Consider the last post on Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco just a quick two hour tour. Today we delve just a little deeper and linger just a little longer in this history laden section of San Francisco.
The best way to get to Fisherman’s Wharf from anywhere in the city is via public transportation. Parking is expensive and traffic a nightmare. Last week we arrived via Cable Car. This week we traveled to the wharf on the Market Street Railway which runs along Market Street and The Embarcadero – a scenic tour of the waterfront for just $2.00 or less!
The F-Car stops in front of the Boudin Sourdough Bread Bakery. Thanks to a suggestions from one of our fans, Stephen S., we checked out their demonstration bakery, museum and restaurant.
While Rice-A-Roni may be San Francisco’s Treat you won’t find a single restaurant on Fisherman’s Wharf serving it. What you will find, however, is a certain johnny-come-lately on the SF Food Tradition scene – sourdough bread bowl with clam chowder. I don’t know who invented this culinary curiosity but I do know that kids and adults love it.
Adults and older children will enjoy the museum’s displays which explain how the original ‘mother’ sourdough starter is kept alive and what weather conditions produce our famous fog. Don’t miss the hard working bakers in action in the demonstration bakery or the tasteful gift shop.
When you have your fill of sourdough and shopping, head out the doors on the north side to Pier 45. There are two unusual attractions here. One that will appeal to military history buffs – the USS Pampanito Submarine and the SS Jeremiah O’Brien Liberty Ship.
And the fantastically eerie and free Musée Mécanique. As you can see there is a little something for everyone at the Musée.
Go back to the corner of Taylor and Jefferson Streets and head west until you arrive at one of my favorite places in the city. As the SF Maritime National Historic Park website states, this is the place to let your imagination travel back to the 19th Century. Stand on the pier or the sandy beach of Aquatic Park and as you gaze at the masted ship Balclutha, or the 1895 lumber schooner CA Thayer, you can imagine exactly what it felt like to be here over a century ago. Be sure to go to the visitor’s center where they offer free walking tours of the historic waterfront. Why, you might even get a chance to learn a sea chanty or two!
If you need a little bribery action to make the afternoon go smoothly why not promise the kids a Hot Fudge Sundae at Ghirardelli Square?
And what is your treat after a day well spent with the kids? A hot Irish Coffee from The Buena Vista. Enjoy!
and the good news is that it is a delicious ‘only in SF’ treat! Thanks for your kind words.
It isn’t San Francisco without a sourdough bread bowl! Love your tips. photos and transportation ideas. I am a native San Franciscan and I still find myself learning more about my hometown through your blogs!