Before you board the ferry to the Alcatraz prison, known as the inescapable fortress, make a stop at Pier 39. Located in the northern part of the city, this pier is home to cafes, shops, and various attractions, making it one of the most popular destinations in San Francisco. Adding to its popularity is the colony of sea lions that have made Pier 39 their home. By colony, we’re not just talking about a few animals—this group includes around 1,700 sea lions.
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Sea Lions at Pier 39
Sea lions first started appearing around Pier 39 in January 1990. This happened after the devastating Loma Prieta Earthquake struck the San Francisco area in October 1989. Locals quickly grew fond of the adorable animals, which soon became one of the city’s main attractions.
Dozens of restaurants, food stands, and nearly a hundred shops and attractions for both kids and adults have sprung up on and around the pier. Pier 39 is a perfect spot for an afternoon stroll.
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Attractions at Pier 39
🦈 Aquarium of the Bay
The main attraction at Pier 39 is the Aquarium of the Bay, home to about 20,000 marine animals. The selection of sharks, rays, and turtles mirrors the aquatic life of the San Francisco Bay. The aquarium is open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with the last entry at 4:30 PM.
Admission for adults aged 13 and up is $28, and for children aged 4 to 12, the fee is $20.00. Tickets can be purchased online in advance, and prices were last updated on February 6, 2025.
🕹️ Carnival Rides
Most of the attractions at Pier 39 resemble carnival entertainment. You’ll find an arcade, a custom-built Italian carousel, and the 7D Experience theater, where visitors can spend 10 minutes fighting off pirates using virtual weapons. Ticket prices are $14.00 (as of February 2025).
The list of attractions also includes a large trampoline, a drop tower, and a mirror maze.
🎵 Cultural Events
Every day, you can encounter street performers and musicians at Pier 39. Occasionally, more unusual contests and shows take place.
While a tulip exhibition may not be surprising, a singing competition featuring the U.S. national anthem is quite original. In January, sea lion celebrations are held, complete with a music festival, lectures, and discounts on attractions at the pier.
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Tips for Visitors to Pier 39
🗺️ Where is Pier 39 Located?
Pier 39 is situated in the Fisherman’s Wharf district. The piers are numbered sequentially, so finding it is easy, although some numbers are skipped. For example, ferries to Alcatraz depart from Pier 33, making it convenient to combine a pier visit with an Alcatraz tour. Check out Pier 39 on the map.
The closest streetcar stop is The Embarcadero & Stockton St. Within walking distance is a stop for the cable car turnaround at Powell/Mason.
🅿️ Parking at Pier 39
You can park at the PIER 39 Garage, located right across the street from the Entrance Plaza.
The parking lot is open 24 hours a day, but overnight parking is not allowed. On weekdays, parking costs $10.00 per hour, with a daily maximum rate of $50. On weekends and public holidays, the rate is $12.00 per hour, capped at $60 per day.
A limited number of discounted parking spaces are available for $25 per weekday and $30 per weekend day. These spots must be reserved in advance online.
🕒 Opening Hours
Except for the aquarium, most 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, while traditional restaurants are open from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
🎟️ Admission to Pier 39
Admission to Pier 39 itself is free, but individual attractions require a fee.
💡 Tips Before Your Visit
If you don’t plan on visiting specific attractions, 20-30 minutes should be enough for a general tour of Pier 39. You can download the Pier 39 map from their website to explore all attractions and dining options.
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Photos of Pier 39 in San Francisco
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