PIER 39

Pier 39 is one of the most vibrant and popular attractions in San Francisco, located on the city's picturesque waterfront in the USA. This shopping and entertainment center, built right on the pier, attracts millions of visitors every year. The complex, designed in a maritime style with wooden boardwalks, includes two floors of shops, attractions, and restaurants where you can sample famous local seafood dishes.

However, the main "calling card" of Pier 39 is not the shops, but its permanent residents — the California sea lions. Since late 1989, these animals have chosen the floating docks at the pier for their haul-out. Watching their behavior, noisy games, and sunbathing is a favorite pastime for both tourists and locals. Their numbers change constantly depending on the season, but for most of the year, a whole colony of these charismatic mammals can be found here.

In addition to sea lion watching, Pier 39 is famous for its stunning views. It offers a magnificent panorama of San Francisco Bay, including the famous prison island of Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge. It is also home to the Aquarium of the Bay, where you can get a closer look at the region's underwater world, making it an ideal spot for a family outing.

For the most up-to-date information on business hours, special events, and services, it is recommended to visit the official website of the attraction or contact the management directly. Contact details and the address for Pier 39 are provided below.

A visit to Pier 39 is an immersion into a kaleidoscope of entertainment and experiences. The main reason thousands of people flock here is the California sea lion haul-out at K-Dock. These noisy and charismatic animals appeared here in 1990 and have since become the unofficial symbol of the pier. You can spend hours watching them play and rest on the floating platforms. Another must-do is a visit to the Aquarium of the Bay, which showcases the region's underwater world. Here, you can walk through transparent tunnels surrounded by sharks and other marine life, which is especially popular with children.

The pier offers plenty of opportunities for gastronomic discoveries and shopping. There are many restaurants to suit every taste, including the famous Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., themed after the movie "Forrest Gump," and the unique floating restaurant Forbes Island. You can grab a snack of fresh seafood while enjoying the bay view or visit one of the many souvenir shops. Since its opening in 1978, the pier has been known for its abundance of retail outlets and establishments, a tradition that continues today.

The festive atmosphere at Pier 39 is created by constant entertainment. Street performances, magicians, and musicians regularly perform on its grounds, drawing crowds of spectators. For those seeking active fun, there are arcade centers and attractions such as a two-story carousel, a 7D Experience, and a mirror maze. Additionally, boat tours depart from the pier, offering views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz, and during certain seasons, you can even go whale watching.

Getting to Pier 39 is quite easy, as it is located in one of San Francisco's most vibrant tourist areas — Fisherman's Wharf. Thanks to its convenient location on the Embarcadero waterfront, you can reach it by public transport, car, taxi, or even on foot while enjoying views of the bay.

The most authentic and scenic way to reach the pier is by taking the famous historic F-Market & Wharves streetcars. These colorful vintage cars run along the waterfront and stop right at Pier 39. Another popular option is to ride the legendary cable car; two of its lines end their routes just a few minutes' walk from the pier. Additionally, numerous Muni city buses serve the area.

If you prefer to travel by car, keep in mind that finding parking in this popular area can be challenging. For the convenience of visitors, the official PIER 39 Parking Garage is located directly across from the pier and is open 24 hours a day. Alternatively, you can use taxi or rideshare services, which will drop you off right at the entrance.

The history of modern Pier 39 is a story of transforming an ordinary port area into one of the city's primary tourist icons. Although the first pier on this site was built back in 1905, the idea to create a vibrant family entertainment complex here belongs to entrepreneur Warren Simmons. Construction began in August 1977, and one of the project's unique features was the use of authentic 1910s wood salvaged from the old Piers 34 and 3. The official opening took place on October 4, 1978, marking the start of a new era for the San Francisco waterfront.

After its opening, the pier quickly gained popularity. As early as 1979, the Blue & Gold Fleet launched its famous bay cruises from here, and in May 1983, the iconic two-story Venetian Carousel was installed at the end of the pier in place of a diving pool, and it still delights visitors today. The success was so overwhelming that in January 1989, USA Today named Pier 39 the third most-visited attraction in the United States.

However, the most iconic event that defined the pier's unique character occurred in January 1990. It was then that California sea lions began arriving en masse at the pier's docks, choosing them as their haul-out site. At first there were only a few, but soon their numbers began to grow. This phenomenon caused a real sensation both locally and internationally, turning the animals into the unofficial symbol and the main "living" attraction of Pier 39.

When planning a visit to Pier 39, you should allow for 1 to 3 hours. This is enough time for a leisurely stroll across both levels of the pier, watching the famous colony of California sea lions, taking photos with the bay and Alcatraz Island in the background, and browsing the souvenir shops. Even a short visit will allow you to feel the vibrant and festive atmosphere of the place.

If you want to dive deeper into the entertainment the pier offers, feel free to set aside half a day or even more. For example, a visit to the Aquarium of the Bay takes about an hour and a half to two hours. Lunch or dinner at one of the many waterfront restaurants, such as Crab House or Bubba Gump, will add at least another hour to your visit. Additionally, the pier features numerous small attractions, street performances, shops, and a carousel, all of which require time to explore.

Pier 39 also serves as the departure point for various boat tours, which can significantly increase your stay in the area. Bay cruises, trips to the Golden Gate Bridge, or around Alcatraz typically last between one and one and a half hours. Thus, the total time spent here depends entirely on your plans: whether it will be a short introductory walk or a full day packed with entertainment and new experiences.

Pier 39 is open to the public year-round, and you can walk through it at any time, as the pier itself is a public space. However, the operating hours of the individual establishments located here may vary. Generally, shops and attractions are open from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, while restaurants and cafes stay open longer, roughly from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM, with some opening earlier for breakfast or closing later. Hours may change based on the season, weather, and without prior notice.

No reservation is required for a simple stroll along the pier or to watch the sea lions. However, if you plan to visit specific popular attractions, such as the Aquarium of the Bay, or dine at a well-known restaurant—especially during peak tourist season—it is recommended to check their schedules in advance and book tickets or a table. For the most accurate and up-to-date information on the hours of individual shops, restaurants, and entertainment, it is always best to check the official Pier 39 website.

A visit to Pier 39 is just the beginning of exploring one of San Francisco's most colorful neighborhoods. A stroll through the surrounding area can significantly enrich your experience, as the pier itself is part of the famous Fisherman's Wharf, which is full of its own surprises and interesting spots. Just steps away from the bustling activity of the pier, you will find both historic landmarks and modern entertainment.

Exploring the nearby streets and piers allows you to dive deeper into the city's maritime atmosphere and discover new panoramic views of the bay, the Golden Gate Bridge, and Alcatraz. Many iconic sites are within walking distance, making this area perfect for leisurely strolls. Below is a list of attractions located very close to Pier 39.