San Francisco’s PIER 39 is a vibrant, must-see 45-acre hub of shopping, dining, and entertainment along the northern waterfront. The docks offer the perfect vantage point to view some of San Francisco’s most famous landmarks and take in the dazzling shoreline. From the beloved sea lion residents to the classic rides and live performances, PIER 39 draws newcomers in with the bustling energy of an open-air mall. Here are activities to add to your itinerary if you plan to spend a day at the pier.
(Photo by Kaylar Photos on Unsplash.com)
Get to Know San Francisco’s PIER 39
PIER 39 is San Francisco’s most visited attraction for a reason. The oceanfront is the gem of Fisherman’s Wharf, a neighborhood known for its iconic streetcars, year-round cultural events, and longstanding family-owned restaurants. More than 90 shops and attractions line the pier, ranging from artisanal goods and souvenirs to bike rentals and charter boats for exploring by land or sea.
Since its creation in 1978, the pier has been a gathering place to soak up the coastal ambience. Fisherfolk and crabbers show up seasonally to haul in fresh seafood, which you can feast on in restaurants throughout the city. Visit in February for Tulipmania to see the docks covered in barrels bursting with flowers, or brave the crowds in the summer to watch the 4th of July fireworks illuminate the marina.
(Photo by Nancy Zaffaro)
Enjoy Breakfast With a Stunning View
Although most of PIER 39 doesn’t come alive until after 10 a.m., a few eateries and vendors open earlier. Arrive before the crowds to stroll the docks unhurriedly and capture breathtaking shots of the bay, the city skyline, the Golden Gate Bridge, and Alcatraz Island.
Enjoy a relaxing breakfast at PIER 39 in San Francisco overlooking the waterfront at least once. Eagle Cafe, the pier’s most historic restaurant, offers an unbeatable view of the harbor from its outdoor patio. The cafe has been around since 1928 and was relocated to PIER 39 when the site first opened. Grab a delicious Bloody Mary or freshly brewed coffee for a morning pick-me-up, or start the day with hearty American classics like bacon and eggs and sourdough French toast.
Photo by Photo courtesy of Pixabay
Watch Sea Lions on PIER 39’s K-Dock
Visitors come from around the world to catch a glimpse of San Francisco’s famous sea lion colony sunbathing on PIER 39’s K-Dock. After the sea lions migrated to the area in 1990, the Sea Lion Center was founded to protect their marine home and teach the public about wildlife conservation. Check out the sea lions’ playful antics firsthand, and keep up with their activities on the center’s live cam after your trip.
If you want to take a deeper dive into local wildlife, the Aquarium of the Bay showcases the aquatic wonders of the California coast. Two highlights you shouldn’t miss include Beauties of the Bay, a permanent exhibit celebrating the most colorful marine life in San Francisco, and Bay Babies, a selection of newly hatched water dwellers.
(Photo by Nancy Zaffaro)
Try San Francisco’s World-Famous Dungeness Crab
A visit to PIER 39 isn’t complete without a seafood feast. The start of crab season in November is a much-awaited tradition that leaves the harbor overflowing with boats and the decks dotted with crab traps. You can buy fresh seafood from vendors throughout Fisherman’s Wharf to enjoy at home. Try chatting up the local fisherman for tips on what to serve with lobster tails at your next family dinner.
Dungeness crab is among San Francisco’s finest fare, and you’ll have countless opportunities to try it in everything from mac and cheese to fried rice to surf and turf. Settle in for a sizzling skillet of whole Dungeness crab at Crab House at PIER 39, a restaurant known for its signature garlic sauce.
Whether you’re in the mood for fish, mussels, shrimp, or lobster, there’s no shortage of fantastic seafood restaurants. The pier is home to popular chains like the Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. alongside locally owned favorites like Chowders on PIER 39, where you can dine on red or white clam chowder served in a sourdough bread bowl.
(Photo by Nancy Zaffaro)
Explore Rides, Boat Tours, and Other Attractions
PIER 39 offers diverse entertainment for families all in one place. The arcade and virtual reality venue cater to the gamers in the group, while whaling and sightseeing tours allow you to connect with nature and experience the vivacious energy of the bay out on the open water.
Musicians and street performers display their skills throughout the complex, making the area feel alive with activity all year round. In between boat rides and people-watching, take a spin on classic rides like the Bay Plunge, the SkyStar Wheel, and the historic San Francisco Carousel hand-painted with memorable city scenes.
(Photo by Nancy Zaffaro)
Shop for Souvenirs, and Watch the Sunset at San Francisco’s PIER 39
The PIER 39 shops make it easy to find items related to popular city landmarks in one area if you’re looking for San Francisco-themed souvenirs. Stores dedicated to Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge, cable cars, and San Francisco keychains all reside in this complex, so there’s no reason to go hunting all over town for mementos if your time is limited.
But whether you’re a shopping enthusiast or not, set aside an evening to experience the wharf at sunset. Choose a cozy bench on PIER 39, or have dinner at a San Francisco restaurant with a view of the waterfront. There’s no better way to end your visit to PIER 39 than watching the mesmerizing glow of the sun’s reflection dancing on the water as the sky changes from brilliant blue to warm shades of orange and magenta.
For More:
- San Francisco travel, official tourism site
- On our Site: In the Middle of It all: San Francisco’s Japantown
- On our site: More on California travel!
-All photos as credited. Cover photos by Van Phat Phan on Unsplash.com.
