Beach St, Marina

As a semi-local non-tourist, I will tell you to avoid Fisherman's Wharf at all cost, but that is my own, personal, biased opinion. Many people love the area, and there is a reason why it gets so much action, that has as much to do with the droves of street artists and vendors as it does with overpriced restaurants and ferry tours. Admittedly, I do love the sourdough bread shop.

Luckily for the non-tourists, the street redeems itself quickly, bordering Ghiradelli Square, the SF Maritime Park (which I have already indicated as one of the most romantic areas, by night, that I have ever seen) and the western part of the Marina, known for its great restaurants and enough shopping to keep the entire cast of Sex & The City busy for days.

So while the street is inaptly named, unless you consider a couple of piers and a small nearby marina a "beach," it probably has more activity to offer than the real thing.

Beach Street runs through the Marina, Russian Hill and Fisherman's Wharf. Down by the Wharf there's not much to see, except hotels and some tourist shops with souvenirs. But as you going West toward Hyde, you'll come upon the Buena Vista bar - known for their Irish coffees and if you look right you'll see people lined up to ride the cable car. A little further West and you enter Russian Hill and you'll hit the San Francisco Maritime Museum. Go even further West into the Marina and it turns residential.

Beach Street is close to the wide open green space known as the Marina Green and close to Fort Mason. Both great park/outdoor areas to walk through or around. As you pass through Fisherman's Wharf and hit Russian Hill, Beach Street is only a block away from Ghiradelli Square. A fun spot if you like icecream, cupcakes, chocolate, or wine. Some shops there too.

Beach Street and the Fishermans Wharf are alive with activity twenty four hours a day. One of my favorite attractions in the area is the Aquarium of the Bay, located at Pier 39. This incredible aquatic refuge gives you a sneak peak into the beautiful waters of the San Francisco bay. You are able to walk through what feels like miles of underwater tunnels, exposing you to the most exotic wildlife the Pacific Ocean has to offer. Tons of learning activities for the whole family!