Pier 39 San Francisco

Pier 39 San Francisco is one of the most visited site by locals and one of the most popular tourist destinations on San Francisco.

It's a popular destination because it contains almost everything there is to keep you occupied! Pier 39 is a place to socialize with friends, go on a date, or take a jog or a walk along a beautiful scenery.

Whether you're there to shop, eat, drink, have some fun, sight-see, you'll be sure to find something to do!

More on Pier 39 San Francisco...

Pier 39 San Francisco

If you've never seen a sea lion before, then, be prepared to see a bunch of them here, haha...I mean, they're not going to be walking on the same steps as you; they stay situated on their docks visible for tourists to enjoy.

Many say that the sea lions began showing up at the pier after the Loma Prieta earthquake in 1989, but others argue that they made Pier 39 San Francisco their home even before then. I guess they just felt safer along the docks!

It's open from 10am to 9pm on Sundays-Thursdays, and 10am-10pm during the weekends. During Winter, it may be closed as early as 8pm during weekdays and 9pm during weekends.

There is a parking garage located across the street from the pier. It's quite pricey, (I think the last time we went it was about $8/hr), but you can get your parking validated if you eat at one of the restaurants. Just ask your waiter to validate your ticket.

I suggest you go to the California Welcome Center located at the 2nd level of Pier 39. There's a bunch of neat stuff there and other helpful tourist information!

Entrance is absolutely free! Attractions aren't though of course, but I'll show you what you can do at the pier for free and how to save money when you go to Pier 39 San Francisco.

What is there to do in Pier 39 San Francisco?

Located at PIER 39, Beach Street & The Embarcadero, San Francisco, Ca 94133.

You can also take the Muni/bus #8X, 39, or 47 or take a taxi if preferred.

What is there NOT to do? Pier 39 is a popular tourist attraction because it has the following things:

Shopping Centers: From souvenirs to apparels and sporting goods, you'll be sure to find something you'd bring home. My favorite shops include Houdini's Magic Shop, Lefty's the Left Hand Store, Only in San Francisco (souvenirs, etc), San Francisco Music Box, and Del Sol (where I get my color-changing nail polish!)
Stage and Street Performances: At the Crystal Gyser stage (found in the first level, middle of the pier), you can find magic shows and other entertaining shows. You can also find other unique interesting street performances (from dance to magic to comedic shows). All are free, but they do ask for donations :).
Restaurants: My favorite restaurant there is the Wipeout Bar & Grill. I like to sit by their little bonfire while drinking my beer and chompin' on some calamari, hehe. If you're looking for a memorable, luxurious yet pricey dining experience, I suggest you eat at the Forbes Island Restaurant, where you'll be taken to a nearby island via a little boat. Other restaurants include Bubba Gump, Crab House, Hard Rock Cafe, Boudin, Crepe Cafe, and Dreyer's Grand Ice Cream Shop for dessert!
Attractions: Carousel and Mirror Mazes for children, Turbo 3D rides (Motion-simulated 3d/4d rides!), San Francisco Aquarium of the Bay, Frequent Flyers (bungee trampoline!), and an arcade/video games sports bar!
Boat Rides: Rocketboat (high speed boat rides, available on during May-October. Inquire at the Welcome Center); Blue & Gold Fleet (Scenic cruises); and Whale Watching tours!
Scenery: At the end of the dock, you can catch a view of the bay and the Alcatraz Island. At the "K-Dock" is where you can see the "sea-lebrities", their infamous sea lions! You can also enjoy the beautiful floral displays and monuments around the Pier 39 San Francisco.

My Experience with Pier 39 San Francisco

I always have a fun time whenever I visit this place. It's not usually crowded, unless you go on a weekend holiday or something.
Make sure to always bring a sweater though even if it looks sunny, because I always make a mistake of under-estimating the weather!
The things that I always enjoy doing here at the Pier 39 San Francisco is of course to eat (my boyfriend and I like eating at Wipeout then enjoying ice cream at Dreyer's!), shop, and eat popcorn while watching the stage performances.
The good thing about this place is that there's PLENTY of things to do. Even if you're broke (like me), you can still always enjoy the free performances and views! I can't think of anything bad about this place except for the fact that it may be quite windy there at times!

Plan to stay overnight?

If you plan to stay overnight at the Pier 39 San Francisco, I suggest you stay at the Holiday Inn Express and Suites.
We stayed here one time for our anniversary, and I must say the experience was quite pleasant and convenient! It's located near all the attractions and dining areas! Hey, can't beat a complimentary breakfast as well ;).
If you're looking for a cheaper alternative, I suggest you stay at the Super 8. Along with the complimentary breakfast and convenient location, you can't beat $79/night! :)).

Tips to Save Money at the Pier 39 San Francisco

If you're planning to enjoy as much attractions as you can at the lowest price possible, I suggest you purchase a Pier 39 Attraction Pass. You can enjoy the Bay Aquarium, a sightseeing tour, and a mini cruise adventure!
You can also download this free Pier 39 Fun Pack to redeem at the California Welcome Center located at 2nd level of the Pier 39 San Francisco for other savings, discounts, and coupons. (Get this for free parking! That's what we always do to save about $20 hehe).

Really though, get one of these passes and save a bunch of money. No point wasting money if you can save it to go shopping at the shops, lol.
The Pier 39 San Francisco funpack above includes a voucher for free parking, so make sure to download and redeem it!

See you around,
-Trixie
Your friendly, local SF travel guide ;).

Hey! Before you leave,

Watch this hella funny video LOL

Ok, watch this video as this guy (there's plenty of these pranksters and street entertainers along the pier) hides behind a bush and scares these poor Asians. LOL.
Man, now you guys aren't gonna get scared when you encounter this dude, haha. You're welcome. lol.

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Some Pictures of Pier 39 San Francisco:

Entrance to the pier through the bridge from the parking garage.

A view of the boats on the pier.

Me being silly at the magnet store.

I suggest you go here at the California Welcome Center right when you enter Pier 39.

The list of restaurants for you to validate parking (free hours) noted on the back of the parking ticket.

Ben & Jerry's. Where we get our dessert. Yum.

Exit gate of the RocketBoat ride.

Here is the super-fast RocketBoat and the boat/shuttle to the Forbes Island restaurant.

Sea Lion Facts.

Bay View. Here you can see Alcatraz Island in the back..

The Crystal Geyser stage. Here you can watch performances such as magic shows, acrobats, stand up comedy, etc...I believe they start at noon and continues at scheduled hours.