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There’s no place on San Francisco’s waterfront quite like PIER 39. This lively spot at the edge of the Bay is famous for two things: endless waterfront fun and a noisy, lovable colony of California sea lions.
Whether you’re grabbing lunch, catching bay views, or watching wild sea lions bask in the sun, PIER 39 offers something for every kind of visitor.
San Francisco Jeep Tours includes cruising past the Pier as part of the city tour route. At the end of your tour, guests can be dropped off at the Pier. Many guests plan time here before or after their private sightseeing tour. And once you experience it, you’ll understand why it’s a must-visit destination all on its own.
PIER 39 is a vibrant waterfront complex on The Embarcadero, located just steps from Fisherman’s Wharf. It first opened in 1978, transforming a working pier into a pedestrian-friendly haven filled with local shops, family attractions, and restaurants with stunning views of the Bay.
Today, it’s one of the most visited attractions in San Francisco—and for good reason. Here’s what you’ll find as you wander its two levels:
Over 50 specialty shops with everything from SF-themed gear to handmade gifts
Bayfront restaurants serving everything from Dungeness crab to vegan fare
Kid-friendly attractions like the Aquarium of the Bay and 7D Experience
Magical views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and the city skyline
And, of course, K-Dock, where the sea lions lounge in the sun
It’s a perfect mix of classic San Francisco charm and modern waterfront energy.
One of the most beloved surprises at PIER 39 is the colony of California sea lions that calls the marina home. These marine mammals first appeared in 1989, shortly after the Loma Prieta earthquake. A few showed up. Then a few dozen. Then hundreds.
Why did they choose PIER 39?
Plenty of open floating docks
A protected environment with limited boat traffic
An abundance of herring in the Bay
No natural predators—just curious tourists
Instead of relocating them, PIER 39 teamed up with The Marine Mammal Center, who recommended letting them stay. The rest is history—adorable, bark-filled history.
Want to sound like a local? Impress your travel crew with these little-known facts about PIER 39:
It was built on a historic pier, originally used for shipping
The pier opened in 1978 as a two-level public destination
You can see Alcatraz, Angel Island, Coit Tower, and the Golden Gate Bridge right from the boardwalk
During the holidays, PIER 39 transforms into a festive waterfront wonderland, complete with a towering holiday tree, lights, music, and hot cocoa
It’s home to one of the most famous groups of sea lions in the world
The nearby Sea Lion Center is free and offers educational exhibits about marine life
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These aren’t your average marine mammals. The sea lions at PIER 39 are full of surprises. Here are a few fun facts that might just blow your mind:
You can see them up close at K-Dock or visit from home through the Sea Lion Webcam.
In April 2024, PIER 39 made sea lion history—more than 2,000 California sea lions were counted basking, barking, and flopping around on K-Dock, smashing the previous record!
Back in November 2009, the sea lion colony hit a then-record of 1,701 individuals, grabbing headlines and delighting visitors. But just as quickly as they arrived, they disappeared. By December 2009, only a few remained.
So what happened? According to researchers at The Marine Mammal Center, the sudden dip wasn’t anything to worry about. The sea lions had simply followed their food source—mainly herring—north to places like the Oregon Coast, a normal part of their seasonal range.
Thankfully, the sea lions found their way back to PIER 39, where they’ve remained one of San Francisco’s most beloved (and noisy) attractions. And now, with a record-breaking showing in 2024, they’ve proven once again that when it comes to waterfront wildlife, this is the place to be.
Where is PIER 39?
At The Embarcadero and Beach Street in Fisherman’s Wharf.
Do Jeep Tours visit the pier?
No. Our private San Francisco Jeep Tours explore nearby but do not drive onto the pier. It’s easy to visit before or after your tour.
Are the sea lions there all year?
Yes—but their numbers change with the seasons. Winter and spring see the biggest gatherings.
Do you need tickets to enter PIER 39?
Nope. It’s completely free to enter, though some attractions inside require paid tickets.
What are the best times to visit?
Whether you come for the sea lions or stay for the chowder and skyline views, PIER 39 is an essential San Francisco experience. You’ll get unbeatable photos, unexpected laughs, and a chance to watch wild animals just doing their thing—right in the middle of the city.
Planning a custom itinerary?
Explore the city with a private Jeep tour, then walk over to the pier to enjoy the sea lions, shopping, and scenery at your own pace.
Information and images provided by Pier 39.
