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PIER 39 is pure San Francisco energy—sea lions barking, street performers doing their thing, and big Bay views in every direction.
PIER 39 in San Francisco is a lively waterfront hangout packed with shops, food, and the city’s most famous unofficial residents: the sea lions. It’s a perfect stop on a Private Tour of San Francisco because you can swing by at the best moment for photos, linger if the docks are extra wild, or pivot to another nearby highlight—your route is flexible.
And yes—this spot is made for photo stops: Alcatraz, the Bay, and the Golden Gate Bridge views can all show off on a clear day.
Opened to the public in 1978, PIER 39 was developed by entrepreneur Warren Simmons as a premier waterfront shopping and entertainment complex. It quickly became a major draw, ranking as the third-most visited attraction in the United States by 1988.
One of the biggest surprises in the pier’s story showed up in 1990, when California sea lions began arriving in large numbers following the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake. Instead of pushing them out, PIER 39 embraced them—and today, the sea lions are the area’s headliner.
PIER 39 and its sea lions have popped up in plenty of movies, TV shows, and travel documentaries. From Hollywood shots using the Bay as a backdrop to travel vlogs chasing seafood and views, it’s one of those places that instantly reads “San Francisco.”
PIER 39 is part waterfront stroll, part snack crawl, part “wait…are the sea lions really that loud?” experience. You’ll wander past shops and street performers, catch big Bay views, and end up at the west end docks where the sea lions hang out, nap, bark, and occasionally cause total chaos (in the best way).
It’s also a super easy “mix-and-match” stop—especially on a private tour—because you can pair it with nearby neighborhoods, scenic overlooks, and classic San Francisco icons without locking yourself into a rigid schedule.
The wooden docks at the west end of PIER 39 are home to hundreds of barking sea lions. They lounge in the sun, splash in the water, and pile on top of each other like it’s their full-time job—easily one of the most fun, uniquely San Francisco sights in the city.
Right in the heart of the pier, this handcrafted Italian carousel is loaded with San Francisco-themed designs. It’s charming, nostalgic, and honestly just a great little “pause and enjoy the moment” stop.
Meet more than 20,000 marine animals, from jellyfish to river otters, and walk through crystal-clear tunnels surrounded by sharks and rays—everything focused on the San Francisco Bay ecosystem.
PIER 39’s dining lineup ranges from fresh seafood at Fog Harbor Fish House to classic American eats at Hard Rock Café. Bonus: a lot of tables come with Bay views—and on a clear day, you’ll be eating with a postcard-worthy shot of Alcatraz.
Street performers—magicians, musicians, and more—bring extra energy to the boardwalk. You might catch a world-class juggler or a fire-eating performer while you’re wandering between shops and viewpoints.
With over 110 specialty shops, it’s easy to find San Francisco-themed gear, fun gifts, and unique keepsakes.
If PIER 39 is on your must-do list, it fits beautifully into a flexible, photo-friendly day—especially when your route can adapt in real time.
Head to the west end of PIER 39—that’s where the wooden docks are, and where the sea lions typically lounge, bark, and pile together.
Yes—walking around PIER 39 is free. Individual activities (like the carousel, Aquarium of the Bay, shopping, and dining) have their own costs.
No—PIER 39 is open daily, but shop and restaurant hours vary. The easiest move is checking the official website before you go.
Yes—PIER 39 can be included as a scenic pass-by or a stop on a Lucky Tuk Tuk Private Small Group Tour, and routes can be customized with photo stops.
It pairs perfectly with nearby waterfront favorites like Fisherman’s Wharf and scenic icons like the Golden Gate Bridge.
