Pier 45, estacade à San Francisco
Pier 45 is a wooden dock in the heart of Fisherman's Wharf where boats are moored and history is preserved. The pier provides access to the restored USS Pampanito submarine from World War II, a memorial chapel, and nearby museums that document the area's maritime past.
The pier was built in the early 1900s as a working fishing dock and served for decades as the main landing point for the city's fishing industry. It later became home to restored warships and grew into a memorial space preserving maritime history.
The pier remains deeply connected to San Francisco's fishing heritage and maritime traditions that shaped the city. The presence of working boats and memorials reflects how this place continues to honor those who made their living from the sea.
The pier is open during daylight hours and offers a straightforward walking path along the waterfront with clear views. The area becomes crowded during peak tourism times, so visiting early in the day or on weekdays is helpful for a better experience.
Musée Mécanique on the pier holds over 300 working vintage carnival and arcade machines that visitors can still operate for small coins. The collection reveals how people spent their leisure time generations ago.
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