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When it comes to sail-ins around the world some, such as sailing past the Sydney Opera House or through the beautiful Stockholm archipelago, are more spectacular than others. Another memorable one is San Francisco, where guests and crew alike gather on the forward decks to catch a glimpse of all the different sites.

Approaching the Golden Gate Bridge

Approaching the Golden Gate Bridge

The main sight obviously is the Golden Gate Bridge. When it opened in 1937 it was the longest suspension bridge in the world, today it is one of the most photographed and famous bridges in the world. This is also one of the first things you can see as you get closer to land. Standing on deck watching the bridge get closer and closer until you finally sail under it is truly an impressive experience.

Golden Gate Bridge

Golden Gate Bridge

Continuing towards the port you will see Alcatraz on one side and the city itself on the other side. If the sail in is early in the morning you will have the beautiful morning light playing with the ruins of Alcatraz, creating some pretty awesome photo opportunities – not to mention playing on the mystique of the island itself. Looking over on the city side you can see the straight streets, the hills and famous landmarks such as the Trans-America pyramid.

Alcatraz

Alcatraz

 

San Francisco -Almost at the pier

San Francisco -Almost at the pier

For non-turnaround calls to San Francisco we are normally docked right next to Pier 39, with all its shops and eateries it is one of the bigger tourist attractions in town. Even if it is a super busy spot I love walking around people watching, and window shopping in all the different stores. There are also some very nice fish restaurants in the area, not surprising considering it is right next to fisherman’s wharf. Last time I had the most amazing clam chowder at Pier Market Seafood Restaurant.

San Francisco - Pier 39

San Francisco – Pier 39

 

San Francisco - Fisherman’s Wharf

San Francisco – Fisherman’s Wharf

Obviously one of the biggest highlights of Pier 39 are the sea lions at the end of the pier, you even have cute little sea lion signs you can follow to get to them. They mainly relax on docs built for them just of the pier. There is a viewing platform right in front of the docks, however this is normally packed with other tourists. If you go up to the balcony just above, you will still have an amazing view of the sea lions, but you will most likely be all by yourself. While they sleep most of the time it is really funny to see when one sea lion decides to move and starts walking on top of the other ones, waking them all up.

Follow Salty

Follow Salty

San Francisco Sea Lions

San Francisco Sea Lions

 

San Fransisco Sea Lions

San Francisco Sea Lions – Best viewing spot