PIER 39 is one of San Francisco greatest waterfront attractions. Minutes from
Fisherman's Wharf and several popular hotels and accommodations, PIER 39 is often the first stop for tourists who want to soak in the city and the culture to unique to San Francisco.
PIER 39 has something for everyone no matter the age. Featuring well over 100 shops and boutiques each of them specializing in hard to find goods and merchandise and a dozen restaurants, the PIER is always a happening place. There are numerous activities here and many visitors find themselves spending at least a few hours each day wondering around the PIER.
The sea lions are always a great hit with kids and parents. Located near the West Marina the colony of sea lions arrived in 1990 and kept growing from then on. Each breeding season sees about 900 sea lions but there is a small group that stays at the PIER all year round. Along with the sea lions visitors can see another fascinating sight; street performers. Often whimsical and always unique these street performers include mimes, jugglers, magicians, and just about anything else imaginable. The Riptide Arcade and San Francisco Carousel are favorites for the children. The Carousel is a real treat; hand built in Italy with scenes right from San Francisco such as the
Golden Gate Bridge and
Lombard Street the carousel is truly beautiful.
PIER 39 is an entertaining experience that combines culture, history, and shopping into a great attraction suitable for the whole family, and for the sea lions of the group.