San Francisco Fleet Week 2008, Pictures, Directions, Blue Angels, Schedules

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San Francisco Fleet Week

To Fisherman's Wharf:

From the North Bay Area

Take the Golden Gate Bridge into San Francisco (Portions toll)
Turn Left onto Van Ness Ave.
Turn Right onto North Point St.
Turn Left onto Stockton St.
Turn Right onto Beach St.

From the South Bay Area

Take 101 South toward SF
Merge onto I-280 N
Take the exit on the left
Merge onto King St.
King St becomes Embarcadero
Drive 2.5 miles
Fisherman's Wharf is on the Left

From the East Bay Area

Take 80 across the Bay Bridge
Take the Fremont St Exit
Turn Right onto Howard St.
Turn Left onto the Embarcadero
Drive 1.5 miles
Fisherman's Wharf is on the Left

Feats of daring by the Blue
Angels over San Francisco Bay.

A tradition since 1981, Fleet Week is the most anticipated Fall event in San Francisco.

With an estimated audience of 1 million, spectators are drawn every year to the city's northern waterfront to be awed by a parade of Navy ships, along with a spectacular aerial show that includes the Navy Blue Angels.

Also on hand are a variety of other nighttime entertainment venues that kick off just as the sun sets over San Francisco Bay.

When : Traditionally, Fleet Week is scheduled around the time of San Francisco's Italian Heritage Day Parade on Columbus Day weekend.

This year, Fleet Week dates stretch from October 9 - 14 with the air show on October 11th and 12th (see full schedule below).

Where : Join the crowds along the main viewing area at Fisherman's Wharf, or from any vantage point along the shores of San Francisco Bay.

Air Show & Blue Angels

It's without a doubt the main event of San Francisco Fleet Week, with death-defying aerial stunts guaranteed to take a spectactor's breath away.

Aerobatic maneuvers include the Blue Angels' signature diamond formation and the six-jet Delta formation, along with dizzyiing solo performances by individual pilots high above San Francisco Bay.

Warning: those with sensitive hearing are advised to wear ear plugs, since the engines that power Blue Angels jets are LOUD.

2008 Air Show Schedule:

10/9 (Thu)	Noon - 5pm	Blue Angel Survey Flights & Practice
10/10 (Fri)	1 - 4pm	Air Show Practice & Blue Angels
10/11 (Sat)	1 - 4pm	Fleet Week Parade, Air Show & Blue Angels
10/12 (Sun)	1 - 5pm	Ship Tours, Air Show & Blue Angels

2008 Ship Parade & Visits

Following the Parade of Ships that kick-off Fleet Week celebrations, go on a free tour of several U.S and Canadian navy ships conducted by ship crewmembers along the San Francisco waterfront.

Ships open for inspections traditionally include destroyers, frigates, and coastal defense vessels.

Schedule:
10/11 (Sat) 10/12 (Sun)	Noon - 1pm Noon - 4pm Noon - 4pm	Parade of Fleet Week Ships Ship Visits

More about San Francisco Fleet Week around the Web:

SF Fleet Week Official Site

Fleet Week - Wikipedia

How to Enjoy San Francisco Fleet Week

also see related feature -> Smart Choices for San Francisco Hotels