One of San Francisco’s most vibrant neighbourhoods, Fisherman's Wharf is home to the city’s best post-card worthy attractions. The iconic Pier 39 dominates the scene, serving up a carnival atmosphere and a colourful array of shops, cafes, restaurants, rides and street performers.
Perched on the waterfront, the bayside neighbourhood is a great place to sample San Fran’s delicious fare. A slice of the city's famous sourdough bread is a must, washed down with a creamy glass of Irish Coffee. Fisherman’s Wharf also offers fantastic views of San Fran’s famous California sea lions, who love to soak up the sun on the Pier 39 docks.
Officially, Fisherman's Wharf stretches from Ghirardelli Square to Pier 35. The F-Market streetcar services the neighbourhood, with cable car lines also operating in the area. It’s 30 minutes by taxi to SFO Airport and a 45-minute walk or 30-minute public transport ride to the downtown core. For those wanting spectacular views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Prison, Fisherman's Wharf is a great vantage point.
As its name suggests, Fisherman's Wharf has roots in the angling industry. In the 1800s Italian immigrant fishermen flocked to San Francisco to take advantage of the mushrooming gold rush population. The legendary Achille Paladini was one of the most successful wholesalers, and was crowned as the city’s “Fish King”. To this day, the Paladini Fish Company still sells some of the best seafood in San Fran.