San Francisco Carousel: A Whimsical Spin on Pier 39
Experience a whimsical ride on the hand-painted San Francisco Carousel, featuring iconic landmarks and stunning bay views at Pier 39.
The San Francisco Carousel at Pier 39 is a two-story Venetian carousel, hand-painted in Italy, featuring artistic renderings of San Francisco landmarks and a variety of whimsical creatures. A ride on this carousel offers stunning views of the bay and a memorable experience for all ages.
A brief summary to San Francisco Carousel at Pier 39
- 39 Pier 39, San Francisco, Fisherman's Wharf, California, 94133, US
- Visit website
- Monday 11 am-8 pm
- Tuesday 11 am-8 pm
- Wednesday 11 am-8 pm
- Thursday 11 am-8 pm
- Friday 11 am-8 pm
- Saturday 11 am-8 pm
- Sunday 11 am-8 pm
Local tips
- Visit during the day for the best views of Alcatraz and the bay while riding the carousel.
- Check the Pier 39 event schedule for free shows and entertainment near the carousel.
- Combine your carousel ride with a visit to the Aquarium of the Bay and other Pier 39 attractions for a full day of fun.
Getting There
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Public Transport
From anywhere in San Francisco, take the Muni's historic F-Line trolley or the 8-Bayshore, 30-Stockton, or 39-Coit buses to Pier 39. The closest stop is The Embarcadero & Stockton St, a short 3-minute walk to the pier entrance. A single ride on Muni costs $3.
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Taxi/Ride-Share
Take a taxi or ride-share service directly to Pier 39. The entrance features a passenger loading and unloading zone. From Fisherman's Wharf, a short ride will cost approximately $10-$20, depending on traffic.
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Driving
Drive to Pier 39 and park in the Pier 39 Garage, located directly across the street from the entrance plaza at 172 Beach Street. Weekday parking costs $10/hour (maximum daily rate of $50), while weekends and holidays cost $12/hour (maximum daily rate of $60). Advance online booking offers flat rates of $25 on weekdays and $30 on weekends. Dining at select Pier 39 restaurants can get you one hour of validated free parking.
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Walking
If you are already in Fisherman's Wharf, Pier 39 is easily accessible by foot. Follow the waterfront promenade east, past the sea lions at Pier 39's K-Dock, and you'll find the carousel towards the end of the pier.
Discover more about San Francisco Carousel at Pier 39
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Pier 43 Ferry Arch
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Fisherman's Wharf
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Fisherman’s Wharf Sign
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Pier 31 (1917)
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Lombard St & Kearny St
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1890 San Francisco Bay Ark
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Hyde Street Pier
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2905 Hyde St
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Eureka Steamboat
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C.A. Thayer
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Muir Woods Shuttles and Tours
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Coit Tower
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One Lombard Street
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California Historical Landmark 1024: Briones Rancho Site
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Washington Square
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Unmissable attractions to see
Sea Lions
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The San Francisco Sailing Company
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Sea Lion Viewing Area
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Pier 39
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Musical Stairs
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Magowan's Infinite Mirror Maze
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California Welcome Center
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Blue & Gold Fleet
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ACsailingSF
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Flyer Thrill Zone & 7D Experience
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Aquarium of the Bay
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Essential places to dine
Pier Market Seafood Restaurant
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Crab House at Pier 39
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Fog Harbor Fish House
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Wipeout Bar & Grill
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Eagle Cafe
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The Stinking Rose A Garlic Fish House
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Franciscan Crab Restaurant
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Surisan
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Fior d'Italia
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Cioppino's
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Capurro's Restaurant
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Gary Danko
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Original Joe's
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Red Window
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Sotto Mare
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Enlightenment
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Solve It! Think out of the box
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I Love SF
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Fairy Tales
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The Cable Car Store
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Under the Golden Gate
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Only In San Francisco
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Ess Eff Gift Shop (Inside)
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Route 66
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Safe Harbor
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Frank's Fisherman
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Missing Audrey Vintage
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Players Sports Grill & Arcade
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Luau Lounge
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Hard Rock Cafe
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The Socialite Crafthouse & Kitchen
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Northpoint Craft Cocktails - Local Brews
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Red Jack Saloon
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Tony Nik's CAFE
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The Saloon
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Cold Drinks Bar
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
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Club Fugazi Experiences
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Club X
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