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During your San Francisco vacation, don't miss these great establishments and attractions:
Fisherman's Wharf
Few cities in America are as adept at wholesaling their historical sites as San Francisco, which has converted Fisherman's Wharf into one of the most popular tourist attractions in the world. Unless you come really early in the morning, you won't find any traces of the traditional waterfront life that once existed here; the only fishing going on around here is for tourists' dollars.Originally called Meigg's Wharf, this bustling strip of waterfront got its present moniker from generations of fishers who used to base their boats here. Today, the bay has become so polluted with toxins that bright yellow placards warn against eating fish from the waters. A small fleet of fewer than 30 fishing boats still operates from here, but basically Fisherman's Wharf has been converted into one long shopping mall that stretches from Ghirardelli Square at the west end to PIER 39 at the east.Accommodating a total of 350 boats, two marinas flank PIER 39 and house the Blue & Gold bay sightseeing fleet. In recent years, some 600 California sea lions have taken up residence on the adjacent floating docks. Until they abandon their new playground, which seems more and more unlikely, these playful, noisy creatures (some nights you can hear them all the way from Washington Sq.) are one of the best free attractions on the wharf. Docent-led programs, offered at PIER 39 on weekends from 11am to 5pm, teach visitors about the range, habitat, and adaptability of the California sea lion.Some people love Fisherman's Wharf; others can't get far enough away from it. Most agree that, for better or for worse, it has to be seen at least once in your lifetime.
The Cannery
The Cannery was built in 1907 as a fruit-canning plant and was converted into a mall in the 1960s. It contains 30-plus shops, a ceramic studio and gallery, and several restaurants, including Jack's Cannery Bar (tel. 415/931-6400). Vendors' stalls and sidewalk cafes occupy the courtyard amid a grove of century-old olive trees and, weather permitting, street performers are usually out in force, entertaining tourists. Note: This is a tourist destination that many locals avoid.
San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park
Shaped like an Art Deco ship, the Maritime Museum is filled with sailing, whaling, and fishing lore. Remarkably good exhibits include intricate model craft and scrimshaw. The collection of shipwreck photographs and historic marine scenes includes an 1851 snapshot of hundreds of abandoned ships, deserted en masse by crews dashing off to participate in the gold rush. Beautifully carved, brightly painted wooden figureheads from old windjammers line the walls. Two blocks east, at the park's Hyde Street Pier, are several historic ships, now moored and open to the public.The Balclutha, one of the last surviving square-riggers and the handsomest vessel in San Francisco Bay, was built in Glasgow, Scotland, in 1886 and carried grain from California at a near-record speed of 300 miles a day. The ship is now completely restored. Kids can climb into the bunking quarters, visit the "slop chest" ("galley" to you, matey), and read the sea chanteys (clean ones only) that decorate the walls.The 1890 Eureka still carries a cargo of nostalgia for San Franciscans. It was the last of 50 paddle-wheel ferries that regularly plied the bay; it made its final trip in 1957. Restored to its original splendor at the height of the ferryboat era, the side-wheeler is loaded with deck cargo, including antique cars and trucks.The black-hulled, three-masted C. A. Thayer, built in 1895, was crafted for the lumber trade and carried logs felled in the Pacific Northwest to the carpentry shops of California. Unfortunately, it's undergoing renovation and isn't slated to return until 2006.Other historic ships docked here include the tiny two-masted Alma, one of the last scow schooners to bring hay to the horses of San Francisco; the Hercules, a huge 1907 oceangoing steam tug; and the Eppleton Hall, a side-wheel tugboat built in England in 1914 to operate on London's River Thames.At the pier's small-boat shop, visitors can follow the restoration progress of historic boats from the museum's collection. It's behind the maritime bookstore on your right as you approach the ships.
Prescott Hotel - a Kimpton Hotel
Prescott Hotel is located at 545 post street between Mason and Taylor Streets one block from Union Square, the city's finest retail shopping, dining, galleries, and entertainment areas, in the heart of San Francisco. Immediately nearby are internationally renowned art galleries, fashionable boutiques, designer shops and department stores. Situated on post street/the hotel is just two blocks from the Powell Street Cable Car line to Fisherman's Wharf, Pier 39, Ghirdelli Square and north ...
The Westin St. Francis
Nearby Airports: * San Francisco International Airport - 17 Miles * Metropolitan Oakland International Airport - 20 Miles * Norman Y Mineta San Jose International Airport - 40 Miles Nearby Cities: * Sausalito - 10 Miles * Berkeley - 12 Miles * Burlingame - 14 Miles * Alameda - 15 Miles * Hillsborough - 15 Miles * San Mateo - 18 Miles * Muir Beach - 21 Miles * Halfmoon Bay - 24 Miles * Redwood City - 25 Miles ...
Hotel Adagio
Exceptional location in the Theatre District near to Union Square this completely restored hotel features a fresh design that bridges its Spanish Colonial Revival architectural roots to a clean and contemporary design aesthetic. Located in the heart of San Francisco's theater district making it the perfect destination for exploring whether you're visiting on business or pleasure. The pace and atmosphere is luxuriant and aromatic, surrounding guests in rich, touchable fabrics, glowing candles, ...
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