This place is the spot to be when you are looking for great seafood, boat rides to the Alcatraz Island and under the Golden Gate Bridge, and other attractions. They still have the old cable cars running above ground. They cost about $1.40 for a ride. We visited the Ghirardelli Square where you can find the best chocolate there. We brought half a pound of milk chocolate and it melts in your mouth. Also, you will see the oldest fire truck in this area, which was restored to become a public attraction site.

Whenever I visit San Francisco, I always go back to Fisherman's Wharf/Pier 39. Each time I've visited, I was with either my husband or different coworkers. There are so many shops and restaurants there. I didn't really leave my heart in S.F.--I left my money! There are a lot of tacky souvenir shops, but there are also quality gift shops. My coworker went to town buying Lladro figurines.

Don't forget to ride on the carousel and visit the seals sunning on the barges. Loads of great seafood restaurants located here. There are street performers--some deserve donations, while others definitely don't. They think because they spray themselves silver and stand like a statue that they deserve money.

FYI: It is always cold here. The months in which I have visited are May, July, and August. IT IS ALWAYS FREEZING!!!! I had to buy sweaters here to wear under my jacket! It was the middle of July. I live in NY, and the temperature was in the 80s back home and the 60s here. In August, I visited Pier 39 at night. I was just wearing a cotton dress and blazer. As I talked with my coworker, you could see the cold air coming from my breath, so be prepared!

I can’t think of a better way to kill an hour in San Francisco than to observe the sea lions that have taken up residence off of Pier 39. Just steps from the clatter of Fisherman’s Wharf, a colony of California sea lions has taken over a former marina. Hundreds of them lie basking on the floating docks.

Sea lions differ from seals in that seals are barkless and have no external ears. Of course, these are wild animals, not trained circus critters, so they won’t do tricks, and it’s illegal to feed or disturb them. Still, it’s fascinating to watch them both for their grace in the water and their social interactions. A sea lion will glide through the bay, pop out onto one of the crowded floating docks, and lumber over his resting colony mates, which then nip at him.

If you get tired of watching the sea lions, just take a look around. Spread before you are the many landmarks of San Francisco Bay: Ghiradeli Square, the Presidio, Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, Angel Island, and the Marin Headlands. If there was ever a Kodak picture point, this is it. Set the camera on panorama mode and snap away.

OK, I'll be honest, whenever I go to San Francisco, I promise myself I'll avoid the Fisherman's Wharf / Pier 39 area. Too many overpriced tourist shops, not enough affordable food, too many people crammed into one place. But, for some reason, I usually end up breaking this promise. So far, I've come up with 4 reasons for this repeated weakness.

Reason number one - the sea lions. You've got to admit, these guys, noisy and stinky as they can be, are pretty cute. They sit on the docks next to Pier 39, barking and sunning themselves, pretty successfully ignoring the crowds of people watching from the edge of the pier. Remember, though, if you visit during the peak summer times of June and July, you may not get as good of a show. The sea lions tend to migrate to the Channel Islands during the summer months. While you're there, be sure to check out the Marine Mammal Interpretive Center and store as well as the National Parks store. Both are located on the upper level of Pier 39, right across from the sea lions.

Reason number two - the view. If you go to the end of the Pier 41 (where the boats leave for Alcatraz), you get some pretty nice views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and, turning around, of the city.

Reason number three - people watching. I really shouldn't admit this one, but it's true. The best spot is right in front of the Alcatraz ticket office, where the street performers gather. Watching some of the reactions is usually more entertaining than the performers themselves.

Reason number four - Alcatraz. This really shouldn't even count. All you do is leave from Fisherman's Wharf. Check out my separate Alcatraz entry for info on the attraction that all travellers to San Francisco should see at least once.

There you have it - the reasons I usually get sucked into Fisherman's Wharf and Pier 39. Avoid it if you can. I hope you're more successful than I usually am.

Every visitor to San Francisco at some point ends up at the Fisherman's Wharf and Pier 39. Therefore, there tends to be large crowds, very little parking, and overpriced attractions in the area. However, it is still fun to spend time walking around, enjoying the cheesy stores and ocean breezes.

Street performers seem to flock to the Fisherman's Wharf -- you will not want for entertainment! The hat is passed around at the end of each performance, so be ready for that.

Seafood restaurants also abound, and most serve very good food, but it is probably going to be overpriced. Souvenir shops sell every possible knick-knack you could want ... Alcatraz memorabilia, ocean treasures, 5 t-shirts for a dollar...

Sea Lions gather near Pier 39 in the evening, you can hear them barking from quite a distance. People love to stare and take pictures!

I like going to Pier 39 just because its so alive and bustling with happy people. When the sun sets, you have quite a nice view which should be enjoyed with a loved one. Remember to bring a sweater!