Fisherman's Wharf: San Francisco

A must-do on the San Francisco tourist circuit, Fisherman's Wharf is home to great dining, shopping, and family-friendly entertainment. Fishermen still dock to bring in hauls, supplying the area's abundant seafood restaurants; we recommend Scoma's and Alioto's for the best crab and clam chowder. Scores of museums await kids and adults alike, including Ripley's Believe It or Not!, the Musee Mecanique, and the Aquarium of the Bay at the dining and entertainment complex of Pier 39, where hundreds of sea lions lounge and bark. From the Wharf, ferries also shuttle visitors to and from Alcatraz Island, the city's former notorious prison and one of its top attractions.

Nearby Ghiradelli Square offers visitors a respite from the scores of souvenir shops and maddening tourist crowds on Jefferson Street. A more laid-back, outdoor mall experience, Ghiradelli Square boasts unique gift shops, the city's signature chocolate brand's flagship store, and sophisticated dining, including the divine Gary Danko (often hailed as the city's best restaurant) and Ana Mandara. © NileGuide