Tall Ships Sail Into San Francisco

San Francisco in 2008 isn't quite the Barbary Coast (for better or worse). But the city will host a few Tall Ships and a Pirate Academy next week when the Parade of Sail -- through the Golden Gate -- starts the five-day Festival of Sail. Here's what's happening:

• Wednesday, July 23 (10am): Parade of Sail - 32 Tall Ships Sail Under the Golden Gate Bridge
• July 23 to July 27: Festival of Sail - Tall Ship tours, festival events, three festival villages, pirate academy, mock cannon battles and day sails

The parade is free from any vantage point along the Marin Headlands, San Francisco waterfront, or any view point of the Golden Gate Bridge. A schedule of daily events is available at the Festival of Sail website.

Additional details - Festival of Sail:

• The three Festival of Sail villages will be at: AT&T Park (Green Village), Ferry Building (International Sail Village), and Pier 43-1/2 (Marine Educational Village)
• Purchase Boarding Passes online for one of three villages, which will feature several vessels and other maritime-history highlights ($10 to $20)
• Board the Red and White Fleet Water Taxi to connect between the three villages. Book online ($16) for a full day pass

Related Articles:

• Barbary Coast Trail - Photo Tour
• San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park (Photos)
• Profile of Red and White Fleet's SF Explorer Cruise

^{Image Courtesy of Festival of Sail}