It’s possible you could design your entire San Francisco getaway around a visit to this charming old fishing neighborhood, home of the Wharf’s world-famous fleet and one of the busiest attractions in the Western United States. If the laughter of sociable sea birds, the salty-sweet steam of boiling crab cauldrons and wafting fragrance of freshly baked sourdough bread is twining through your daydreams, or the contrast of sturdy piers against ever-changing waters and tidy rows of fishing vessels tucked neatly into their slips embodies your idea of the perfect view, Fisherman’s Wharf is your kind of place! Pier 39, Ghirardelli Square, Ripley’s Believe it or Not, The Wax Museum, The Aquarium of the Bay, The Musee Mechanique and The San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park are all located in this busy center saturated with a salty and robust culture rooted in the early days of local fishing industry history. Hyde Street Pier, the USS Pampanito, a WWII era submarine preserved as a museum ship, and 19th century full-rigged ship Balclutha await your exploration; quietly entertain perfect storm scenarios as you pay your respects at tiny landmark, “ The Fishermen’s and Seamen’s Memorial Chapel,” a touching tribute constructed in memory of “The Lost Fishermen” of San Francisco and Northern California . Colonies of lumbering and vocal sea lions congregate on docks, cavorting and basking in the California sunshine – you can’t help but be amused by their antics – and the Fourth of July brings world class fireworks to the Wharf; it’s the best seat in the “house” during Fleet Week’s air shows! A veritable foodie’s haven, the Wharf boasts some of the finest dining in the world, tendering groups eager for a taste of Old San Francisco an eclectic mix of the freshest local seafood and fantastic international cuisine.