Before boarding the ferry to Alcatraz, from which there is no return, make a stop at Pier 39. This northern city pier, brimming with cafes, shops, and assorted attractions, ranks as one of the most popular spots in San Francisco. The charm of Pier 39 is further augmented by the pod of sea lions it harbors. And by pod, we’re not referring to a small family of sea lions but rather an impressive gathering of approximately 1,700 creatures.
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Pier 39 Sea Lions
The arrival of sea lions at Pier 39 dates back to 1989, coinciding with the period when the San Francisco docks underwent a thorough renovation. City dwellers quickly grew fond of them, and these seemingly endearing creatures quickly became a city attraction.
Over time, dozens of restaurants and food stands sprouted on and around the pier, accompanied by nearly a hundred shops and various other attractions aimed at children and adults alike. All of these make Pier 39 an ideal destination for an afternoon stroll.
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Attractions at Pier 39
🦈 Aquarium of the Bay
The primary lure at Pier 39 is the Aquarium of the Bay. This aquatic world is home to 20,000 marine animals, with a variety of sharks, rays, and turtles representing life in the San Francisco Bay. The Aquarium of the Bay is open every day from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm, with the last entry at 5:30 pm.
Admission for adults aged 13 and above is $32, while children between the ages of 4 and 12 pay $21.75. Tickets can be purchased in advance online.
🕹️ Arcade Attractions
The majority of Pier 39’s attractions exude an arcade amusement vibe. Here, you can discover an arcade, a vintage carousel custom-made in Italy, and a 7D Experience movie theater. Visitors can transform into pirate fighters for 10 minutes, wielding virtual weapons. Tickets are priced at $14.00.
The list of attractions also features a large trampoline, a tower simulating free fall, and a mirror maze.
🎵 Cultural Events
Every day, Pier 39 provides opportunities to encounter street musicians and other performers. Occasionally, there are also rather unique competitions and shows on the schedule.
While the tulip show is nothing unusual, the American anthem singing contest is indeed quite extraordinary. In January, there is the traditional sea lion celebration, where their arrival is heralded by a music festival, lectures, and fair rides on the pier.
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Tips for Pier 39 Visitors
🗺️ Where Is Pier 39
Pier 39 is situated in Fisherman’s Wharf. As the piers are numbered in succession, finding it is hardly a challenge, even though some numbers are missing. For instance, a ferry to Alcatraz embarks from Pier 33, allowing for an easy combination of pier tours.
The closest cable car stop is The Embarcadero & Stockton St.
🅿️ Parking at Pier 39
Your vehicle can be parked in the secure Pier 39 Garage, located directly across the street from Entrance Plaza.
The parking garage is accessible 24 hours a day, but overnight parking is not permitted. Weekday parking is $10.00 per hour (maximum rate of $50 per day). On weekends and public holidays, it’s $12.00 per hour, with a maximum rate of $60.
A limited number of less expensive parking spaces are available at $15.00 for an entire weekday and $20.00 for an entire weekend day. Spaces must be reserved online beforehand.
🕒 Opening Hours
With the exception of the aquarium, the attractions at Pier 39 operate from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm. Shops and fast-food outlets are open from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm, and traditional restaurants from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm.
🎟️ Admission to Pier 39
Admission to Pier 39 is free, although individual attractions charge their own fees.
💡 Pre-Visit Tips
If you’re not planning on visiting individual attractions, 20-30 minutes should suffice to explore Pier 39.
On the pier’s official website, you can download a map of Pier 39 highlighting all attractions and restaurants.
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Photos of Pier 39 in San Francisco
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