Exploring the Streets of San Francisco in Universal Orlando

For all those just tuning in, this is one in a series of travel articles.  My hubby and I traveled from Davis CA to Orlando Florida to celebrate my benchmark birthday at the exciting Universal Studios Florida.   

As a Northern Californian native who lives roughly 90 minutes from the Golden Gates, I’ve visited more often than I can count.  I simply adore the city by the bay, especially Fisherman’s Wharf.  I love the smell of the ocean, the boats and shops.  I was amazed—guess I shouldn’t have been—at the depth of Universal’s snapshot replica of the big city in this part of the park. 

(Source: Wikimedia of the sign in SF, CA.)

Fisherman’s Wharf in Orlando

Those magic makers at Universal really show off their skills here.  As we strolled through this tiny section of the park, the iconic “Fisherman’s Wharf” sign signals what we will all find here.  However, the real gems are in the details.  Slow down; look up, look down and investigate shop windows.  You just might find some interesting and historical items as you gaze into those windows.  Additionally, names on the buildings are either similar or the same to those found in San Francisco, like “Ferries & Cliff House Railway”.  

I expected cable cars, or at least the sound of cable cars, as the attention to detail extended to including cable car rails in the street.  The boats lining the wharf lend a realistic feel. 

Chocolate!

When I saw the Ghirardelli sign, the chocolate lover in me lusted for squares of rich Ghirardelli chocolates.  My hubby and I stayed in Ghirardelli Square in the real SF years ago and enjoyed it very much.  The entire area smelled of chocolaty goodness.  I assumed there would be an actual store since it looked so realistic.  But no.  It was just a very well-done façade.  Darn.   

The Missing Rides

I’m mourning the loss of the only two “rides” in the San Francisco section of the park.  Disaster! was more of a show demonstrating how scenes are staged. Since it was interactive with the audience, it was a hoot.

Beetlejuice...sigh.  I adore Beetlejuice and the show was an interesting representation of the movie. Loved the music. Unfortunately, these two moved on to provide space for new experiences.  Those I will cover in the future. 

Catch a Bite

Lombard’s Seafood Grille looks remarkably like an upscale eatery right on the San Francisco wharf.  It has a varied menu with reasonable prices.

For a quick bite, street style, stop at the Chez Alcatraz cart for some flatbread, drinks and chips.  

Our favorite was Richter’s Burger Co.  Focusing on the infamous 1906 earthquake that destroyed much of San Francisco, Richter’s (as in Richter’s Scale) serves earthquake themed food, like the “Aftershock Double Cheeseburger” and “The San Andreas Grilled Chicken Sandwich”, both under $10 and includes fries and a drink. Here you can dress your sandwiches as per your preference.  

   

       

*See below for picture details.          Replica inside Richter's Burger Co.

On various visits, we enjoyed our meals inside among the many SF earthquake memorabilia and outside on their waterfront deck.   

You really must see this park with your own eyes to enjoy it fully.  We were there for four days and feel as if we didn’t see enough.

Happy journeys! 

*Picture Details: Stanford University zoology building with fallen statue of zoologist Louis Agassiz implanted (1906).   Damage after the 1906 San Francisco earthquake in the University's Richardsonian Romanesque style Main Quad.  Source: Frank Davey: California Digital Library: The 1906 San Francisco Earthquake and Fire Digital Collection

Please Read

Exploring Woody Woodpeckers’ Kidzone & World Expo, Universal Orlando

How to Maximize Your Visit to Universal Studios Florida

Exploring the Streets of New York Universal Orlando Theme Park