If there is one thing in San Francisco that screams tourist, it is Pier 39 and Fisherman's Wharf. Yet, it has to be one of my favorite things to do in this fishy city. Fisherman's Wharf is perfect for the seafood lover, with fresh seafood in the numerous street vender's carts that surround you. Crab is the specialty, but there is also an abundance of fresh clam chowder (in the infamous sourdough bread bowl). If you don't eat seafood, make sure to at least stop at Boudin's for some sourdough bread—the finest there is! There are a lot of homeless people around this area, but they generally keep their distance. Watch yourself at night though, make sure you don't walk it alone.

There is also an abundance of street performers around this area, who are lively and entertaining for the entire family to watch. Just be sure to throw them a dollar or two—remember, this is how they make their living. Going down to Pier 39, you can catch the Sea Lions barking away. That is nature at its best, and although stinky, the kids will love it. Also, near the sea lions you will find a cove of little shops and restaurants, among them Bubba Gump Shrimp Company. Here is also where the boats take off for the tours of Alcatraz.

This is about the Pier 39 and Fishermans Wharf area of San Francisco. The Fishermans Wharf area is filled with many people bustling around trying to find such goods as freshly baked sourdough bread from Boudins Bakery, fresh clam chowder from the sidewalk restaurants, or trips out to the famous island prison, Alcatraz. Stop here a while and checkout the street performers. Look for the "Bush Man" while you traverse this area. He might just get you if you don't keep your eyes peeled.

From here you can access Pier 39, which is home to such sights as Forbes Island, and also see the Sea Lions that have adopted a part of the docks for their own place to sun themselves. You can also find many stores on Pier 39 and it pays to take your time walking around. You will not only use your sense of sight, but also your sense of smell as you walk down the pier. You can smell the salty air mixed with the smells of coffee, fresh bread, pretzels, cotton candy, etc. The pier is usually really busy, so unless you are a fan of crowds I wouldn't recommend this to you. If you are looking for a trinket from San Francisco, this is the place to shop.

For dinner I recommend going to Forbes Island. It is a small man-made island that is used as a restaurant. It is cozy and pretty romantic. Afterwards, you can watch the sea lions vying for places to sleep on the floating platforms nearby. For more information, check out www.pier39.com.

Don't miss the tour to Alcatraz. I've lived here all my life and just recently enjoyed the tour a couple years ago. Make sure you book tickets in advance, however. Your chances of acquiring tickets while in San Francisco are slim to none.

Also, check out the other tours around the bay and the dinner cruises. Some other attractions around Fisherman's Wharf include Ghiradelli Square, the Wax Museum, Ripley's Believe It or Not, the USS Pampanito submarine, and the USS Jeremiah O'Brien. You have to visit Fisherman's Wharf on your next trip here.

Inside and outside seating are both available on the cruise, and you can quench your thirst and hunger at the onboard snack bar. I suggest taking a cruise that sails during the sunset; the orange of the setting sun deepens the orange of the Golden Gate even more. I was able to take some excellent pictures.

For the $20 I paid, I was also able to see Coit Tower on top of Telegraph Hill, Ghirardelli Square, the Presidio, the Bay Bridge, and the sea lions on the pier - all from the bay. One day I'll go back and see all those places up close.

The cruise also provides a narrative, giving insight into the history of some of the landmarks you see from the boat.

I recommend the cruise if you have limited time. If you have abundant time, take a bike ride over the Golden Gate and the night tour on Alcatraz Island to get the best experiences.