PIER 39: San Francisco's Playful Waterfront
Experience San Francisco's waterfront charm at PIER 39: sea lions, stunning views, dining, and family fun on the historic Embarcadero.
PIER 39, a bustling entertainment and shopping pier in San Francisco, offers stunning views, family-friendly attractions, and the famous colony of California sea lions. Opened in 1978, it has become a must-visit destination for tourists seeking a taste of the city's vibrant waterfront culture.
A brief summary to PIER 39
- The Embarcadero, San Francisco, Fisherman's Wharf, California, 94133, US
- +1415-705-5500
- Visit website
- Monday 10 am-10 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-10 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-10 pm
- Thursday 10 am-10 pm
- Friday 10 am-10 pm
- Saturday 10 am-10 pm
- Sunday 10 am-10 pm
Local tips
- Visit the sea lions early in the morning for a less crowded viewing experience.
- Check the schedule for street performers and live shows at the Bay End Stage for free entertainment.
- Dine at participating restaurants for validated parking in the PIER 39 Garage.
- Take advantage of the PIER 39 mobile app for maps, directories, and special offers.
- Bring a jacket, as it can be windy and cool near the water.
Getting There
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Public Transport
From downtown San Francisco, take the historic F-Line streetcar or Muni bus lines 8, 30, 39, 47 or 49 to The Embarcadero & Stockton St stop. From there, it's a short walk to PIER 39's entrance. A single ride on Muni costs $3.00 cash or $2.85 with a Clipper card or MuniMobile. A day pass for unlimited rides is $5.70 via MuniMobile.
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Walking
From the San Francisco Ferry Building, head north along The Embarcadero for approximately 1.2 miles. The walk takes about 25 minutes and offers scenic views of the waterfront. Follow the Embarcadero, and PIER 39 will be on your left.
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Taxi/Ride-Share
Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft provide direct access to PIER 39. A typical ride from the Ferry Building costs $10-$20 and takes only a few minutes, depending on traffic.
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Driving
If driving, follow signs to Fisherman's Wharf and PIER 39. The PIER 39 Garage is located directly across the street from the entrance. Hourly parking rates range from $10-$12, with daily maximums of $50-$60. Limited validated parking is available at participating full-service restaurants.
Discover more about PIER 39
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Sea Lions
0.2 km
Experience the playful chaos of San Francisco's famous sea lions at Pier 39, where these charismatic marine mammals bask in the sun and charm visitors from around the world.
Sea Lion Viewing Area
0.3 km
Discover the playful sea lions basking in the sun at Pier 39, an iconic San Francisco attraction offering stunning bay views and family-friendly fun.
Pier 43 Ferry Arch
0.3 km
Explore the historic Pier 43 Ferry Arch in San Francisco, a captivating landmark where stunning bay views meet rich maritime history.
Fisherman’s Wharf Sign
0.5 km
Discover the iconic Fisherman’s Wharf Sign, a historical landmark in San Francisco that captures the essence of the city’s vibrant waterfront culture.
Pier 31 (1917)
0.6 km
Explore the historic Pier 31 in San Francisco, where maritime heritage meets stunning waterfront views and vibrant local culture.
Lombard St & Kearny St
0.6 km
Discover the beauty of Lombard Street, the world's crookedest street, boasting stunning views and vibrant floral scenery in San Francisco.
Muir Woods Shuttles and Tours
0.8 km
Experience the serene beauty of Muir Woods with seamless tours from Muir Woods Shuttles and Tours, your gateway to towering redwoods and lush landscapes.
Coit Tower
0.8 km
Discover the breathtaking views and rich history of Coit Tower, a must-visit historical landmark in San Francisco showcasing stunning murals and panoramic vistas.
One Lombard Street
0.8 km
Experience the 'Crookedest Street in the World' on Lombard Street in San Francisco, a unique and scenic landmark offering stunning views and a testament to innovative urban design.
California Historical Landmark 1024: Briones Rancho Site
0.8 km
Explore the Briones Rancho Site, a historical landmark in San Francisco that encapsulates California's rich ranching heritage and cultural diversity.
Washington Square
0.9 km
Discover San Francisco's historic Washington Square in North Beach: a vibrant park surrounded by Italian culture, iconic landmarks, and a lively community atmosphere, perfect for relaxation and exploration.
Filbert Steps
0.9 km
Discover San Francisco's hidden gem: the Filbert Steps, a charming urban hike through lush gardens and historic homes with breathtaking bay views, connecting the Embarcadero to Coit Tower.
1890 San Francisco Bay Ark
1.0 km
Discover the San Francisco Bay Ark at Fisherman's Wharf: Step back in time and explore a unique piece of maritime history, showcasing early 20th-century houseboat living.
2905 Hyde St
1.0 km
Experience the historic charm of 2905 Hyde St in San Francisco's iconic Fisherman's Wharf, where stunning views and rich maritime history await.
Hyde Street Pier
1.0 km
Explore San Francisco's seafaring past at Hyde Street Pier, home to a remarkable fleet of historic ships and offering stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Fisherman's Wharf.
Unmissable attractions to see
Flyer Thrill Zone & 7D Experience
0.0 km
Discover the thrill of flying and immersive adventures at Flyer Thrill Zone & 7D Experience in San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf.
Aquarium of the Bay
0.0 km
Explore the vibrant underwater world of the Aquarium of the Bay at Pier 39, a top tourist attraction in San Francisco for marine life enthusiasts.
ACsailingSF
0.1 km
Experience the thrill of sailing on San Francisco Bay with ACsailingSF at Pier 39, where adventure meets stunning views of the city's skyline.
California Welcome Center
0.1 km
Your ultimate guide to exploring California awaits at the California Welcome Center, located at Pier 39, San Francisco.
Blue & Gold Fleet
0.1 km
Explore San Francisco's stunning waterfront and iconic landmarks with Blue & Gold Fleet's unforgettable boat tours and ferry services.
Magowan's Infinite Mirror Maze
0.2 km
Explore the mesmerizing world of reflections at Magowan's Infinite Mirror Maze, a must-visit amusement center in San Francisco's iconic Pier 39.
Musical Stairs
0.2 km
Discover the joy of music at the Musical Stairs in San Francisco, a playful attraction where every step creates a unique melody.
Plaza de California
0.2 km
Explore Plaza de California, a vibrant urban oasis in Fisherman's Wharf, where culture, history, and stunning views come together in San Francisco.
Fisherman's Wharf
0.2 km
Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco, a lively waterfront destination filled with fresh seafood, stunning views, and historic sights.
San Francisco Carousel at Pier 39
0.2 km
Experience the magic of childhood at the San Francisco Carousel at Pier 39, where joy and nostalgia meet stunning bay views.
Essential places to dine
Eagle Cafe
0.0 km
Experience delightful seafood and breakfast dishes at Eagle Cafe in San Francisco's iconic Pier 39 with stunning bay views.
Wipeout Bar & Grill
0.1 km
Experience Californian flavors at Wipeout Bar & Grill on Pier 39—delicious food, stunning views, and unforgettable moments await you.
Fog Harbor Fish House
0.1 km
Experience the freshest seafood with stunning views at Fog Harbor Fish House in Fisherman's Wharf.
Crab House at Pier 39
0.1 km
Discover fresh seafood delights at Crab House at Pier 39 in San Francisco's iconic Fisherman's Wharf with stunning bay views.
Pier Market Seafood Restaurant
0.2 km
Experience fresh seafood delights with stunning bay views at Pier Market Seafood Restaurant in San Francisco's iconic Fisherman's Wharf.
The Stinking Rose A Garlic Fish House
0.4 km
Experience exquisite garlic-infused seafood at The Stinking Rose A Garlic Fish House in San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf.
Franciscan Crab Restaurant
0.4 km
Discover exquisite seafood dining with breathtaking bay views at Franciscan Crab Restaurant in Fisherman's Wharf.
Fior d'Italia
0.6 km
Discover Fior d'Italia: A historic Italian restaurant in San Francisco's North Beach offering authentic cuisine and an inviting atmosphere.
Surisan
0.7 km
Discover Surisan: Where Korean flavors meet brunch classics in San Francisco's scenic Fisherman's Wharf.
Cioppino's
0.8 km
Experience fresh seafood delights at Cioppino's - A family-friendly Italian restaurant located at Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco.
Capurro's Restaurant
0.9 km
Discover Capurro's Restaurant at Fisherman's Wharf - where fresh seafood meets Italian flair in an unforgettable dining experience.
Original Joe's
0.9 km
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Red Window
1.0 km
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Gary Danko
1.0 km
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Sotto Mare
1.0 km
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Only In San Francisco
0.0 km
Discover unique souvenirs and local artisan crafts at Only In San Francisco, the perfect gift shop to capture your travel memories.
Under the Golden Gate
0.1 km
Explore Under the Golden Gate, a vibrant gift shop at Pier 39 offering unique souvenirs and local crafts in the heart of San Francisco.
The Cable Car Store
0.1 km
Explore San Francisco's charm at The Cable Car Store, your go-to destination for unique souvenirs and gifts celebrating the city's iconic culture.
Fairy Tales
0.1 km
Explore the whimsical world of Fairy Tales Gift Shop at Pier 39, San Francisco, where magic and creativity come to life in enchanting souvenirs.
I Love SF
0.1 km
Discover unique San Francisco souvenirs at I Love SF, a vibrant gift shop showcasing the spirit of the city in every treasure.
Solve It! Think out of the box
0.1 km
Discover the ultimate game store in San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf, offering a brilliant selection of puzzles, toys, and family-friendly activities.
Enlightenment
0.2 km
Explore Enlightenment Gift Shop at Pier 39 for unique South Asian treasures and memorable souvenirs in San Francisco.
Ess Eff Gift Shop (Inside)
0.4 km
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Route 66
0.6 km
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Missing Audrey Vintage
0.7 km
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Safe Harbor
0.8 km
Explore Safe Harbor, a charming souvenir store in San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf, offering unique treasures and local art to celebrate your visit.
Frank's Fisherman
0.8 km
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Vacation
0.9 km
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Via Margutta Vintage
0.9 km
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WORK
1.0 km
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Hard Rock Cafe
0.0 km
Savor classic American cuisine amidst iconic rock music memorabilia at Hard Rock Cafe San Francisco, a vibrant dining experience at Fisherman’s Wharf.
Players Sports Grill & Arcade
0.3 km
Experience the ultimate blend of food, drinks, and arcade fun at Players Sports Grill & Arcade in Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco.
Luau Lounge
0.3 km
Savor tropical flavors and stunning views at Luau Lounge, a vibrant restaurant at Pier 39, San Francisco.
Red Jack Saloon
0.3 km
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Northpoint Craft Cocktails - Local Brews
0.3 km
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The Socialite Crafthouse & Kitchen
0.3 km
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Sweetie's Art Bar
0.5 km
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Bodega North Beach
0.8 km
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Tony Nik's CAFE
1.0 km
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Gino & Carlo
1.0 km
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Maggie McGarry's
1.0 km
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The Showdown
1.1 km
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The Saloon
1.1 km
Experience the lively spirit of San Francisco at The Saloon, North Beach's oldest bar, featuring live music and a welcoming atmosphere.
15 Romolo
1.2 km
Experience the best of San Francisco's cocktail culture at 15 Romolo, a cozy bar offering innovative drinks and delicious tapas in North Beach.
Cold Drinks Bar
1.2 km
Experience the best cocktails in North Beach at Cold Drinks Bar, where creativity meets flavor in a stylish atmosphere.
