2014 - April 24th - Alcatraz, Fisherman's Warf, Ghirardelli Chocolate

Thursday morning we continued our San Francisco adventure with our trip to Alcatraz Island and visiting the prison on The Rock. We walked a couple of blocks to catch the vintage streetcar that the city has purchased from various cities around the country and placed into service that takes us the Fisherman's Wharf area. It was a great 20 minute or so ride to the pier where we caught the ferry to Alcatraz. Tickets sell out quickly so we had pre-purchased on line several weeks prior to our trip.
                
While waiting for our 10:30 cruise we wandered around the dock viewing and reading about Alcatraz from the model that sits in the gathering center.
                 The approach to the island gave spectacular views of both Alcatraz and then in back of us the skyline view of San Francisco.

Once on the island, we had a short introduction by one of the volunteers before embarking on our self guided tour with audio headsets. So many interesting facts and seeing the inside of the prison which were all fascinating. The three tiers of 5' by 10' cells, solitary confinement cells, the recreation yard, dining hall, warden's house, famous inmates and much more made this 2 1/2 hour tour stimulating.  
                
                 
San Francisco from Alcatraz Island
                 
Returning on the Ferry to the piers, it was time to walk over to Fisherman's Wharf.
                 
We had timed it pretty well to arrive back in time for selecting a lunch venue. It was a little too chilly to sit on the curb and eat from one of the take-out vendor establishments. We stumbled across the oldest restaurant in Fisherman's Wharf, Alioto's Waterside Café Restaurant.
We were taken to the third floor and seated at a window table overlooking the marina on the bay.

Mary Anne enjoyed Fish Soup and Larry the traditional San Francisco Fish & Chips ...
Wandering around and exploring Fisherman's Wharf is always a lot of fun!
                  
We ended the piers and went up to the Ghirardelli Marketplace Square full of shops and that famous Ghirardelli chocolate!
              
A beautiful Mermaid Fountain in the Square
The shoreline is gorgeous and when in San Francisco you just can't get enough of the Golden Gate Bridge ...

                  
                                       
          
                                                      
Now late afternoon, we hopped the vintage streetcar to return to our Civic Center area and hotel. By dinner time we had decided to go to Ken's Chinese Restaurant just a couple of blocks away that we had passed in our walks. Even though the name may not sound authentic, the food is. This was another excellent choice. The corner table we were at had beautiful blooming orchids behind the table.
We indulged in glazed Walnut Prawns, Chicken Chop Suey, Prawns with Asparagus, and Fried Rice.

Another wonderful day on this vacation trip. Click here to see the complete album of pictures from the day. Click below on Older Posts to see the previous day of this trip.