The Smiffs Go West - Day 2 – Azkaban (also known as Alcatraz) Uss Pampanito and Fishermans Wharf

[Ruthy1604]

The index is here

I don’t recall how early we woke but it was still dark outside. The fog had descended, but I still thought the view was beautiful. We led in bed until the kids started to stir and then we got ready for our trip to Alcatraz (or Azkaban) as DD kept calling it. We had watched Escape from Alcatraz at home the week before so I hoped it would make the visit a little more interesting to put it in context.



I’m not sure what time we set off but it was early! It was our intention to walk down and investigate Washington Square where the famous Mamas restaurant was, and pick up some breakfast on the way. Nothing seemed to be open (but we did find Mamas) and we got to the sea front around 7.30am. We loved the walk down the hill even though it was drizzling a bit and was quite chilly. We ended up in Boudin’s for breakfast! 3 waffles and a chocolate croissant for DD. The food was great – made to order and really fresh and tasty.



We then found the right pier, had the obligatory photo and got on the boat. I wasn’t sure if the kids would be bored but we all thoroughly enjoyed Alcatraz. I’m really glad that the audio tour is included in the price. We don’t usually pay for extras so would have missed out a lot of the detail. DD was absolutely fascinated about the escape and we ended up going around the cell house twice and chatting to a ranger for ages. The views of both the Golden Gate bridge and the Bay Bridge (from the boat) are stunning. You can see the whole city!

[Ruthy1604]

When we got back to the city we walked to Ghirardelli Square as we love the shop in DTD (and the free samples). The shop in the square was having a refurb and, although you could have a sundae there, it was just too noisy with the drilling and banging so we went downstairs to the ‘to go’ shop. I was a bit surprised at Ghirardelli square. I thought there would be some kind of museum showing the history of the company, but there was nothing apart from a few random shops and offices. It was lovely there though, plenty of places to sit and watch the world go by (not that we did lol).



Suitably stuffed full of ice cream, we wandered back along the piers, went into the penny arcade for a while and fed some bizarre machines with coins. We had to have the picture of DD on a pony as she was gutted to miss the last day of Pony Camp on the day we flew. I promised not to post it on Facebook!

We watched a really talented street artist making pictures with spray paint. He made the whole picture with spray cans, a plate, a few buttons and a scraper! DD wanted to buy one for $15, but we managed to dissuade her as I'm not sure it would have travelled well.







Ds was tempted with this hat!



We also went on board the USS Pampanito as I had bought a groupon. It was so quiet onboard – I think there was only one other visitor. It was great, but there was no information about anything on the ship. I think we should have purchased the audio tour or a booklet, but we just mooched around looking at things and sort of guessing what there were for!



At about 6pm we were all getting a bit tired. Its here that I have a confession, we looked all around pier 39, bought som souveniers and I totally forgot to see the sealions I blame the jet lag!

We couldn’t decide where to eat and DD just wanted to eat so we ended up in a surf bar called Wipeout on Pier 39. It was nice enough, but nothing special - DD had mac and cheese, DS had pizza, I had tacos and DD had a fried combo according to the receipt. I, of course, had a rather large margarita! The total was $95 including tip.

After dinner, we queued at the turnaround for ages and caught the cable car back to the hotel. It stops right outside which was perfect. We had a giggle at a man with a rather inappropriate balloon on the cable car



Another early night gazing out at the view. No one even spotted the TV.

[CrispyA]

just had a good giggle at that balloon as well!

We loved Alcatraz too and had to watch Escape from Alcatraz when we got back to the UK.

[abiknox]

Fabulous first day, the city looks amazing first thing, as does that waffle!

Shame you missed the sealions

[Ruthy1604]

Ahh - Keep reading Abi. I did go back another day!

You've got it all to look forward to

[Guest]

Alcatraz is just totally fascinating. Astonishing too that it is a National Park!
At Pier 39 you should have headed to Neptune's. Great restaurant.

[k4ti3-x]

Your breakfast looked amazing! Did you ever get to Mama's? It was on our list but we never had time - always had a big queue when we passed on buses though Pics of Alcatraz are great!

[Nubbedy]

Would love to go to Alcatraz. That balloon though...

[caj]

This looks like an interesting trip! Off to read more ...