Captain Nemo himself couldn’t have dreamed up a more fitting homage to the maritime life than Argonaut Hotel. Situated on San Francisco’s historic Fisherman’s Wharf, the hotel is decorated with portholes, steering wheels, and sails. And no wonder: It resides in the 1907 Haslett Warehouse at The Cannery, a former Del Monte plant that overlooks the rippling San Francisco Bay and harbor.
The Wharf itself is pretty special. It’s been the seafaring hub of San Francisco since the Gold Rush — more than 150 years ago. Back in the day, it was exclusively a working harbor; most fishermen hunted for Dungeness crab. The Wharf was redeveloped as a tourist magnet in the 1970s, but a good number still cast their reels here throughout the year.
A harbor like no other
Front desk staff at Argonaut Hotel will help you adjust to your sea legs, and point you to numerous diversions found within a few tidy blocks. Here are a few sights.
San Francisco Maritime National Historic Park – Off Hyde Street Pier, it harbors a fleet of national historic landmark ships, including the square-rigger, Balclutha; the schooner, C.A. Thayer; a tug, Hercules; and the steamboat, Eureka. Depending on the time of year, visitors can board and explore some of them. The park is also home to the Visitor’s Center and Interactive Museum (499 Jefferson St., 415/447-5000), which unveils the story of the entire area.
Musee Mecanique – Pop in quarters to animate more than 300 mechanically operated musical instruments and old-school arcade machines in this quirky living museum. The facility houses one of the largest collections of its kind. Pier 45, Shed A, 415/346-2000.
Treats at Crown & Crumpet
Crown & Crumpet – Afternoon tea is served at the tiny, girly shop in Ghirardelli Square. The basic experience comes with a tower of finger sandwiches and mini pastries. There’s also a smaller “Nursery Tea” for sippers 12 and under. Breakfast and lunch is also served a la carte. 207 Ghirardelli Square, 415/771-4252.
Lefty’s – Southpaws flock to the quirky store on Pier 39 for all sorts of left-handed products, including pens, notebooks, kitchen tools, and scissors. There’s also a range of items for the ambidextrous. Pier 39, Box 13, 415/956-9131.
The Buena Vista Café – Since 1952, this neighborhood bar and restaurant has prided itself on Irish coffee drinks that rival the ones you’d find in Ireland. Secrets include imported whisky and homemade whipped cream. Bartenders hold the title in the Guinness Book of World Records for the largest Irish coffee. 2765 Hyde St., 415/474-5044.
Back at Argonaut Hotel
Boudin Bakery – Sourdough and San Francisco go hand in hand. Visit the circa-1850 flagship location to score free samples; explore the on-site museum; and take a tour, during which you can peer down on day-to-day operations from a catwalk suspended from the ceiling. 160 Jefferson St., 415/928-1849.
For more information on Fisherman’s Wharf, contact the San Francisco Convention & Visitors Bureau at 415-391-2000 or go to sanfrancisco.travel/. To reserve a room at Argonaut Hotel, call 415-563-0800 or go to argonauthotel.com. Happy travels!
Story by Matt Villano; photos (from top) by SFCVB, Jerry Lee Hayes for SFCVB, Crown & Crumpet, and David Phelps
