After my extensive tour from the Victorian times Full Anne Hotel, i was prepared to start going through the city. A minimum of so far as the elements was concerned, our adventure in Bay Area hadn't had an auspicious start. It absolutely was pouring down rain and drizzling the entire day, and gray skies were hanging within the city. However the weather had began to obvious up just a little, therefore we jumped around the number 47 bus on Van Ness to get at San Francisco's northern waterfront and also got off away Street, near to Fort Mason Center.

 The rain had finally stopped, therefore we embarked to the shoreline where we'd an attractive look at the Golden Gate Bridge, its northern border side of Bay Area Bay, in addition to Alcatraz Island. Despite the dark clouds coming, San Franciscos shoreline was still being a sensational sight to behold, so we looked back for the city in which the large red-colored Ghirardelli sign caught our attention. We began walking around the paved pathway near the bay that comprises the Bay Area Maritime National Historic Park. A whole number of historic ships which includes the Balclutha, a rigged sailing ship built-in 1886, is moored in the Hyde Street Pier.

 Came from here we made our way east to famous Ghirardelli Square which became one of San Franciscos prime tourist points of interest. Actually, the square is moored through the former headquarters from the Ghirardelli Chocolate Company, that was founded by Italian immigrant Domingo Ghirardelli in 1852. Today this square shows up within the National Register of Historic Places, and most 40 restaurants and stores have discovered new houses at a negative balance brick industrial heritage structures. There's still a store here that sells Ghirardelli chocolate that is now produced in San Leandro in Alameda County, California.

 We ongoing our stroll beyond the Cannery, an old fruit-canning plant built-in 1909 that's been converted into a shopping center with assorted passages and courtyards. Around the south side of Jefferson Street we walked by a few art galleries that featured very unique art. Bay Area is certainly an excellent place to go for art and gallery enthusiasts. Further east we discovered a number of souvenir shops which were selling t-t shirts and fleece jackets at very affordable prices. The store proprietors were on the point of close, however they still contacted us to tell us regarding their special deals.

 The sights along Jefferson Avenue ongoing it houses the famous historic trolley lines which include heritage streetcars from metropolitan areas all around the U . s . States. Certainly one of San Franciscos signature items is its famous sourdough bread, and also the Boudin Bakery continues to be renowned for decades for creating this Bay Area delicacy. The companys history goes dating back to 1849 when Isidore Boudin, an expert baker who immigrated from France began to provide bread towards the miners which had arrived at Bay Area to take advantage of the 1849 Gold Hurry. Today there's a contemporary store having a caf, and thru the large glass home windows we're able to watch the way the bread had been made. The bakers loved the interest of the numerous viewers and smiled frequently these were making all various kinds of bread, a lot of it formed by means of lobsters, crabs and teddybears.

 Soon after we arrived at the famous Fishermans Wharf sign that was now illuminated because it had been dark. Some sources state that Fishermans Wharf is most likely the 2nd most visited tourist destination within the U . s . States, second simply to the Disney points of interest. The region got began when Italian fisherman showed up from Genoa and Sicily within the 1800s. Pier 45 holds a chapel that remember the Lost Anglers of Bay Area and Northern California. To this day, fishing boats for sale still set out of the harbour early every morning. But tourism has certainly become the main draw for this area.

 Aside from a number of stores, the south side of Jefferson Street, the primary street in Fishermans Wharf, also features sights like the Wax Museum where greater than 300 wax figures provide existence moments like the ancient tomb of Eygptian King Tutankamun, a tableau from the Last Supper along with a three-dimensional Hireling Shepherd. Just steps away is Ripleys Surprisingly! Museum, a well known place that houses a variety of curiosities and oddities.

 Walking further east we've got enchanted by certainly one of Fishermans Wharfs most widely used points of interest: the ocean lions that congregate on wooden platforms within the water just west of Pier 39. Even at near to 9 pm these animals remained as awake and livening in the area using their characteristic barks. The storyline behind this interesting colony of marine animals can also be fascinating: a couple of dozen individuals moved in soon after the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, now as much as 900 ocean lions dominate the wooden docks before Pier 39.

 We'd have loved to take more time there, however the evening was now certainly sticky and cold, therefore we made the decision to mind inside to possess our dinner. We entered Neptunes Structure, a properly-known sea food restaurant in the tip of Pier 39. District features huge panorama home windows that showcase a 180 degree northerly look at Bay Area Bay, including Alcatraz. Regrettably it had been dark and foggy, but we imagined the view should be absolutely stunning after that.

 Now chilled towards the bone out of this foggy and awesome Feb evening, we loved the nice and cozy atmosphere within this spacious restaurant. We'd phone extensive menu, and that i made the decision to buy some crab cakes along with a vegetarian risotto, and my travel partner Leslie made the decision to test the coconut fried prawns then the hazelnut crusted ocean bass. My usual inquisitiveness drove me to discover much more about district and that i situated Mark Allen, the assistant manager, who offered me a tour from the establishment.

 We began served by the Slide carousel Lounge which overlooks Pier 39s historic slide carousel, a well known attraction for families who travel here. Even though it was pitch dark outdoors, I possibly could also begin to see the illuminated Coit Tower and also the Transamerica Pyramid with the Panorama window. Beyond the full-service bar we joined the primary dining area area featuring wall-to-wall panorama home windows. Mark explained to me the view here includes Ghirardelli Square, the Golden Gate Bridge, Angel Island and Alcatraz. I really regretted coming here during the night and believed that I ought to have visited during the day to trap this amazing view. Around the left hands side from the restaurant Mark required me in to the Garden Room, a sizable room with skylights and movie home windows that's frequently employed for large parties. Not remarkably, Neptunes Structure is extremely popular, because of the view and it is cuisine.

 Mark explained to me that fresh seafood is introduced in every day, and Dungeness crabs are presently in season which begins in November. Neptunes Structure has numerous signature dishes: extremely popular would be the Mixed Sea food Grill and Baby Lobster, along with the Cioppino that is a medley of crab, scallop, clam, mussel, rock shrimp fresh seafood and penne pasta inside a spicy broth. Patrons also enjoy the Fishermans Stew that is offered having a bib along with a hot towel. Frequently asked for seafood dishes range from the Seared Thai Fish and also the Marinated Ahi Tuna, not to mention, that old stand-by Seafood & Chips.

 We talked a little concerning the restaurant generally, and Mark pointed out that although the clients are extremely worldwide whatsoever occasions of the season, there's a noticeably greater quantity of Japanese site visitors during the cold months. Neptunes Structure is really a favourite spot for plans, first dates, wedding anniversaries along with other personal festivities. Valentine's Day is really a definite favourite. Many visitors include their own families, and youngsters get special attention at Neptunes Structure. Business clients include participants of the numerous worldwide conventions which are locked in Bay Area.

 Following the tour we settled in and began to savor our dinner. I'm not often a large sea food eater, however i certainly loved my crab cakes, and also the vegetarian risotto delighted my tastebuds. Leslie loved her sea food combination too, so we began to unwind following a very packed day. Following a scrumptious dinner we headed back along Jefferson and as much as North Point Street where we're able to catch the 47 bus again to some well-deserved relaxation in the Full Anne Hotel.

 Regardless of the under optimal weather, our first day in Bay Area was really a real success. I was already curious what Day 2 would hold which may incorporate a culinary tour of Little Italia and abike ride over the Golden Gate Bridge. More excitement was waiting for us