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

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Argonaut Hotel
Hotel Zetta San Francisco
Hotel Zephyr San Francisco

Reviews of Pier 39

4.3
Top destination
5 - Excellent
132
" "5 - Excellent 43%
4 - Good
133
" "4 - Good 43%
3 - Okay
40
" "3 - Okay 13%
2 - Disappointing
3
" "2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

GW

Worth a look but not the highlight of SF. Hard Rock Cafe has excellent food.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Standard cheesy tourist trap, seals are fun though....

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Must see when in San Fran obviously caters for tourists but good vibe.

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Top Pier 39 Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Holiday Inn Golden Gateway, an IHG Hotel
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway, an IHG Hotel
3.5 out of 5
1500 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway, an IHG Hotel
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
Kimpton Alton Fisherman's Wharf, an IHG Hotel
Kimpton Alton Fisherman's Wharf, an IHG Hotel
4.5 out of 5
2700 JONES STREET, San Francisco, CA
Kimpton Alton Fisherman's Wharf, an IHG Hotel
Hotel Zephyr San Francisco
Hotel Zephyr San Francisco
4 out of 5
250 Beach Street, San Francisco, CA
Hotel Zephyr San Francisco
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
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
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 Zoe Fisherman's Wharf
Hotel Zoe Fisherman's Wharf
4 out of 5
425 North Point, San Francisco, CA
Hotel Zoe Fisherman's Wharf
Club Quarters Hotel in San Francisco
Club Quarters Hotel in San Francisco
4 out of 5
424 Clay St, San Francisco, CA
Club Quarters Hotel in San Francisco
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.
Beautiful view of the beach with palm trees

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