San Francisco's Archetype of Itself
San Francisco's biggest tourist destination is visually stunning, entertaining, and offers a starting point for a variety of activities: bay tours/ferries (including Alcatraz), Cable Cars, Ghirardelli's chocolate, a variety of seafood, and one of the nation's best Maritime Museums (including the USS Pampanito submarine).
The iconic sea lions recently went AWOL - rumored to be somewhere on the Oregon coast - just months after publicity of their destructive population growth came to light.. maybe they can read?! They're back now, in smaller numbers.
For those seeking a cheap meal, In-N-Out burger is a California specialty :)
Around Fisherman's Wharf...
The iconic sea lions recently went AWOL - rumored to be somewhere on the Oregon coast - just months after publicity of their destructive population growth came to light.. maybe they can read?! They're back now, in smaller numbers.
For those seeking a cheap meal, In-N-Out burger is a California specialty :)
Around Fisherman's Wharf...
Aquarium of the Bay
Jellyfish, giant Sea Bass, sharks, oh my!
Devoted to the stunning aquatic life of the San Francisco Bay, the aquarium sparks the imagination to the watery world below!
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Buena Vista Cafe
Caffeine + Alcohol = Sweet Fame!
While Buena Vista's much-touted claim to "America's First Irish Coffee" fails the obvious test for some (who brought the French kiss?), the cafe is uncommonly popular with tourists and locals alike.
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In-n-Out Burger
A taste of Southern California
While relatively new in San Francisco, In-n-Out has a long history► (by California standards) in Southern California and its simple menu, low prices, no advertising and purportedly healthy ingredients combine to generate fiercely loyal cult-members... err, customers :)
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Maritime Museum
Lifeblood of early San Francisco
With one of the world's best natural ports, San Francisco owes much of its prominence to oceanic travel and Maritime Museum is a great visit for history and maritime buffs. The Balclutha►, a tall sailing ship from 1886, is the crown jewel of the bunch (7 total). The USS Pampanito submarine/museum is run by the same organization, but a few blocks away on Pier 45.
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Musée Mécanique
Before Pac-Man ate dots...
The self-proclaimed largest private collection of (working!) mechanical arcade games and instruments in the world - the Musée Mécanique traces the marriage of technology and entertainment long before the birth of computers. The digital arcade (with 30+ year old video consoles) in the back juxtaposes nicely as well.
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USS Pampanito
More fun than a poke in the eye with a sharp stick?
If being in the middle of the ocean, in the middle of a war, under water, in overheated cramped quarters floats your boat - definitely check out the USS Pampanito!
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