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On the Waterfront
Map of On the Waterfront
The neighborhoods that lie along San Francisco's waterfront have fabulous views and utterly different personalities. Kitschy, overpriced Fisherman's Wharf struggles to maintain the last shreds of its existence as a working wharf, while Pier 39 is a full-fledged consumer circus. The Ferry Building draws well-heeled locals with its culinary pleasures, firmly reconnecting the Embarcadero to downtown. And the area between the Ferry Building and Pier 39, once a maritime no-man's land, is filling in a bit -- especially between Pier 33, where the perpetually booked Alcatraz cruises depart, and Pier 39 -- with a waterfront restaurant here and a restored pedestrian-friendly pier there.
Today's shoreline was once Yerba Buena Cove, filled in during the latter half of the 19th century when San Francisco was a brawling, extravagant gold-rush town. Jackson Square, now a genteel and upscale corner of the inland Financial District, was the heart of the Barbary Coast, bordering some of the roughest wharves in the world. Below Montgomery Street (in today's Financial District), between California Street and Broadway, lies a remnant of these wild days: more than 100 ships abandoned by frantic crews and passengers caught up in gold fever lie under the foundations of buildings here.
At a Glance
SIGHTS
RESTAURANTS
HOTELS
ENTERTAINMENT
SHOPPING
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1.
Alcatraz
After a scenic boat ride, walk the grim corridors and hear the grimmer tales of the notorious federal prison.
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2.
Ferry Building
Size up the tantalizing fresh produce and prepared foods at the city's top farmers' market. (Saturday is the best -- but most crowded -- day.)
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3.
Hyde Street Pier
Sniff the salt air aboard the gorgeously restored 19th-century Balclutha. Afterward, head to the Buena Vista for a glass of its famous Irish coffee.
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F-line Trolleys
Step back to the turn of the 20th century and grab a polished wooden seat aboard one of the city's lovingly restored vintage streetcars on the F line.
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Jackson Square
Elegant Jackson Square is home to a dozen or so of San Francisco's finest retail antiques dealers; many occupy Victorian-era buildings.
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