Tourist Trap SF

Who doesn't know about the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and the Fisherman's Wharf? These three tourist attractions could have been the epitome of San Francisco tourism at one point in time. Is the buzz worth it then?

Pier 39 puts the capital T on trap...

I didn't expect Pier 39 or any of the Fisherman's Wharf to live up to expectations, to be honest. Research showed that most people regard it as at least a "touristy place". I was greeted  with an area lined with overpriced restaurants and souvenir shops. No matter, I came only to see the sea lions (and waste some time before my Alcratraz boat departed).

The sea lions smelt funny, though. And they sound sort of funny.

The boat ride to Alcatraz is quite short, but the line up to buy the tickets... We lined up at 1230 and the first available ferry was 1420 (the actual queue was only about 10 minutes long). Word of advice, buy it online! Board at Pier 33 (the Alcatraz landing). The ride is $26 round trip during the day, $33 at night.

San Francisco Coastline.

While you look forward to your adventure on Alcatraz, don't forget to look back at the gorgeous San Francisco coastline. It's definitely a sight to behold.

Don't forget Alcatraz either though.

Alcatraz from the ferry. The large sign reads something like don't smuggle prisoners out or risk imprisonment.

I quite enjoyed Alcatraz. It's beautiful and full of history. The audio guide had lots of information to offer. Basically once you get off the ferry, a park ranger gives a message, which basically gave you 3 options:
1. Follow Mr. Park Ranger who will bring you on a 30 minute tour (which really is just along the way to the audio guide pick up point, he'll tell you some background stories),
2. Watch a video in the theatre, that's a 15 minute Discovery Channel video (we eavesdropped on Mr. Park Ranger, and it sounded like it was the same information), or
3. Go straight to the audio guide.

Super crowded interior of Alcatraz.

Sometimes it was hard to move around, but all in all worth it to explore all the nooks and crannies. The rec yard opened up to yet another amazing view of San Francisco coastline. There are numerous spots on the island that open up to the most gorgeous views of San Francisco, this is one tourist attraction that is worth the time (at least according to BumHead and me).

Anyway, still no Portal 2 reference. We'll see whether or not I'll manage it next time.

By fishii with 1 comment