Fisherman's Wharf Travel Story

San Francisco’s Playground by the Sea

By: Andrew Noerr, Feature Writing Student

            As the arcane street performer surrounded by a crowed of captivated observers near Pier 39 began his final mind-bending trick, I took a moment to scan the sights and sounds throughout the rest of Fisherman’s Wharf, and I was astounded by what I saw. While I expected to see the Wharf as a spot that has become modified simply for the enjoyment of an endless trove of tourists, in actual fact that is not what I witnessed. Instead, I noticed that even though the Wharf has transformed into a much more appealing location for non-San Franciscans to visit, it still has not lost the essence that has made it famous. Today, Fisherman’s Wharf is still a wonderful blend of breath-taking views, rich seafood, historical landmarks, and boundless sources of entertainment that anyone can enjoy, as there seemed to be an even mix of outsiders and city dwellers enjoying the beautiful sunny day by the sea. While one cannot go wrong with wherever they choose to explore in the Wharf, there are some specific locations that one can browse if they want to gain the most out of a day spent by what could be deemed as San Francisco’s playground by the sea.

            After I got off the 47 bus that had taken me from Van Ness Avenue to Fisherman’s Wharf, the first site of apparent significance that I found was the Aquatic Park Bathhouse Building (also known as the Maritime Museum). It is open daily from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., and it was surprisingly one of the spots at Fisherman’s Wharf that wasn’t bombarded by tourists. Upon walking into the museum, I was greeted by a cool breeze and a quiet atmosphere that somehow gave me the immediate impression that I was visiting a legendary shrine commemorating life out at sea in San Francisco in the late 1800s and early 1900s.

            After giving the museum a good walk-through, I found that the place is flush with historical artifacts and remnants of old model boats, schooners, and sloops which are sailboats with only one mast apparently. I was already satisfied from all the history I was absorbing, but then what topped this whole experience off was the old radio operator operation center that is located on the top floor of the museum. One can actually listen to an old radio telegram machine up there, and it gives off a truly authentic sense that one is out at sea communicating with people miles away. The old-fashioned vibe that the entire museum portrays is not only fascinating, but it is also significant for those who are young or live outside of San Francisco. The museum should be seen as a portal to the age in San Francisco when Fisherman’s Wharf was simply a vital fishing district, as many people who visit the Wharf today are not aware of such important history. Therefore, it is highly recommended that people who come to visit Fisherman’s Wharf actually start at the Aquatic Park Bathhouse Building so that they can learn about the Wharf’s history before enjoying what it is today.

            After one is finished with a tour of the Aquatic Park Bathhouse Building, a simple stroll outside can lead to the next great destination at Fisherman’s Wharf, and that is the San Francisco Maritime National Historic Park. All one needs to do is walk along the waterfront to get to the park, and then he or she would be treated to the widespread beauty coming from the gorgeous sights of the Golden Gate Bridge, the hills outlining Sausalito, the island harboring Alcatraz, and a conglomerate of ferry boats and large vessels that recall the times of when the Wharf was an important fishing district in San Francisco. Walking through the park on a comfortable sunny afternoon can be a very nice transition to the next thing to do at Fisherman’s Wharf, and that is to enjoy the great food that the Wharf provides.

            Once one has worked up an appetite, he or she should definitely explore the endless cesspool of eateries at Fisherman’s Wharf that specialize mainly in tasty seafood. On Jefferson Street, Taylor Street, and along the water, there exists a bountiful collection of seafood restaurants that can sate anyone’s desire for delicious dining. There are almost too many choices, but many include Scoma’s, Tarantino’s, Sabella & La Torre, Guardino’s, Fisherman’s Grotto #9, and Alioto’s. These restaurants are specifically for those who wish to enjoy a full meal and are willing to spend an hour or more eating. For those who want to grab a quick meal and enjoy the rest of what the Wharf has to offer, there are numerous seafood and crab stands where one can acquire a quick crab sandwich and head out towards the pier. The crab sandwich was my choice for the day, and it only solidified the strong reputation that the Fisherman’s Wharf has for creating quality seafood, as the meal was beyond delectable.

            Although Fisherman’s Wharf is a site of historical significance, amazing beauty, and hunger-quenching eateries, the one thing that it provides today that truly separates itself from other famous sites in San Francisco is its many sources of entertainment. There are many well-known spots at the Wharf such as the Aquarium of the Bay and the Wax Museum, but one aspect of the Wharf that seems to get overlooked is its wide group of obscure street performers. One entertainer attracted my attention enough for me to watch his set, and I came away shocked and giddy from what I had just witnessed. The performer’s name was Akron McKenzie who is a veteran of the street performance scene in San Francisco. Originally from the city of Victoria in Canada, McKenzie has been doing his stunts for nearly his whole life. His strange tricks amazed the entire crowd, and some examples of his performance include riding a nine foot unicycle, juggling knives, and balancing ten bricks on his face. This only further portrayed to me that while the Wharf has become a popular tourist attraction in San Francisco, it is still a place that anyone can enjoy, as it has not become fully gentrified like some seem to think it has.

            Overall, Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco is a mainstay in the collection of incredible sites in which to spend time in San Francisco. It contains wonder and amazement at pretty much every corner if people are willing to explore. Sure, there are plenty of stores, gift shops, and mainstream restaurants that may reek of the desire to bring in tourists, but that is not all that makes up the identity of Fisherman’s Wharf today. If one takes time to weave through the numerous nooks and crannies of the Wharf, then it is guaranteed that one will come away with a smile on his or her face and the satisfaction of getting to experience one of the best hybrids of awe-inspiring views and unorthodox entertainment that not only exists in San Francisco but in the entire world.

HOW TO GET THERE (via Muni from USF):

·        Take 5 or 5L Muni from USF downtown

·        Stop at Van Ness Avenue & McAllister Street

·        Take 47 Muni towards Fisherman’s Wharf

·        Stop on North Point Street & Jones Street

WHAT TO DO:

            There is an almost endless list of things that people can do at Fisherman’s Wharf. For eating, check out the restaurants and crab stands along the pier, Jefferson Street, and Taylor Street. For entertainment, check out the street performers, or go to the Aquarium of the Bay, Pier 39, the Wax Museum, or the numerous comedy clubs that exist at the Wharf. For touring, one can check out the Aquatic Park Bathhouse Building, Alcatraz, and Angel Island. Taking a cable car ride is another highly recommended activity as well.