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The Ghirardelli family ran a chocolate factory here from 1859 to 1962. The site is now home to upscale shops and eateries (see Wharf Area Shops, Places to Eat).

Inside you’ll find artifacts from the sea-going and fishing culture that made this area famous.

A makeover of this former warehouse was completed in 1967, and it’s now the site of some appealing boutiques, as well as tourist shops.

Built over a disused pier, this 1978 commercial venture became an instant success for promoting tourism in the wharf area. Two floors of shops and eateries, with a large central promenade complete with an antique Venetian carousel, keep drawing in the crowds.

This vintage submarine sank six enemy ships and damaged four others in World War II. You can tour its interior and get an idea of what life was like for the crew.

This little wooden chapel was built in 1980 as an interfaith memorial to all those who make and have made their living at sea.

This alley is possibly the last vestige of the authentic, workaday wharf. Here you can see fishing boats come in and watch as the catch of the day is landed and prepared for market.

The aquarium’s transparent tunnel visually immerses you in the San Francisco Bay marine habitat, where thousands of members of diverse ocean fauna disport themselves before your eyes. Video presentations and marine specialists help you understand what you’re seeing.

This is the home of the famous chain of San Francisco sourdough breadmakers. Stop by to try the distinctive crusty round loaf, best enjoyed warm from the oven with plenty of butter.

These two fun-zone denizens –- found as “attractions” around the world – are a give-away that these blocks of Jefferson Street are pure tourist trap.