With all there is to see, do and experience in San Francisco, planning a getaway there can be overwhelming for a first timer - What to do first? Where to eat? What "must see" places to do first? There is no shortage of historical attractions to seek out and explore in San Francisco - Alcatraz Island, North Beach, the Embarcadero, Union Square, the Golden Gate Bridge, Chinatown, the Castro District and more.

But one place any visit to San Franciscan absolutely must include is a visit to Fisherman's Wharf and Pier 39. While it may now be widely recognized primarily as a stop on any vacationer's itinerary, Fisherman's Wharf is still a fully functioning wharf for actual fishermen.

The Wharf is home to a fleet of fishermen, many of which are multi-generational, who have been responsible for collecting Dungeness crabs for over a century. You can purchase live, whole (cooked) crab with no difficulty. Crab Season takes place in November of ever year and is an important, historical event in San Francisco. If your trip happens to coincide with this event, and you're a seafood lover, you're in for a treat! If you're an early riser, it is recommended to take a trip down to the wharf in the early morning hours as you'll have the opportunity to experience the fishermen at work in their element.

The Wharf is also full of entertainment of various kinds. Laid out in a boardwalk style, visitors will have an opportunity to visit and see local attractions such as the Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museum, which is billed as the "Home of the odd and unusual", where you can see things such as a giant sized, 23 foot tall teddy bear, a five legged calf, Tribal Artifacts collected from around the world and even vampires and graveyards!

For the nautical enthusiasts and war history aficionados, there is the Maritime Museum which offers visitors the opportunity to see the SS Jeremiah O'Brien Liberty Ship and USS Pampanito submarine as well as the authentic sights, sounds, and stories of Pacific Coast maritime history.

During the daytime, you can take a tour along the wharf. Using the 27 signs posted along the wharf, you can give yourself a crash course in the history of the Fisherman's Wharf. The self-guided tour is a great way to take in the entire area, learn some facts and history about the location and take in the multitude of colorful, funny and entertaining street performers who will be in abundance.

Foodies will not be excluded from the fun at Fisherman's Wharf. The seafood available is some of the best in the world, and many of the edibles long associated with San Francisco, such as exotic chocolates and sourdough bread, are readily available. Dining ranges from take away stands to fine dining restaurants where your choices are not limited to seafood only.

If shopping is your thing, there are many opportunities to do so at the Wharf. The boardwalk is full of shops offering many goods exclusive to the area as well as the usual tourist oriented goods. Amongst the shopping facilities is Northpoint Shopping Center where you can access ATM's, currency exchange, shoe repair, a day spa, and a 24 hour fitness center, as well as many other shops and services.

A trip to Fisherman's Wharf will no doubt be a wonderful, fun filled adventure that will provide many great memories - don't miss it!