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 location has a mix of thrilling rides and lively street entertainment, but watching the sea lions hanging out in the bay wins the day!

One of the highlights of Pier 39 is watching the vast numbers of sea lions basking in the sun or playing on the floating docks on which they live. These noisy residents are popular with visitors, so the best time to see them is early in the morning.

The pier has been home to these entertaining creatures since 1989, following the San Francisco Loma Prieta earthquake. Marine biologists have come to the conclusion that the animals chose to reside here because of the plentiful food in the bay. Also, white sharks and orcas, their natural predators, don’t hunt here. During the summer months, they’re usually absent as they venture south to breed, but at other times of year, you may be lucky enough to encounter hundreds of them at any one time. The record number counted was 1701, back in November 2009.

Continuing on a sea theme, there’s plenty of other sea life on display at the nearby Aquarium of the Bay. You can observe marine species native to San Francisco as you walk through its two clear tunnels. Get close to magnificent creatures such as rays and sharks, swimming right above you.

Spend a leisurely day or an afternoon wandering round Pier 39’s 2-level complex, with plenty of shopping, dining, rides and attractions to keep you entertained. For a change of scene, there are some tempting wine tasting cruises that depart from the bay. For peace and quiet, find a bench overlooking the bay and take a seat for a while, while you take in the terrific views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, Angel Island and the city skyline.

Pier 39 is right next to Fisherman's Wharf at the northern end of the Embarcadero. It can be reached on foot and is also serviced by cable cars which run up and down the Embarcadero and also to downtown.

Plan a trip to see Pier 39

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
Hotel Zetta San Francisco
Hotel Zoe Fisherman's Wharf

Tours & day trips

See all 296 activities

History & culture

See all 125 activities

Private & custom tours

See all 80 activities

Adventure & outdoor

See all 52 activities

Classes & workshops

See all 13 activities

Popular places to visit


Top Pier 39 Hotel & Accommodation Deals

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
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG

Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG

3.5 out of 5
1500 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG
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
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
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 Zephyr San Francisco

Hotel Zephyr San Francisco

4 out of 5
250 Beach Street, San Francisco, CA
Hotel Zephyr San Francisco
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
Marriott Vacation Club®, San Francisco

Marriott Vacation Club®, San Francisco

3 out of 5
2620 Jones St, San Francisco, CA
Marriott Vacation Club®, San Francisco
Kimpton Alton Fisherman's Wharf by IHG

Kimpton Alton Fisherman's Wharf by IHG

4.5 out of 5
2700 JONES STREET, San Francisco, CA
Kimpton Alton Fisherman's Wharf by IHG
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.