Visual Traveler: Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco

My family lived outside Oakland, California for about 18 months during elementary school and occasionally visited San Francisco. And Fisherman's Wharf had long captivated me. So, after a media trip to northern California's wine country* I happily explored the 'neighborhood' for a day before flying home. 

I arrived on a cool, sunny February afternoon, stashed my luggage at the Best Western Tuscan Inn at Fisherman's Wharf and headed out on foot. As a chilly breeze swept through the area, I purchased woven gloves from a street vendor. Then I explored for several hours. 

I grinned as Lombard Street, Coit Tower, and Alcatraz Island each came into view, and the city's renowned cable cars passed me. I visited a wine shop and admired a vintage carousel. I giggled as a crowd of sea lions lounged beside a sign that said 'No Docking,' and paused to enjoy several street musicians. I followed my nose to Boudin Bakery, known for sourdough bread since 1849, and grabbed a luscious scoop at The Original Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop. As sunlight dimmed, I returned to my hotel for appetizers and cocktails. 
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Early the next morning I walked through the neighborhood again. Amid foggy mist, fishing boats awaited crews, and live crabs awaited customers at Alioto - Lazio Fish Co. In Ghirardelli Square I encountered pallets of product, ready for unloading. I finally made my way to The Buena Vista cafe to sample its legendary Irish coffee, amid dark, 1916 wood and a multicolored tile bar backsplash. 

Two hours later my rideshare arrived at the hotel and we headed towards San Francisco International Airport. It couldn't have been a better 24 hours. 

*Please note: This trip occurred more than a decade ago so some images may be dated.*