Pier 39 is a waterfront attraction in San Francisco, California, built out over the bay. It makes a lively stop for a visitor who wants to spend an afternoon by the water, with a mix of shopping, eating and things to watch.
What to see and do
- The sea lion colony. The pier is best known for its resident sea lions, which gather on the floating docks below. They are easy to watch from the walkways above, and it is a good place to pause and look out over the bay.
- Street performances. Performers often work the pier's open spaces, adding entertainment as you walk between the shops and restaurants.
- Boutiques and galleries. The pier holds a range of shops, including unique boutiques and galleries, so it suits a slow browse rather than a planned shopping trip.
- Restaurants and entertainment venues. There are places to eat and to be entertained, which makes the pier easy to fit into a longer day out.
The visit
Pier 39 works well as a relaxed outing. You can come for the sea lions, stay for a meal, and wander the shops in between. Its position on the bay means the views across the water are part of the experience, whatever you are doing on the pier itself.
Because the pier sits on the waterfront, it is a natural part of a wider day in San Francisco's bayside area. Visitors often combine it with a walk along the water or a visit to other nearby parts of the city, depending on how much time they have.
