San Francisco, CA -

With views of Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge, the Marina District of San Francisco is a beautiful way to explore the shoreline of the bay. One of the most popular areas is the Fisherman’s Wharf. It’s a bustling hub of fresh fish markets, tourist shops, and restaurants. The Fisherman’s Grotto is by far the most well-known because it was the first sit-down restaurant at Fisherman’s Wharf. Nearby is a wonderful place called Buena Vista to get Irish coffee. There is no permanent ramp to the front entrance but a wooden one can be brought out. It’s a little cramped once you get inside but oh so worth it. If you are not in the mood for an Irish coffee then you have the choice of a full bar and large pub menu.

Also in this area are ferry’s that can take you to Alcatraz. From June-September is a high tourist season for this attraction, so it’s highly recommended that you purchase your tickets online at least a day in advance (if available). It is possible to get tickets the day of during this time but if this is your plan then get to there in the morning. Once you get over to the island there is an accessible front entrance to the famous cellblock where the Birdman of Alcatraz was incarcerated.

If you follow along the Embarcadero eventually you’ll see Ghirardelli Square a couple of block away up the hill on the corner of Beach and Larkins Street. This is a very steep hill so some assistance may be needed if not traveling by car. A good distance down the road, there is a great bay-side walkway that wraps around Fort Mason. In this neighborhood you can escape the over-crowed tourist areas and enjoy some refreshing open and views of Alcatraz and the Gold Gate Bridge. There are not that many places to get food really close by but there is the Safeway grocery store where you can get sandwiches and use the restroom.

The Fort Mason Center is a multi-complex that is rented out by various companies and organizations, check out the calendar of events. Some of spaces are home to resident non profit organizations provide you with information on printmaking, river rafting, broadcasting, theater, dance, marine ecosystems, and more. Located on the 3rd floor of Building is the Environmental Traveling Companions that takes groups of people with physical disabilities on outdoor adventures, like kayaking and white water rafting. This organization does not limit itself to the Bay Area or even California.

In the distance over the roof tops of the lavish bay-side homes you might catch a glimpse of a giant gold dome from the marina. This beautiful structure is actually the San Francisco Exploratorium: the museum of science, art and human perception. It is designed to spark curiosity—regardless of your age or familiarity with science. Touch, pick up, and tinker with hundreds of exhibits. It is open Tuesday-Sunday from 10am-5pm  and is a great place to take young children.  There is handicapped parking outside and admission is at a reduced rate for the physically disabled and if you are traveling with a large group and make a reservation they will also receive a discount, see complete disabled access information.

brought to you by:
wheelchairtraveling.com
making adventure accessible