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My Organized Chaos

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Fisherman’s Wharf, Family Travel to San Francisco

01/16/2013 By Tammi 94 Comments

During our Disney Wonder cruise down the West coast, the ship docked right beside Pier 39 and Fisherman’s Wharf, the perfect place for families to sightsee while in San Francisco.

Disney Wonder Port San Francisco My Organized Chaos

Fisherman’s Wharf is also home to Pier 39, which I included in my San Francisco for family travel post, yet The Wharf and surrounding area offer so much, so it needed it’s own post!

Fishermans Wharf San Francisco My Organized Chaos

Note that it’s a busy location, so expect tons of people wandering around, it’s one of the most well known tourist attractions in North America. For a reason, Fisherman’s Wharf is a must-see when in San Francisco. Part of that hustle and bustle is it’s charm, it’s full of energy for adults and children. The street performers were a hit with my kids. Yet don’t let the opportunity pass to try some fresh crab or seafood while in the area that it’s famous for.

San Francisco Travel My Organized Chaos

Fisherman’s Wharf is best known for being the location of Pier 39, the Cannery Shopping Center, Ghirardelli Square, a Ripley’s Believe it or Not museum, the Wax Museum, and restaurants and stands that serve fresh seafood, most notably dungeness crab and clam chowder served in a sourdough bread bowl. Which leads me too…

 

Boudin Bakery At The Wharf

A marvel to experience, the Boudin Bakery down the street from the Wharf was the birthplace of Boudin sourdough bread. “In 1849, the Boudin family struck culinary gold. Wild yeasts in the San Francisco air had imparted a unique tang to their traditional French bread, giving rise to ‘San Francisco sourdough French bread.’ “.

Cool fact? The starter they use for ALL their sourdough baking, even today, is from the original 1849 batch. WOW! At the front of the building is an observation window with a speaker, so you can ask the baker questions as they create different shapes with the dough.

You’ll also notice that the factory pumps out fresh sourdough air into the streets. While watching and smelling, you can’t not help but to go in and explore.

Step inside Boudin Bakery and there’s a shop, restaurant and cafe.

We bought a fresh sourdough roll to share {they are huge!}. We would have stayed to eat more, but we had just eaten. So, we bought a couple cans of their Clam Chowder to take home.

 

Water Sightseeing Tours

Our family of 5 also went on the RocketBoat, a speedboat from Blue & Gold Fleet that tours the San Francisco Bay for a half hour at 50mph. I wasn’t sure if the turns, jumps, and splashing would agree with the kids too much {especailly my 4yo twins}, but they loved it. It was a blast! Plus, we got to see some sights real close up, like the Golden Gate Bridge and the Oakland Bay Bridge. The next day we also cruised the bay via their ferry boat, taking a close look at Alcatraz, which I mentioned in my previous post.

San Francisco Bridge My Organized Chaos

Whether standing on the waterfront by Pier 39, or by touring boat as you leave the shore, you’ll spot an area of hundreds of sea lions. There for most of the year, I’ve never seen so many Sea Lions in one spot before.

Sea Lions Fishermans Wharf San Francisco My Organized Chaos

Basking in the sun and chatting with each other, we watched these guys {and gals} for a long time.

 

Dining ~ Fog Harbour Fish House

Ahhh, almost an endless topic of conversation at Fisherman’s Wharf, there’s anything and everything imaginable. Yet, seafood is the claim to fame here, so make sure to try something different while there. It’s all part of the travelling experience! For dinner one night we all met at Fog Harbour, a fish house and San Francisco dining landmark.

Fog Harbour San Francisco My Organized Chaos

The restaurant was created by the family who developed PIER 39, the history spans over three decades and includes three generations. So, its one of those places that you can take pride in supporting and enjoying. But the food? Devine! From fresh seafood entrees and appetizers, right down to the Chicken Fingers and fries that my kids ordered, it’s delicious.

Fog Harbour Seafood San Francisco My Organized Chaos

As well, Fog Harbour is the first and only restaurant on Fisherman’s Wharf to offer a 100% sustainable seafood menu based on recommendations by Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch and Aquarium of the Bay. Just look at this lobster! But really, the photo doesn’t do it justice at all. Delish!

Fog Harbour Lobster San Francisco My Organized Chaos

A tip from me? Order the Strawberry Daiquiri, it was the ideal drink after a long and hot day of sightseeing. Its made with real strawberries too, so have a couple {or three}. Fruit Group!

Even better, enjoy the experience via waterfront dining – watching that sun set off the coast is fabulous. You can actually see both the Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge right from your table.

San Francisco Travel Families My Organized Chaos

Once again, I suggest getting a San Francisco CityPASS ticket booklet for each member of your family. Discounts on admissions and attractions with free coupons too. Make sure to check out my post on San Francisco family friendly attractions, for even more tips and information to make your trip to the bay area a memorable one!

 

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Filed Under: Travel, USA Tagged With: San Francisco, Travel, USA

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Comments

  1. amanda faith says

    01/16/2013 at 7:16 am

    looks fun!

    Reply
  2. Lacey A says

    01/16/2013 at 7:23 am

    WOW! What beautiful photo`s. Looks so serene and peaceful there. LOVE LOVE LOVE the alligator (or maybe its a croc lol) bread!!! Sooo cool

    Reply
    • Tammi says

      01/27/2013 at 6:54 pm

      I loved the place, so many great things to capture in photos!

      Reply
  3. Nell C says

    01/16/2013 at 7:24 am

    Stunning pictures! Looks like it was a fantastic trip! And now you’ve got me craving lobster 🙂

    Reply
  4. Steven Epstein says

    01/16/2013 at 7:26 am

    I took a nice disney cruise a long time ago. It was fun

    Reply
    • Tammi says

      01/27/2013 at 6:54 pm

      Did you? Which ship was it?

      Reply
  5. Amanda Taylor @ Survival Guide by The Working Mom says

    01/16/2013 at 8:00 am

    I would LOVE to visit San Fran one day… and a Disney cruise?! Jealous!!

    Reply
    • Tammi says

      01/27/2013 at 6:54 pm

      What a perfect combo right? Great idea for those that would like to do both!

      Reply
  6. Ashley S says

    01/16/2013 at 8:04 am

    I used to live 45 minutes north of San Fran, and Fisherman’s Wharf was always one of my favorite places to go!

    Reply
    • Tammi says

      01/27/2013 at 6:55 pm

      Loved it there Ashley, can’t wait to go back and explore more!

      Reply
  7. Trisha Y. says

    01/16/2013 at 8:12 am

    Wow, that must have been one heck of a vacation! The food alone would make this my dream trip! You take beautiful pics btw. 🙂

    Reply
    • Tammi says

      01/27/2013 at 6:55 pm

      Thanks Trisha, the place and the food is a photographers dream!

      Reply
  8. Amanda Neilson says

    01/16/2013 at 8:15 am

    I would love to go to San Fransisco! In 2007, I went on a holiday to LA with my mom and we had so much planned for that week! We hoped to get to San Fran but didn’t get the chance! Looks so awesome there!

    Reply
    • Tammi says

      01/27/2013 at 6:56 pm

      A perfect excuse to go back now then!
      😉

      Reply
  9. Kristin Wheeler (Mama Luvs Books) says

    01/16/2013 at 8:27 am

    WE used to live out that way! I love San Fran!! Miss it!

    Reply
  10. Diane Faria says

    01/16/2013 at 8:28 am

    I’d love to bring my kids to San Franscisco, but my husband used to live there – 25 years ago – and has no desire to go back. Oh well, I’ll have to work on that. We’ve been on the Disney Wonder and the Disney Dream – love the Dream!

    Reply
  11. Julie L says

    01/16/2013 at 8:41 am

    I would love to visit San Francisco

    Reply
  12. Rosey says

    01/16/2013 at 8:50 am

    I want to go! This whole post makes everything there look really nice!

    Reply
  13. elyse mendelson says

    01/16/2013 at 8:52 am

    awesome i would do it 🙂

    Reply
  14. BrieAnn says

    01/16/2013 at 9:25 am

    The food on Pier 39 is the best! I love SF!

    Reply
    • Tammi says

      01/27/2013 at 6:56 pm

      Isn’t it?! I could use some right now!

      Reply
  15. amy williiams says

    01/16/2013 at 9:30 am

    Oh my this look so amazing I don’t ever really get to take the family to do anything I just know they would love something like this thanks so much for the post

    Reply
  16. Caitlin Clark says

    01/16/2013 at 9:37 am

    Ooh! I wanna go! It ALL sounds amazing!

    Reply
  17. Desi says

    01/16/2013 at 9:40 am

    Everytime we go to San Francisco we have to get one of the animal shaped breads from the Boudin’s shop…my kids love them (and so do I).

    Reply
  18. Isra {TheFrugalette} says

    01/16/2013 at 9:47 am

    Gorgeous pics Tammi! I love Fisherman’s Wharf, beautiful place to take the family..although it does get pretty windy. 🙂

    Reply
    • Tammi says

      01/27/2013 at 6:57 pm

      Windy yes! I wasn’t expecting that, though it is obvious that it would be, right?
      I didn’t take a light jacket the first day and regretted it a bit. But, compared to freezing Canada, I survived! lol

      Reply
  19. christina moore says

    01/16/2013 at 9:49 am

    I would love to go on a cruise

    Reply
  20. Betsy Pauzauskie says

    01/16/2013 at 9:58 am

    The Boudin Family Bread makes a great alligator bread! And the Disney Trip sounded like a winner!

    Reply
  21. Nicole Becker says

    01/16/2013 at 10:18 am

    Thank you so much for sharing your pic with me!! I want to go on a Disney trip sooooo bad because I have a 2 year old granddaughter that would love to go. I need to start saving!!

    Reply
  22. Freda Mans says

    01/16/2013 at 10:33 am

    Great pictures! Looks like a great time for you and your family!

    Reply
  23. Porscha says

    01/16/2013 at 10:45 am

    This looks wonderful. I want to go! :o)

    Reply
  24. Karen D says

    01/16/2013 at 10:45 am

    sounds like a great time! Would love to visit that bakery!

    Reply
  25. Phil says

    01/16/2013 at 11:05 am

    For the older kids try and make your trip coincide with comicon!!! I know it’s more driving to get to but it’s something else that you will never forget.

    Reply
    • Tammi says

      01/27/2013 at 6:58 pm

      Yes, love that idea Phil, I’d like to go one day myself!

      Reply
  26. Tina Harris says

    01/16/2013 at 11:41 am

    Great pictures, looks like you had a awesome time away in San Fran.

    Reply
  27. Christina Tank says

    01/16/2013 at 12:08 pm

    Beautiful photos!

    Reply
  28. Lisa A says

    01/16/2013 at 12:14 pm

    Looks like you had a great time!! Alligator bread — how cool!!!

    Reply
  29. Debbie says

    01/16/2013 at 12:51 pm

    love to travel

    Reply
  30. Scott Nussman says

    01/16/2013 at 12:56 pm

    The picture of the alligator made of dough at the Boudin Bakery is amazing!!!!

    Reply
  31. Alex says

    01/16/2013 at 1:17 pm

    i need to go back.

    Reply
  32. Joni Owada says

    01/16/2013 at 1:54 pm

    It was so fun to experience your trip with you in this way. Thanks for all the great photos to go along with it too!
    Made me want to plan a trip with our kids, right away! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  33. Patrick Miller says

    01/16/2013 at 2:01 pm

    I haven’t been to SF in a long time – this looks like a great way to see it!

    Reply
  34. Tooth Fairy says

    01/16/2013 at 2:39 pm

    That Boudin Bakery Bread Alligator or Crocodile photo is fantastic! Of course I enjoy funny images with teeth!! Thanks for sharing sweet San Fran pics!

    Reply
  35. Angela Cash says

    01/16/2013 at 2:58 pm

    I have always wanted to plan a trip to the West Coast. Thank you for the informative post – I will definitely have to add San Francisco to the itinerary!

    Reply
  36. brenda says

    01/16/2013 at 3:33 pm

    I REALLY want to go there!

    Reply
  37. Gianna says

    01/16/2013 at 3:48 pm

    Look at all that delicious bread!

    Reply
  38. Birdie Skolfield says

    01/16/2013 at 4:03 pm

    you made me homesick with this travel review I was born and bred in SF thx for the nice reminders of that..

    Reply
    • Tammi says

      01/27/2013 at 6:58 pm

      Lucky, you must have some great memories and tips for travellers!

      Reply
  39. Michelle Owens says

    01/16/2013 at 5:19 pm

    Looks like an amazing trip/cruise! Awesome pics!

    Reply
  40. Rachel Ellis says

    01/16/2013 at 5:53 pm

    The Boudin Bakery looks amazing! I would love to visit there someday!

    Reply
  41. Shelli says

    01/16/2013 at 6:22 pm

    I would love to visit San Francisco one of these days!

    Reply
  42. Jonathan G says

    01/16/2013 at 7:25 pm

    Judging from the pictures alone, San Francisco looks like a great place. The bakery alone amazes me. I’d like to visit at one point and take in a Giants game.

    Reply
  43. gina says

    01/16/2013 at 7:28 pm

    Those photos are amazing, especially the bread alligator & the delicious food…I would love to be there right NOW!! I live near the water, so I know how fantastic it can be to be so close to the ocean.

    Reply
  44. R Bullard says

    01/16/2013 at 8:02 pm

    Your photographs capture SF perfectly, very inviting! Thanks for the great info.

    Reply
    • Tammi says

      01/27/2013 at 6:59 pm

      Thank you so much! I wish I had taken more!

      Reply
  45. Julie says

    01/16/2013 at 8:02 pm

    oh how beautimus love the that alligator bread I have been wanting to go on a cruise:)

    Reply
  46. JD says

    01/16/2013 at 8:13 pm

    This looks like it was an amazing trip! I will be sure to check out many of these same sites if I get a chance to visit there!

    Reply
  47. Barbara Lopatin says

    01/16/2013 at 8:19 pm

    Great photos, thanks for sharing! I’ve always wanted to go, love this piece, thank you!

    Reply
  48. Deedra says

    01/16/2013 at 9:01 pm

    I remember going to the wharf as a kid. My family at at a restaurant and I saw Susan Summers. I wish to this day I would have had her sign something. I also remember the sourdough bread. It was so good.

    Reply
  49. Danielle Wood says

    01/16/2013 at 9:07 pm

    I would love to visit San Francisco, looks so amazing

    Reply
  50. Connie T says

    01/16/2013 at 9:18 pm

    I’m jealous! Great pics of what looked to be so much fun! Absolutely loved the gator bread, too cute!

    Reply
  51. Jenna Parsons says

    01/16/2013 at 9:47 pm

    WHat an amazing vacation that must have been!!! That lobster looks incredible!

    Reply
  52. Pleasant Boswell says

    01/16/2013 at 9:57 pm

    Ah I can smell the water!

    Reply
  53. Tiffany @ The Bizy Mommy says

    01/16/2013 at 10:07 pm

    Beautiful! My husband has been and is dying to go back, but I’m not to thrilled about trying to travel cross country with six kids in tow. Hopefully when they are older, we’ll get ourselves out that way!

    Reply
  54. Jodi @ A Mom Having Fun says

    01/17/2013 at 7:15 am

    Wow, so beautiful! It has been many years since I’ve been there. Seeing all the picture’s makes me want to go now! Love the Alligator bread.

    Reply
  55. laurel says

    01/17/2013 at 8:56 am

    looks great one day I will go see it in person thanks

    Reply
  56. Randa @ The Bewitchin' Kitchen says

    01/17/2013 at 3:38 pm

    Looks like you guys had a blast. I have to admit, San Fran was never a big “must see” in my books but Fisherman’s Warf has totally turned that around. I’m adding it to my bucket list. Thanks for the great photos!

    Reply
  57. Kathleen says

    01/17/2013 at 5:00 pm

    What a great review. I never thought of San Fran as family friendly before.

    Reply
  58. Huguette E. says

    01/18/2013 at 11:10 am

    San Francisco is a place I’ve been wanting to visit. Loved your pictures, some made me hungry .. lol

    Reply
  59. Anna at Mama Writes says

    01/18/2013 at 11:18 pm

    Wow, that looked like an awesome trip. I love cruises and we’ve done 3 so far, but I’d love to do a Disney Cruise one day!

    Reply
  60. Tania Smith says

    01/19/2013 at 6:39 am

    I definitely want to visit San Francisco.
    Thanks so much for these posts. It’s like having my homework done for me!

    Reply
  61. Kris says

    01/21/2013 at 11:09 am

    I visited Fisherman’s Wharf in elementary school. These photos bring back great memories.

    Reply
  62. Jordana says

    01/21/2013 at 5:47 pm

    Visiting San Francisco is on my bucket list!

    Reply
  63. @lizzysdarcy says

    01/21/2013 at 7:00 pm

    That sour dough bread looks incredible!

    Reply
  64. @torlonias says

    01/21/2013 at 7:25 pm

    Fisherman’s Wharf is on my must visit list after reading this post.

    Reply
  65. @privyseel says

    01/21/2013 at 8:20 pm

    Great post, you did a lot in a short time!

    Reply
  66. Riley G-H says

    01/22/2013 at 11:29 am

    Gorgeous shots! I have always wanted to go to San Francisco!

    Reply
  67. Stephanie LaPlante says

    01/23/2013 at 3:58 pm

    I LOVE the crocodile bread!

    Reply
  68. Erika E says

    01/23/2013 at 9:11 pm

    What an amazing place! San Francisco is definitely on my list of places to visit. The food alone would make it worth the trip.

    Reply
  69. Becky says

    01/24/2013 at 9:04 am

    That looks amazing!! Maybe someday we’ll get to go 🙂

    Reply
  70. Barbara Stenby says

    01/27/2013 at 6:14 am

    I have always wanted to go here it seems you & your family really enjoyed it

    Reply
  71. Karen Propes says

    02/09/2013 at 10:34 am

    Wow, love your photos, we missed so much the last time we went. (I had a business conference) When you are trying to squeeze everything in, 3 days is never enough time to see all there is to see in San Francisco. I loved the seals on the wharf. I took so many pictures of the seals. My Sunday School class asked if that’s all we saw – LOL.
    Thanks for sharing and giving me more places to add to my must see list.
    ncjeepster@aol.com

    Reply
  72. Teresa Salvatore says

    02/21/2013 at 12:58 pm

    I have always wanted to go to San Francisco! I’m not sure how soon I’ll actually make it happen, but IT WILL HAPPEN! Someday. I don’t know if I’ll ever have the courage to take a cruise though! Boat tour, yes. Full on cruise, not so sure.

    Reply
  73. Stacy Li says

    03/11/2013 at 9:20 am

    San Francisco looks amazing!!! Thanks for blogging about the places to go, now I know what to explore when I get there! 😉

    Reply
  74. Joyce Poyton says

    03/14/2013 at 9:39 am

    I love San Francisco. Make sure you check on the internet which days Alcatraz is open. It isn’t open every day. Buy tickets on line if you can. Bring a heavy spring coat. You would think it is warm but I was freezing.

    Reply
  75. Susan Smith says

    03/15/2013 at 6:30 pm

    Great pictures. We traveled to San Francisco a few years ago and enjoyed riding the cable cars. I love the weather.

    Reply
  76. Rob Love says

    07/03/2013 at 9:21 am

    Kinda reminds me of P.E.I, I’d love to see that bridge, looks so cool.

    Reply
  77. Catherine says

    07/16/2013 at 12:13 pm

    We also took the California Coastal on the Disney Wonder in Late September 2012. What a wonderful cruise it was. I agree San Francisco was one of my favorite stops, loved the sunbathing seals.

    Reply
  78. Judy C says

    07/19/2013 at 8:12 am

    Wow, this looks like a great place to visit!!! I really want to try out a Disney Cruise too so maybe I should check out the one going down the west coast so I can combine both!

    Reply
  79. Diana Plavins says

    08/22/2013 at 5:49 pm

    I took my teenage son to san fran last fall and it was amazing, a real bonding experience

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. “Its one of those places that you can take pride in supporting and enjoying. But the food? Devine!” | Fog Harbor Fish House says:
    01/16/2013 at 1:35 pm

    […] you to Tammi for dining with us and including us in her blog on her trip to San Francisco! Click here to view her blog which includes food photos, insider tips on what to order, and a gorgeous sunset […]

    Reply
  2. Family Friendly Attractions in San Francisco - My Organized Chaos says:
    02/12/2013 at 5:55 pm

    […] tuned for another travel San Francisco post, specifically on Fishermans Wharf and more on Pier 39, I told you there was so much to do in San Francisco – and we were only there for 2 days on […]

    Reply
  3. Taking in San Francisco with a new OPI collection! - My Organized Chaos says:
    07/20/2013 at 8:07 am

    […] we experienced some family travel to San Francisco just last year, I immediately took a look at my past posts and compared the colors seen in the […]

    Reply
  4. “Its one of those places that you can take pride in supporting and enjoying. But the food? Devine!” | Fog Harbor says:
    02/19/2016 at 8:50 am

    […] you to Tammi for dining with us and including us in her blog on her trip to San Francisco! Click here to view her blog which includes food photos, insider tips on what to order, and a gorgeous sunset […]

    Reply

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