PIER 39 — Attraction in San Francisco

We recently spent a Sunday mid-morning at Pier 39 in San Francisco, and time absolutely flew by! This vibrant waterfront destination is the perfect spot for families looking for a fun, relaxing, and memorable day out.

Activities Galore: From the moment we arrived, there was something exciting around every corner. The kids loved watching the famous sea lions bask in the sun, and we all enjoyed exploring the fun shops, street performers, and arcade games. There's even a small aquarium nearby and options for boat tours if you’re up for more adventure.

Amazing Views: One of the absolute highlights of Pier 39 is the view. You get stunning sights of the Bay, Alcatraz, and the Golden Gate Bridge. If you're lucky enough to stay until sunset, the colors over the water are truly breathtaking, a perfect photo op for the whole family.

Dining Variety: Whether you're craving fresh seafood, burgers, pizza, or sweet treats, there’s something for everyone. We found plenty of great restaurants to choose from, with some offering beautiful waterfront seating. Just make sure to check if they offer parking validation!

Parking Tips: Speaking of parking , the Pier 39 parking lot right across the street is super convenient, especially when traveling with kids. It can be a bit pricey (we paid around $60 for our visit), but some spots offer a few hours of validation if you dine at participating restaurants.

Clean and Family-Friendly Vibes: We also noticed that the walkway toward Pier 45 has been nicely revamped. It’s much cleaner and features lots of open seating, perfect for families to take a break, enjoy a snack, or just soak in the atmosphere.

All in all, Pier 39 is a fantastic spot for a family outing full of fun, food, and unforgettable views. We can’t wait...

Pier 39 is one of San Francisco’s most iconic waterfront destinations, located on the northeastern edge of the city along the Embarcadero. Originally developed in 1978, it has grown into a bustling shopping, dining, and entertainment hub that attracts millions of visitors each year. Its central location offers stunning views of the Bay, Alcatraz, and the Golden Gate Bridge.

One of Pier 39’s signature attractions is the resident colony of California sea lions. They can usually be seen lounging on floating docks, barking, and interacting in a lively, entertaining display.

The pier hosts a variety of shops, from souvenir stores to specialty boutiques, featuring everything from artisanal gifts to locally made crafts.

Dining: Options range from casual eateries to seafood restaurants offering fresh Dungeness crab, clam chowder in sourdough bowls, and other Bay specialties. Many restaurants feature outdoor seating with spectacular bay views.

Visitors can enjoy street performers, carousel rides, 7D motion simulators, aquarium visits, and occasional live music. Seasonal events and festivals often take place on the pier, adding to its lively atmosphere.

The pier provides some of the best vantage points for photos of Alcatraz, Angel Island, and the Bay Bridge, making it popular with both tourists and photographers.

Family-Friendly Activities: Beyond shops and restaurants, the pier offers kid-friendly attractions, including arcades, a carousel, and interactive exhibits, making it a well-rounded destination...

Pier 39 in California (San Francisco) is one of the city’s most iconic and lively tourist attractions, located along the Embarcadero at Fisherman’s Wharf. Here’s a quick breakdown of what makes it stand out:

🌉 What It’s Known For

Sea Lions: Pier 39 is famous for its sea lion colony that lounges on the floating docks — a quirky, loud, and fun sight that started after the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake.

Bay Views: Offers stunning views of Alcatraz Island, the Golden Gate Bridge, Bay Bridge, and Angel Island.

Aquarium of the Bay: Family-friendly aquarium featuring local marine life — great for kids and ocean lovers.

Shopping & Dining: Full of souvenir shops, seafood restaurants (like the famous Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.), and street food vendors. Clam chowder in sourdough bread bowls is a must-try.

Entertainment: Street performers, magic shows, and live music add to the vibrant atmosphere.

🎡 Fun Facts

It was originally built in 1978 as a shopping center.

The two-level pier was designed with tourists in mind, and it gets millions of visitors every year.

There's even a carousel at the end of the pier for a bit of nostalgic fun.

📸 Best For

First-time visitors to SF

Families with kids

Anyone who loves waterfront walks, good food, or quirky wildlife

🤔 Should You Go?

Yes — if you're visiting San Francisco, Pier 39 is worth at least a half-day trip. It's touristy, but in a fun way. Go for the sea lions, stay for the...