| :: San Francisco >Fishermans Wharf
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Attraction >Landmark
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Description and Basic Information ::
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 So you’re walking by the shops and you hear a loud, slobbering bull, making an idiot of himself and barking for his lunch. No it isn’t your brother-in-law from Des Moines, it’s a Sea Lion, one of the colorful resident denizens of PIER 39.
This unique part of San Francisco, which lies at the eastern end of Fisherman’s Wharf, is one of the premier tourist attractions in the United States. Part of the appeal comes from the sheer exuberance of the place. It’s a combination traveling circus, shopping bonanza, restaurant and food gallery, plus offering million dollar views. Pier 39 juts out into San Francisco Bay and Alcatraz, Angel Island, Treasure Island, The Golden Gate Bridge and other nautical sights cruise by every day. The ferries at Pier 41 next door, offer daily transport to many of these places. Many glorious yachts are also available for daily/hourly rental. The sea breezes make for a fresh experience; the air is sometimes quite brisk, but always clean.
The Sea Lions appeared about 12 years ago, on their own, but no doubt lured by the 'easy pickings' from the tourists. They now bask in the abandoned piers adjacent to Pier 39, and can be seen cavorting happily all around the water. Their loud barking, silliness and resulting crowd is always amusing, and free. More sea lions appear in winter, but many can be seen year round.
Pier 39 boasts a number of attractions including a large aquarium, a Cinemax Theatre, a state-of-the-art arcade, street performers and enough interesting shops and boutiques to satisfy your need to spend. Some of the city’s finest restaurants are also located here including Neptune’s Palace and Dante’s Seafood Grill. There are many small food stands, ice creameries, and other delicacies to enjoy.
Pier 39 is easy to find. The new F Line light rail, rumbles all the way up the Embarcadero and stops right in front. The Mason Street Cable Car line also stops nearby, and of course, every cab driver in town knows the way. Pier 39 is fun, despite some of its obvious commercial trappings, in a way that has to be experienced. It’s worth a visit. |
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:: San Francisco >Fishermans Wharf :: |
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