North Beach and Fisherman’s Wharf

The Fisherman’s Wharf and North Beach areas are an odd amalgam of old-school residential neighborhood and total tourist mecca. North Beach has long served as the Italian district of San Francisco [1] and the restaurants in the area bear this out.

Fisherman’s Wharf was the spot where 19th-century Italians came to work; they were a big part of the fishing fleet that provided San Francisco with its legendary supply of fresh seafood.

Today, Fisherman’s Wharf [2] is the spot where tourists to San Francisco [1] come to visit and snap photos. If you’re not into crowds, avoid the area in the summertime.

For visitors who can hack a ton of other people, some of the best views of the air show during Fleet Week and the fireworks on the Fourth of July can be found down on the Wharf.