Pacific Coast
maritime history.
Aquarium of the Bay -
364 days a year, Aquarium of the Bay (Fisherman's Wharf) invites
San Francisco Bay Area residents and visitors from around the
world to get up close and personal with more than 20,000 local
marine animals. From regal sevengill sharks to graceful bat
rays to colorful sea stars, a visit to Aquarium of the Bay
offers an unsurpassed view of what lies beneath the waves of the
Bay and surrounding waters.
THE CANNERY - at Del
Monte Square (Fisherman's
Wharf) is one of
San Francisco's
most treasured places. Located at the foot of Columbus Street
overlooking San Francisco Bay, and originally built in 1907, The
Cannery was once the largest peach cannery in the world. Today
The Cannery at Del Monte Square is a vibrant waterfront
marketplace featuring one-of-a-kind shops and restaurants,
offices, and live entertainment. The brick warehouse was
converted into three levels of winding walkways, balconies and
bridges surrounding an inviting courtyard with several outdoor
cafes. The Cannery's European charm, unique shops and
restaurants, and award-winning architecture make it one of the
finest shopping and dining experiences in the world.
Ghirardelli Square -
Historic chocolate factory transformed into an urban enclave of
high-end retail, fine dining restaurants, artisan food markets,
wine tasting, a luxury spa and the highly anticipated private
residence club Fairmont Heritage Place, Ghirardelli Square
(Fisherman's Wharf),
has been unveiled throughout 2008. Gary Danko and Willow Stream
Spa are expected to open during the Summer of 2009. Come check
out all of the changes at the Square today. |
