SAN FRANCISCO: Rediscovering Fisherman's Wharf as Local Tourists
Zeke and Terri in San Francisco, CA near Fisherman’s Wharf (August 2024)
Even after decades in the Bay Area (even for us as Bay Area natives), San Francisco's waterfront can still surprise you. Our recent adventure from the Exploratorium to Alcatraz proved that being tourists in our own backyard leads to unexpected discoveries, especially in the often-overlooked corners of Fisherman's Wharf.
Starting with a scenic SF Water Taxi ride to Hyde Street Pier, we experienced the Bay from a new perspective. While most visitors head straight for the souvenir shops, we found ourselves drawn to the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park's Visitor Center, a hidden gem often missed by tourists and locals alike. The center's exhibits offer fascinating insights into the city's maritime heritage, from the Gold Rush era to modern times.
Our wanderings led us to another surprise: the Academy of Art San Francisco Gallery tucked away on Jefferson Street. This free gallery showcases student artwork and provides a cultural counterpoint to the area's more commercial attractions.
The route between Aquatic Park and Pier 33 revealed layers of San Francisco history:
The streamlined Maritime Museum building, an Art Moderne masterpiece
Ghirardelli Square's transformation from chocolate factory to urban marketplace
The historic Hyde Street Cable Car turnaround
Scoma's Restaurant, still serving fresh seafood after 50+ years
The beloved but slightly creepy Musée Mécanique with its collection of antique arcade games
USS Pampanito, a World War II submarine turned museum
Pier 39's famous sea lions, who never fail to entertain
Local Tips for Exploring the Wharf:
Take the SF Water Taxi for a unique experience and photo opportunities
Don't skip the Maritime Park Visitor Center
Take your time wandering around, browsing through places, and people watching
Dress for all weather regardless of seasons; Karl the Fog can be quite chilling
While some might dismiss Fisherman's Wharf as too touristy, we found that approaching it with curious eyes revealed a new-to-us charm. From maritime history to contemporary art, from fresh seafood to historic arcade games, the area offers more depth than its reputation suggests.
Our day concluded with an evening tour of Alcatraz, which had us there too early to really enjoy Alcatraz at night but reminded us why we tell everyone who visits San Francisco for the first time, to make a trip to Alcatraz. You get a quick Bay cruise and a glimpse into the history of Alcatraz.
Key takeaway? Even familiar destinations can offer new experiences when you approach them with fresh perspective and willingness to explore beyond the obvious attractions.
Whether you're a local or visitor, we hope our waterfront wanderings inspire you to discover your own hidden corners of San Francisco's most famous tourist district.