Visiting The Famous Fisherman’s Wharf

There is a large variety of things you can do in San Francisco. Perhaps one of the most famous activities is taking a visit to Fisherman’s Wharf.

Fisherman’s Wharf features many different activities that incorporate history, culture, various ethnicities, and pure fun into the San Franciscan experience. While most tourists visit Fisherman’s Wharf, it is still a very fun place to visit.

This place has been very popular since the time of the Gold Rush. However, in the beginning, the city’s fishing fleet was harbored there.

It was harbored there until the turn of the century lending the dock the title of ‘Fisherman’s Wharf.’ The fishing boats were mostly lateen-rigged sailboats that were commonly referred to as ‘feluccas.’

They were considered to be copies of the boats that are commonly used by Italian fishermen in the Mediterranean. This makes a lot of sense because many Italians came to California seeking gold.

However, when they found they had little luck at this, they began to turn back to their old trade of fishing. They were very successful at it and today there are many restaurants that depend on a constant supply of delicious fish to provide service to all of those that visit Fisherman’s Wharf.

In addition, these restaurants are still family owned and held by the descendants of those Italian immigrants. One of the many other activities that you can do is visit the submarine located right by the dock.

The submarine was called the U.S.S. Pampanito and it is a completely restored World War II submarine. Visitors can walk through the majority of the ship and imagine what it would be like to be underwater.

In addition, they can learn more about torpedoes, compact crew quarters, and the control room. There are self-guided audio tours available to the public as well.

The tours are narrated by a World War II captain, Edward Beach. The price of the tour is automatically included in the price of admission.

The submarine is open to the public every day from nine to six. If you are more interested in ships, there is a large collection of historical ships located on this pier as well.

This collection of ships was named a National Historic Park and it is the only floating park of its kind. In this collection, an 1886 ship named Balclutha is featured.

The Balclutha has three masts. The C.A. Thayer, which was a lumber schooner in 1895 is also located here.

The ferryboat Eureka is also a fairly recent addition. These ships also feature self guided tours and hands-on demonstrations.

Another activity that is located right on Fisherman’s Wharf is the Maritime Museum. This museum is located in a historic art deco “streamline moderne” building.

The building is said to resemble a cruise ship by some. In this museum, a visitor can see ship models, authentic figureheads, paintings, and artifacts collected by those who spend the majority of their life at sea.

Some of the most permanent exhibitions are the West Coast steam navigation exhibition, unique WPA mural exhibition, and the WPA murals of Atlantis exhibition. This museum is located right by Fisherman’s Wharf and Polk Street.

Another very popular activity for those who visit Fisherman’s Wharf is taking a Ferry out to Alcatraz Island. Alcatraz Island is the home of a very famous prison.

It is said that mobster Al Capone, bank robber Leon “Whitey” Thompson, and others were held here. In spite of several escape attempts, it is believed that no one was successful in leaving the island.

Not only is there nowhere to hide on the island, but the icy waters filled with sharks were often the death of anyone who tried to swim. However, the prison was closed in 1964 because its costs of operation were too high.

It can be quite chilly out on the Bay, so be sure to bring a jacket when you plan to visit Alcatraz. Some people prefer to skip Alcatraz and simply take a nice cruise around the San Francisco Bay.

There are many different Ferry services that offer this option to tourists. These boats leave at various times throughout the day.

The food served on Fisherman’s Wharf is all very fresh. Visitors should at least try some of the fresh Dungeness crab while they have an opportunity.

It is normal and completely sanitary for the server to crack open your crab right in front of you on the counter. This has become somewhat of a show and tradition since the beginning of Fisherman’s Wharf.