Visiting Pier 39 in San Francisco: Top things to do
Pier 39 is one of those classic San Francisco tourist attractions that I never tire of visiting, even after living here for over 20 years. Whenever family or friends come to town, Pier 39 is always on our list. It’s touristy, yes, but there’s something about the lively energy and bay views that keeps me coming back.
If you’re visiting San Francisco, Pier 39 is an easy and fun place to spend a few hours or half a day, whether you’re looking for waterfront dining, quirky shops, family-friendly activities, or just a scenic walk along the water.
Here’s everything you need to know to plan your visit to Pier 39 and the top things to do there.
Best Things to Do in Pier 39
Pier 39 is one of those places where you can just walk around and take in the views or explore the attractions, depending on your interests. The pier is packed with restaurants, attractions, souvenir shops, and vendors.
Over the years, I have explored many of the attractions here. My favorite things to do here are taking a bay cruise, watching the sea lions, and trying out the restaurants. We have been to the Aquarium a few times. There is also an occasional farmers’ market here, with fresh flowers and produce. Overall, a fun place to take in the touristy SF vibe.
See the sea lions
The sea lions are probably the biggest (and loudest) draw at Pier 39. They hang out on floating docks on the west side of the pier, near the entrance to the marina.
Sometimes there are hundreds piled up, barking and sunbathing. Other times, just a few. I always make a quick stop to see them, and it’s fun to watch them lounging on the docks.
Take a bay cruise
One of my favorite things to do at Pier 39 is to take a bay cruise and enjoy the views of the city from the water. You’ll get views of the skyline, Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the Marin Headlands, all without having to hike or drive anywhere.
Cruises leave right from the docks next to Pier 39, and are 60 to 90-minute-long sightseeing cruises. They also typically go under the Golden Gate Bridge, giving you a close-up view.
I’ve done this several times over the years with visiting family, and it’s always a hit. You can sit back, enjoy the breeze (or a lot of wind!), and hear narration about the sights around the bay.
➡️I recommend this budget-friendly San Francisco Bay Cruise
or this fancier Sunset Catamaran Cruise
Visit the Aquarium of the Bay
Right at Pier 39, the Aquarium of the Bay is a small yet fun aquarium, ideal for families traveling with kids or those who love marine life. You can walk through glass tunnels surrounded by sharks, rays, and local sea creatures from the San Francisco Bay.
It’s not a huge aquarium, but it’s well laid out and doesn’t take too long to explore. Plus, there are touch pools at the end where you can touch rays, sharks, and starfish.
➡️Get your Aquarium of the Bay Tickets
Grab something to eat
Seafood is big at Pier 39, with plenty of spots offering clam chowder, crab, and fish and chips. You’ll find sit-down restaurants with views of the bay, as well as casual spots for a quick bite.
Fog Harbor Fish House is a popular pick for fresh seafood and bay views. Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. is another fun option, especially if you love the movie references.
Right by the entrance to Pier 39, Boudin Bakery is our go-to, where you can grab clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl (or a vegetarian creamy tomato soup). It’s a classic San Francisco experience and always hits the spot on a foggy day.
For snacks and treats, I like stopping at Biscoff Coffee Corner for a coffee and a cookie (yes, the same Biscoff cookies you get on airplanes) or heading over to Lappert’s Ice Cream for a scoop. They have fun flavors like Kona coffee and macadamia nuts.
Ride the carousel
The two-story carousel at Pier 39 is a classic family attraction. When my kids were young, they loved to ride it. It is a colorful landmark here, popular with families.
Browse the shops
You will find a huge collection of shops here, selling everything from San Francisco souvenirs to candy, toys, artwork, fine jewelry, and quirky gifts. Even though it’s geared toward tourists, I still find it fun to browse, especially the little specialty stores you don’t find elsewhere.
Enjoy the views
One of my favorite parts of visiting Pier 39 is just walking around and taking in the views.
On a clear day, you can see Alcatraz, Angel Island, and even the Golden Gate Bridge in the distance. On the city side, you can see Telegraph Hill and Coit Tower. And of course, there are the sea lions!
There are plenty of benches where you can sit for a few minutes and enjoy being by the water.
Catch a street performance
There’s usually something happening around the entrance plaza, magicians, musicians, or juggling acts. If you have time, it’s worth hanging around for a few minutes. Keep an eye on your belongings in the crowd so that you are not a victim of pickpockets, as it is a heavily touristy area.
How to get to Pier 39
As locals, we typically drive to Pier 39, but it is very easy to get there by public transit.
By car: Driving is doable, but parking can get pricey. We usually use the Pier 39 Parking Garage right across the Embarcadero. It’s the most convenient option, especially if you arrive early in the day.
By public transit: The easiest option is the F-line streetcar, which runs along Market Street and the Embarcadero, dropping you off near Pier 39. You can also take Muni buses to the Fisherman’s Wharf area and walk over in a few minutes.
Hop-On Hop-Off bus: The Big Bus San Francisco tour stops at Pier 39 and is a convenient option if you’re using it to explore other parts of the city. It’s a good way to combine Pier 39 with nearby places like North Beach, Chinatown, and Golden Gate Park without worrying about parking or transit.
➡️ Check my detailed write-up about the Hop on Hop Off bus in San Francisco here.
By foot: If you’re already in neighborhoods like Fisherman’s Wharf, North Beach, or walking along the Embarcadero, it’s an easy walk to Pier 39.
Staying Nearby
If you’re visiting San Francisco and want to stay close to Pier 39 and other tourist attractions, Fisherman’s Wharf is a great area to base yourself. It’s one of the most walkable and tourist-friendly neighborhoods in the city, with easy access to Pier 39, Ghirardelli Square, Alcatraz ferry terminal, and the waterfront.
We did a staycation once at the San Francisco Marriott Fisherman’s Wharf, and it was so convenient. We walked to Pier 39 in just a few minutes, and didn’t have to worry about driving or parking.
There are plenty of mid-range hotel options in this family-friendly neighborhood. Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman’s Wharf is another popular hotel among families.
Staying here puts you right in the middle of the action and makes it easy to explore the rest of the waterfront on foot.
What else is nearby?
Pier 39 is close to many other popular San Francisco attractions. You can easily combine your visit with a few other spots in the area:
Fisherman’s Wharf: Just a short walk west, with seafood stands, souvenir shops, and waterfront views.
Alcatraz Island: The ferry terminal at Pier 33 is just a few minutes away if you’re planning a visit to Alcatraz Island.
Ghirardelli Square: Walk from Pier 39 to this historic chocolate shop where you can get some delicious ice cream sundaes. Also home to several shops and restaurants.
Exploratorium: A bit farther down the Embarcadero, this hands-on science museum is great for families.
North Beach: Also known as Little Italy, this neighborhood is great for a stroll and to browse the various Italian cafes, bakeries, and restaurants.
Coit Tower: A short uphill walk or quick drive brings you to this iconic tower with historic murals and great city views.
Golden Gate Bridge: You can reach the bridge by car, bike, or on a Hop-On Hop-Off bus. It’s one of the most visited San Francisco attractions.
Golden Gate Park: A bit farther out from Pier 39, but easy to reach by transit or car, the park is home to gardens, museums, and walking trails.
Final Takeaways: Top things to do in Pier 39
Pier 39 is one of those places that’s easy to dismiss as “too touristy”, but honestly, it’s worth a visit, especially if it’s your first time in San Francisco. Between the sea lions, bay views, seafood, and shopping, it really captures a fun side of the city’s waterfront life.
Even after years of living here, I still find it fun to visit, especially when I’m playing tour guide for friends and family. Allow yourself a few hours to stroll around, take in the sights, and enjoy the lively atmosphere. Don’t forget to get on board a bay cruise and see the city from the water.
