Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
170
tunnels surrounded by 700,000 gallons of filter ed bay water. The moving path clev erly
keeps people from clustering around a particularly impressive Pacific electric stingray, so
even the little ones get a chance to look in and spy an angel shark burrowing in the sand.
Thousands of fish swim on either side of the walkway and o verhead as well; kids find it
pretty cool. The last exhibit, our y oungest's favorite, contains touch pools with star fish
and such. Should a trip to the M onterey Bay Aquarium be in your future, you can skip
this smaller cousin altogether. But if you're already on PIER 39, it's a pleasant hour-long
respite from the curios and candy shops.
PIER 39 at F isherman's Wharf.
&
800/SEA-DIVE
(732-3483). www.aquariumofthebay.com. Admission
$15 adults, $8 seniors and k ids 3-11, free children under 3, $38 family ticket f or 2 adults and 2 childr en.
Daily in summer 9am-8pm; otherwise Mon-Fri 10am-6pm, Sat-Sun 10am-7pm. Closed Christmas.
Ghirardelli S quare
All ages.
Named after the chocolate factor y founded b y
Domingo Ghirardelli (pronounced Gear-a-
del
-ee), this series of brick buildings was built
over 11 years beginning in 1893. When the chocolate factory was moved to a lower-rent
location across the bay in the 1960s, pr ominent San Franciscans moved in to buy and
restore the property. Granted landmark status in 1982, G hirardelli Square is now home
to a three-story mall with more than 50 shops. It hosts a roster of special events, includ-
ing an annual chocolate-tasting benefit in S eptember, and str eet per formers enter tain
regularly in the
West Plaza.
From your kids' point of view, the Square's best feature may
be the Ghirardelli Ice Cream and Chocolate Shop (p. 131).
900 North Point St. (btw. Beach and Larkin sts.)
&
415/775-5500.
www.ghirardellisq.com. Shops open
Sun-Thurs 10am-6pm; Fri-Sat 10am-9pm. Restaurants are open later.
Hyde Street Pier
All ages.
This noteworthy homage to San Francisco's sea-
faring past houses eight historic, refurbished ships, three of which you can tour. You may
walk for free along the lovely pier, with its breathtaking views of the Golden Gate Bridge;
however, there's a modest but worthwhile fee to tour the boats. At the far end of the pier
is the most striking ship, and one of the fe w remaining square-riggers, the majestic
Bal-
clutha.
She took her maiden voyage from Cardiff, Wales, on January 15, 1887, and over
the course of her wor king life carried coal, wheat, lumber , and finally canned salmon
from Alaska. In retirement she appeared in the movie
Mutiny on the Bounty.
Completely
restored, the ship hosts events throughout the year, including some just for kids. But no
event need be taking place for your kids to enjoy climbing into the crew's bunks, check-
ing out the furnished captain's quarters, and visiting the galley. The 1890 steam ferryboat
Eureka
was the last of 50 paddle-wheel ferries that r egularly plied the bay and made its
6
Tips
F eeling Crabby?
If your blood sugar's low, head to the seafood counters at Fisherman's Wharf.
Local
Dungeness crab
season begins in November and ends in May. If you don't
see crates of live crabs ready for steaming, you are buying a once-frozen, pre-
cooked crab. With a loaf of sourdough and drinks (white wine for the grown-ups,
perhaps?) you have the quintessential San Francisco meal. Take the food, some
napkins, and your family and look for
Fish Alley,
just to the west of Jones Street
and parallel to Jefferson Street. You'll find a peaceful shelter here where you can
savor your snack sitting on the dock by the bay.
