Pier 39 San Francisco
Bustling bayside pier with iconic sea lions, scenic views of Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge, plus shops and eateries.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, calmer atmosphere
Pier 39 San Francisco
Best Time
Fewer crowds, calmer atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Bustling bayside pier with iconic sea lions, scenic views of Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge, plus shops and eateries.
"The real highlights are the amazing bay views, including Alcatraz, and the sea lions lounging by the pier."
🎯 See the Sea Lions!
Don't miss the noisy, entertaining sea lions at K Dock. They're a highlight for many visitors!
🍩 Sweet Treat: Trish's Donuts
Grab fresh, cinnamon-sugar mini donuts right out of the fryer. A must-try!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sea Lions of Pier 39
K Dock
Watch hundreds of noisy, playful sea lions bask, bark, and wrestle on the docks. A true San Francisco icon!
Boudin Bakery
Various locations on Pier 39
Savor classic sourdough bread bowls filled with delicious clam chowder from SF's oldest bakery.
Magowan's Infinite Mirror Maze
Pier 39
Get delightfully lost in a dazzling, disorienting maze of mirrors. A fun, quirky challenge!
Bay Views & Alcatraz
Waterfront promenade
Enjoy stunning panoramic views of Alcatraz Island, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the San Francisco skyline.
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Tourist Vibe
Parking & Getting Around
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 See the Sea Lions!
Don't miss the noisy, entertaining sea lions at K Dock. They're a highlight for many visitors!
🍩 Sweet Treat: Trish's Donuts
Grab fresh, cinnamon-sugar mini donuts right out of the fryer. A must-try! +1
🍽️ Avoid Tourist Traps
For better food, venture a few blocks off the pier or try Scoma's or The Codmother. +1
🚗 Parking Savvy
Reserve parking online for cheaper rates. Consider ride-share or transit to avoid hassle.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 See the Sea Lions!
Don't miss the noisy, entertaining sea lions at K Dock. They're a highlight for many visitors!
🍩 Sweet Treat: Trish's Donuts
Grab fresh, cinnamon-sugar mini donuts right out of the fryer. A must-try! +1
🍽️ Avoid Tourist Traps
For better food, venture a few blocks off the pier or try Scoma's or The Codmother. +1
🚗 Parking Savvy
Reserve parking online for cheaper rates. Consider ride-share or transit to avoid hassle.
💡 Musee Mechanique Fun
Explore this vintage arcade with antique coin-operated machines. Free entry! +2
🛍️ Souvenir Shopping
Plenty of shops for San Francisco souvenirs, from clothing to quirky gifts.
☕ Biscoff Coffee Corner
Indulge in delicious Biscoff-themed drinks and treats.
💎 Pearl Factory Experience
Choose an oyster and have a pearl extracted to be made into jewelry.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Pier 39 is a lively, bustling waterfront attraction offering iconic sea lion sightings, scenic bay views, and a wide array of shops and eateries. While often described as touristy with higher prices, visitors appreciate the vibrant atmosphere, unique entertainment, and classic San Francisco experiences like sourdough bread bowls. It's a popular spot for families and those seeking a quintessential tourist experience.
"Just had an incredible adventure at Pier 39 with my family! 🎉
It was such a fun and exciting day, filled with sea lion watching and lots of very good food. 🦭 Every moment was memorable, and the atmosphere was fantastic.
We captured so many pictures to remember this amazing day. Can't wait to come back for more adventures! Highly recommend it for a perfect family outing."
J M
"A lively, touristy spot with lots of shops and restaurants—expect tourist prices. The real highlights are the amazing bay views, including Alcatraz, and the sea lions lounging by the pier, which make it a fun and unique stop. Among the restaurants, Hard Rock Cafe seems to have the best beer prices, making it a good place to take a break. There are also a number of free public restrooms around the pier, and they’re kept pretty clean, which is a nice convenience."
Kyle Skeen
"Pier 39 is always a lively spot, but visiting during Christmas makes it feel especially magical. The pier comes alive with festive lights, holiday décor, and a cheerful atmosphere that makes the whole experience feel like a celebration. Walking along the boardwalk with the bay on one side and the sparkling decorations all around is a blast—it’s the kind of place that really gets you into the holiday spirit.
Shops and restaurants are decked out for the season, with plenty of spots to grab a bite, warm up with a drink, or pick up gifts. Street performers and live music add to the energy, making it feel like there’s always something happening. The lighting displays make for great photo opportunities, especially with the Bay Bridge or Alcatraz twinkling in the background.
Even in the cooler winter air, it’s a fun place to linger—watching the sea lions, exploring the festive displays, and enjoying the holiday buzz. It does get busy, but that’s part of the charm, and the crowds seem to add to the sense of celebration rather than take away from it."
Sid
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Pier 39 is easily accessible by car, public transit, and ride-sharing services. The F-line historic streetcar stops nearby, offering a scenic and convenient way to reach the pier. Parking is available in the Pier 39 Garage, but it can be expensive; reserving online can save money. +1
Yes, Pier 39 is well-served by public transportation. The Muni F-line streetcar is a popular option, providing a charming ride along the Embarcadero. Several bus lines also stop near Fisherman's Wharf.
To avoid San Francisco's notorious traffic, consider using ride-sharing services or public transit. The F-line streetcar is a great option as it runs on a separate right-of-way, making it faster than buses.
Yes, there is a large parking garage directly at Pier 39. It's recommended to reserve your parking spot online in advance, especially during peak times, to secure a spot and potentially get a better rate.
Yes, there are several hotels located near Pier 39 and Fisherman's Wharf, offering convenient access to the attractions. Booking in advance is advisable, especially during popular travel seasons.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Pier 39 itself is a public area and does not have an entrance fee. However, individual attractions within Pier 39, such as the Mirror Maze or Madame Tussauds, will have their own admission costs.
Pier 39 is generally open to the public throughout the day and into the evening. Individual shops and restaurants have their own operating hours, which can vary. It's best to check specific attraction times if you plan to visit them.
While Pier 39 itself is free to enter, it's recommended to purchase tickets in advance for popular attractions like Madame Tussauds or the Mirror Maze to save time and potentially secure your spot, especially during busy periods.
Yes, the main draw at Pier 39 is free: watching the sea lions at K Dock! You can also enjoy the bay views, browse the shops (without buying), and soak in the lively atmosphere. Musee Mechanique offers free entry to browse its vintage arcade.
The main address for Pier 39 is The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94133. This will guide you to the general area, and signage will direct you to the specific pier and parking.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The must-see attractions include the lively sea lions at K Dock, the historic Musee Mechanique, and the stunning bay views. Many visitors also enjoy the Infinite Mirror Maze and the various shops and eateries. +2
Pier 39 offers a variety of family-friendly activities, including the sea lions, the Mirror Maze, street performers, a carousel, and numerous shops with souvenirs and treats. +1
Yes, you can get excellent views of Alcatraz Island from Pier 39, especially from the waterfront promenade. Boat tours to Alcatraz also depart from nearby piers. +1
Yes, Pier 39 is known for its diverse and entertaining street performers, adding to the lively atmosphere. You can often find musicians, magicians, and other entertainers.
Pier 39 features a wide array of shops, from souvenir stores selling San Francisco memorabilia to specialty shops like the Lefty's store for left-handed items, candy stores, and clothing boutiques. +1
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While many restaurants on Pier 39 are considered tourist traps, some popular choices include Crab House for seafood,+1 Pier Market for fresh seafood and bay views,
+1
Boudin Bakery is the most famous spot for clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl at Pier 39, known for being the oldest bakery in San Francisco.
While seafood and traditional American fare are common, many restaurants on Pier 39 offer some vegetarian options like salads or pasta dishes. It's advisable to check menus online or ask staff for specific vegan or vegetarian choices.
For sweet treats, check out Biscoff Coffee Corner for Biscoff-themed delights or Trish's Mini Donuts for freshly fried, cinnamon-sugar donuts.
+1
Yes, dining at Pier 39 can be quite expensive due to its prime tourist location. Many Redditors suggest venturing a few blocks away for more reasonably priced and authentic dining experiences. +1
📸 📸 Photography
Capture iconic shots of the sea lions, the San Francisco skyline with Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge in the background, and the vibrant atmosphere of the pier itself. The waterfront promenade offers fantastic panoramic views. +2
Yes, Pier 39 offers beautiful sunset views over the bay. The golden hour light can create stunning backdrops for photos of the water, bridges, and city skyline.
Consider photos with the street performers, inside the Mirror Maze for trippy shots, or at the Pearl Factory during the pearl extraction process.
The vintage arcade at Musee Mechanique also offers nostalgic photo backdrops.
Absolutely! The sea lions are a prime subject for photos. Remember to maintain a respectful distance and avoid disturbing them.
Yes, you can find photo booths, including vintage ones, located within some of the arcades and entertainment areas on or near Pier 39, such as at Pier 45.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+2 Beyond the sea lions, the pier features a carousel, street performers, and interactive attractions like Magowan's Infinite Mirror Maze, which provides a fun, slightly chaotic adventure. Dining options cater to families, with many casual eateries and sweet treat spots like Trish's Mini Donuts
💰 Budget Travelers
+2 Wandering through the shops, enjoying the bay views, and watching street performers are also free activities. Musee Mechanique offers free entry to browse its impressive collection of antique arcade games, though playing them costs money. To save on food, consider packing snacks or seeking out more affordable options like The Codmother food trailer for fish and chips or In-N-Out Burger a short distance away.
couples
+1Consider a romantic dinner at one of the waterfront restaurants like Pier Market
or Fog Harbor Fish House for stunning views, though be prepared for higher prices. Alternatively, grab a delicious sourdough bread bowl from Boudin Bakery and enjoy a picnic with a view. For a unique date activity, try the Infinite Mirror Maze Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Iconic Sea Lions of Pier 39
+2Watching the sea lions is a quintessential Pier 39 experience. You'll see them jostling for space, barking at each other, and occasionally diving into the bay. While their presence is constant, their activity levels can vary. Some days they are incredibly active, while on others, they might be more inclined to bask in the sun. Regardless, their unique charm is always on display, making it a highlight for many visitors.
+1It's important to remember that these are wild animals. While they are accustomed to human presence, it's crucial to maintain a safe and respectful distance. Avoid feeding them or making loud noises that could disturb them. Simply observing their natural behavior from the designated viewing areas is the best way to enjoy these fascinating marine mammals.
Dining Delights and Disappointments
For seafood lovers, Crab House is frequently recommended for its crab and seafood platters, though it's advised to wear stretchy pants!
If you're looking for something more casual and highly regarded, The Codmother food trailer is a local favorite for its fish and chips and fish tacos. Many Redditors suggest venturing a few blocks away from the immediate pier area for more authentic and affordable dining. Areas around Washington Square Park or Ghirardelli Square offer a wider variety of culinary experiences.
Beyond the Sea Lions: Unique Attractions
For a more disorienting and colorful experience, Magowan's Infinite Mirror Maze offers a fun challenge where you navigate through a labyrinth of mirrors.
Additionally, the pier is a great vantage point for enjoying the stunning San Francisco Bay views, including Alcatraz Island and the Golden Gate Bridge.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit