Pier 39 Tours and Activities

Pier 39 showing a city, street scenes and signage
Pier 39 featuring landscape views and signage
Pier 39 showing street scenes and a city
Pier 39
Pier 39 showing signage


This waterfront attraction offers all the fun of a traditional pier with rides, street performances and entertainment courtesy of a colony of resident sea lions!

Pier 39 is an interesting two-tiered complex which incorporates shopping, sideshows, entertainment, dining, rides and attractions, which will appeal to everyone. There’s so much going on that you’ll find it easy to spend a whole day here. The Neptune cruiser, permanently stationed in the bay offers regular cruises. Adults can indulge in a 90-minute wine-tasting cruise. Otherwise, find a spot on the waterfront and take in the beautiful views of San Francisco’s famous landmarks the Golden Gate Bridge and Bay Bridge, Alcatraz, Angel Island and the city skyline.

Colonies of sea lions have made Pier 39 their home and have now been resident here for decades. Watch them basking in the sun or playing on the floating docks. These playful animals are a particular favourite with children, and are a real draw for visitors. It’s widely believed that the animals made the pier their home because of the plentiful food available and the lack of predators, ensuring their survival! At certain times of year, you’ll see hundreds of them. Other times, they are noticeably absent as they disappear out to sea for a while to breed.

Sea life doesn’t stop here though. There’s a vast selection of sea life on display at the adjacent Aquarium of the Bay. There are two transparent tunnels that you can walk through, which treat visitors to a surreal experience as marine species native to the San Francisco area like rays and sharks swim all around you.

Pier 39 is located next to Fisherman's Wharf at the northern end of the Embarcadero. Cable cars also run between the Embarcadero and downtown.

Plan a trip to see Pier 39

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Fitzgerald Hotel
1 Hotel San Francisco
The Andrews Hotel

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Popular places to visit


Top Pier 39 Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf

Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf

4 out of 5
2500 Mason St, San Francisco, CA
Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
Hilton San Francisco Financial District

Hilton San Francisco Financial District

4 out of 5
750 Kearny St, San Francisco, CA
Hilton San Francisco Financial District
Hotel Caza Fisherman's Wharf

Hotel Caza Fisherman's Wharf

4 out of 5
1300 Columbus Avenue, San Francisco, CA
Hotel Caza Fisherman's Wharf
Hotel Zoe Fisherman's Wharf

Hotel Zoe Fisherman's Wharf

4 out of 5
425 North Point, San Francisco, CA
Hotel Zoe Fisherman's Wharf
Hotel Zephyr San Francisco

Hotel Zephyr San Francisco

4 out of 5
250 Beach Street, San Francisco, CA
Hotel Zephyr San Francisco
Holiday Inn Express and Suites Fisherman's Wharf by IHG

Holiday Inn Express and Suites Fisherman's Wharf by IHG

3 out of 5
550 N Point St, San Francisco, CA
Holiday Inn Express and Suites Fisherman's Wharf by IHG
Hyatt Centric Fisherman's Wharf San Francisco

Hyatt Centric Fisherman's Wharf San Francisco

4 out of 5
555 N Point St, San Francisco, CA
Hyatt Centric Fisherman's Wharf San Francisco
Marriott Vacation Club®, San Francisco

Marriott Vacation Club®, San Francisco

3 out of 5
2620 Jones St, San Francisco, CA
Marriott Vacation Club®, San Francisco
Wharf Inn

Wharf Inn

2.5 out of 5
2601 Mason St, San Francisco, CA
Wharf Inn
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Pier 39

At Pier 39 in San Francisco, visitors can enjoy a vibrant mix of activities including shopping, dining, and art experiences. Don't miss the chance to catch a ferry to Alcatraz, a must-see landmark. With its bustling theatre scene and stunning waterfront views, Pier 39 promises a memorable outing for every traveller. Whether you're soaking in the sights or indulging in local delicacies, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

Shopping

Pier 39 offers delightful shopping experiences with nearby Ghirardelli Square, just 1.3km away, featuring a mix of local shops and eateries. Union Street, 1.6km away, showcases charming boutiques, while Westfield San Francisco Centre, 3.2km away, boasts a variety of retail options. If you're up for a drive, check out more shopping centres further afield.

Recreation

Experience the vibrant atmosphere at Oracle Park, where you can catch a thrilling game and soak in the sports vibes. Enjoy live performances at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium, offering an eclectic mix of entertainment. For a relaxing day outdoors, head to Presidio Golf Course for a round of golf amidst stunning landscapes.

Adventure

The Union Square Ice Rink offers a thrilling skating experience located 3.2km from Pier 39, perfect for some winter fun. For hiking enthusiasts, the Coastal Trail, located 8.0km away, boasts stunning views and scenic landscapes, while Perimeter Road, 4.8km away, provides a delightful outdoor atmosphere.

Nightlife

Experience a vibrant nightlife at Club Fugazi, only 1.3km from Pier 39, where you can enjoy captivating performances. For a cultural evening, visit the Marines Memorial Theater or Golden Gate Theatre, both 3.2km away, offering family-friendly shows in a romantic atmosphere.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Pier 39

Pier 39 in San Francisco offers a vibrant mix of urban parks, streets, and art museums, making it an ideal destination for culture seekers and families alike. Visitors can explore top attractions within the area, such as the iconic wharf and other nearby highlights. Whether you're enjoying the lively atmosphere or taking in local art, there's plenty to experience at this popular spot.

  • Moscone Convention Center: A hub for innovation and business, this convention centre hosts major events and conferences. Its modern architecture and vibrant atmosphere make it a great place to network or simply explore the bustling vibe of San Francisco's professional scene.
  • Lombard Street: Known as the crookedest street in the world, this iconic street features eight sharp turns and beautifully manicured gardens. Stroll down its steep, winding path and enjoy stunning views of the city and bay, encapsulating the unique charm of San Francisco.
  • Alcatraz Island: Once a notorious federal prison, this historic island offers guided tours through its haunting halls. Experience breathtaking views of the San Francisco skyline and enjoy the outdoor beauty, making it a fascinating excursion for any visitor.

Best time to go to Pier 39

The best time to visit Pier 39 is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. September is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny with no rain (dry). December is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January51.4°F (10.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
February52.2°F (11.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
March53.4°F (11.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April55.8°F (13.2°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
May58.1°F (14.5°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
June62.1°F (16.7°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighAverage
July63.1°F (17.3°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighAverage
August64.2°F (17.9°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly High
September64.9°F (18.3°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly High
October62.6°F (17.0°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly LowSlightly High
November56.1°F (13.4°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
December51.3°F (10.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Pier 39

To save money during your visit to Pier 39, consider travelling in February or between November and December when accommodation prices drop. Fridays tend to be cheaper for stays, while Tuesdays are pricier. Use Expedia to tailor your search by budget and location, and sort results from lowest to highest price for the best deals. Bundling your hotel, flights, and activities can also lead to savings. Look for cheap hotel offers, the best price guarantee, and rewards programs to maximise your budget while enjoying the attractions.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Pier 39 are February and November to December, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to August to October, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Pier 39 is Friday. The most expensive day to stay around Pier 39 is Tuesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to customise your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. To discover the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You could save some dollars by combining your Pier 39 hotel booking with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.