I believe that Fisherman's Wharf is San Francisco's
number one tourist trap but in a way getting there is unavoidable for the
San Francisco's tourist. The sea lions at Pier 39 are located here; the
Alcatraz ferrys or the bay cruises have Fisherman's Wharf as a starting
point. But the place is a tourist trap. Think about it: Fisherman's Wharf
has a Ripley Believe It or Not! Museum, a Wax Museum and a Rainforest Cafe.
Plus a great number of souvenir stores where you can buy anything from
bumper stickers to t-shirts reading "I left my heart in San Francisco" or
"I escaped from Alcatraz".
Fisherman's Wharf has lots of seafood restaurants and sidewalk stands where
sea products are sold. Try to sample some of the food; it's not exactly
fine dining but it's good. Some restaurants offer nice views of the bay
along with food. Be warned that this place is very crowded; Fisherman's
Wharf has its share of street performers with their mine and music acts;
one of the funniest acts is the "Bushman" (you'll recognize him right away).
