San Francisco, the “City by the Bay,” boasts attractions that are both interesting and fun, and some that are entirely unique. Famous for its liberalism and gay activism, the city is also a major banking and commercial center. Fisherman’s Wharf, in the heart of the city’s dock district, hosts free activities such as visiting the famous sea lions at Pier 39 and looking out at the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island, along with fee-based experiences like the aquarium, the wax works and boat tours of the bay.
Begin your day at Fisherman’s Alley, where dawn greets the return of the working fishing fleet. As their catch is moved from the trawlers and boats to the warehouses and trucks, you can buy the freshest of ocean produce, or just enjoy this centuries-old spectacle.
Enjoy the free-of-charge delights of Musee Mecanique at Pier 45, where the history of America’s amusement parks is celebrated in displays of mechanical musical instruments, arcade machines and Ferris wheels dating from the 1800s to the 1950s. Musee Mecanique is open from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. weekdays, and 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on weekends.
Call in at Aquarium of the Bay, which focuses on the marine life of the San Francisco Bay and its contiguous waters. Three hundred feet of underwater tunnels guide you through a world of sharks and stingrays, jellyfish and other Pacific marine life. Aquarium of the Bay is open from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday through Sunday.
Take a one-hour San Francisco Cruise with the famous Red & White Fleet, which has been in business for more than a century. You will see the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island up close, while a prerecorded commentary available in 12 different languages tells you all about the city’s fascinating history and architecture. The company also operates a 90-minute sunset cruise. Departures start at 10:00 a.m. most days, all from at Pier 43 1/2.
Meet the famous sea lions, San Francisco’s own “sea-lebrities.” They began arriving after being disturbed by the Loma Prieta earthquake in 1989, and now upwards of a thousand spend their winters at K-Dock. In summer the numbers are fewer, but the interpretive exhibits are open year-round. Operational hours vary by season, so call ahead for details.
Visit the Wax Museum at Fisherman’s Wharf, which features 50 dioramas and nearly 300 lifelike wax personalities. They have a Chamber of Horrors, a King Tut’s Tomb exhibit, galleries of movie and sports stars, and a hall of United States presidents. Open 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. every day of the year, the museum is located between Mason and Taylor.
