Pier 39

The Basics

Besides dining and shopping, another popular Pier 39 attraction is the Aquarium of the Bay, where you can watch sharks circle overhead and manta rays skate by. The glassed-in San Francisco Carousel is a hit with kids, as are the Musical Stairs and Magowan’s Infinite Mirror Maze. Pier 39 is also a popular jumping-off point for boat tours to Angel Island, Alcatraz Island, Sausalito, and the Golden Gate Bridge. Bay cruises focus on one of these attractions or all of them, some going as far out as the Farallon Islands in search of whales.

City tours of San Francisco typically include a stop to Pier 39’s historic waterfront. A hop-on hop-off tour via double-decker bus allows you to disembark and explore the area’s arcades, restaurants, and shops at your leisure.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Cruises to Alcatraz Island leave from Pier 39 and tend to sell out far in advance. Be sure to buy tickets ahead of time.

• The California Welcome Center offers luggage storage during the day for a fee.

• Pets are allowed at Pier 39 outdoors in the common areas.

• Ramps and elevators are located throughout Pier 39, and wheelchairs are available for rent at the California Welcome Center.

How to Get There

Pier 39 is located at the edge of the Fisherman’s Wharf district, near the beginning of the Embarcadero. The pier is also close to North Beach, Chinatown, Ghirardelli Square, and Fort Mason. The area is easily accessible via the historic F-Market streetcars, buses, and cable cars. Parking in the area is possible, but be prepared to pay.

When to Get There

Although San Francisco’s weather is cold and foggy in the summer, that’s when Pier 39 is the busiest. Prepare for large crowds and sold-out activities during this time. Bring layers to fend off the chill, or visit in the fall for the best weather. The pier’s hours of operation change seasonally.

California Sea Lions

Pier 39’s most famous—and famously loud—visitors are California sea lions. Mostly between January and July, as many as 900 sea lions park themselves on the floating docks off of the pier. Since the early 1990s, every year these marine mammals put on a show of barking, lounging, and climbing over one another. Learn more about the playful pinnipeds at the Sea Lion Center.

Ways to explore

Besides dining and shopping, another popular Pier 39 attraction is the Aquarium of the Bay, where you can watch sharks circle overhead and manta rays glide by. The glassed-in San Francisco Carousel is a hit with kids, as are the Musical Stairs and Magowan’s Infinite Mirror Maze. From the pier you also can take boat tours to Angel Island, Alcatraz, Sausalito, and the Golden Gate Bridge.

City tours of San Francisco typically include a visit to Pier 39. Hop-on, hop-off bus tours let you stop there and explore the area’s arcades, restaurants, and shops at your leisure.

Accessibility

Equipped with ramps and elevators, Pier 39 is accessible for wheelchair users.

Age limits

None, though some attractions may have individual age restrictions.

What to pack

Camera, rain or sun protection, snacks, water bottles

What to wear

Warm, weather-proof layers—it can be cool and foggy near the water.

Not allowed

Pets, smoking, biking or rollerskating, drones

Amenities

Restaurants, shops, bathrooms, ATM

Address 

Pier 39 is on The Embarcadero along San Francisco’s northern coast, right near Fisherman’s Wharf. Public transit is a convenient way to go, or you can take a taxi, rideshare, or sightseeing tour.

Driving

Pier 39 is easy to reach via The Embarcadero, and has a paid parking garage on-site. Taxis and rideshares are a handy option as well.

Public transportation

To get to Pier 39, take the F Market & Wharves streetcar to The Embarcadero & Stockton Street stop. Local buses also serve the area.

Best times to visit

Pier 39 is typically open from mid-morning until early evening, but individual attractions have their own opening hours, so check the details before you go.

Best days to visit

The complex is open daily throughout the week. It’s busiest on weekends and holidays, so aim for a weekday.

Best months to visit

If you can, avoid the summer months, which may be crowded and are often foggy. Visit in early spring to go whale-watching, or in early fall for ideal weather.

Special events

Pier 39 hosts major events throughout the year, including the Sea Lion Anniversary in January, Fourth of July celebrations, and Fleet Week in October.