Visiting Pier 39 in San Francisco is something every individual ought to do due to the vibrant ambiance and the wide array of attractions that it has to offer. Watching breathtaking views of the bay, Alcatraz Island, and Golden Gate Bridge are among the perfect things to do in Pier 39.
Among other sites is an aquarium of the Bay where guests can see local marine life and playful sea lions basking on docks. Unique shops, diverse restaurants, and live shows are some attractions including street performers and recordings.
This article explores 20 Amazing Things to do in Pier 39 San Francisco CA.
1. Go See The See Lions
San Francisco’s Pier 39 is famed for its lively sea lions, who have lived on the docks since 1989. Tourists can see these ocean mammals anytime they want, especially between late July and early May when there are more of them around. At K-Dock, you may observe sea lions sunbathing and playing with each other.
Pier 39 also has many attractions beyond the sea lions like shops, restaurants, and entertainment options. Some of the main attractions include the Aquarium of the Bay, street performances, and breathtaking views of Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island visiting one of the things to do in Pier 39 San Francisco.
2. Take A Ride At The San Francisco Carousel
Everyone including every other person who passes there will enjoy riding on the San Francisco Carousel which is found at Pier 39. On it, there are images of famous sites within San Francisco and they are all hand-painted thus making it a picturesque place to ease oneself while still gazing at the bay. Located close to Pier 39’s entrance, it is a suitable stopping point for families or individuals wanting some lightheartedness.
Horseback riding, combustion engine powered boats and all manner of creatures such as mermaids and dinosaurs crafted elaborately adorn this merry-go-round. The feel of the surroundings is enhanced by the jolly lights and timbres of music in the area.
3. Look Out For Bird Species
If you are a bird-watcher in Pier 39 San Francisco, birdwatching would be an experience worth remembering because you can see both the city and the wildlife. This spot where sea lions are most commonly found is an ideal place to bird-watch thanks to its undeniable diversity of birds. Commonly observed species include pelicans, seagulls, and cormorants.
The brown pelican is one notable bird that stands out due to their beauty. These elegant creatures forage for fish in the Bay or rest idly on the piers. Due to this encroachment on their habitat by other marine mammals such as seals, pelicans have become part of Pier 39’s vibrant environment.
4. Indulge In Clam Chowder
This beautiful city has its maritime history, which explains why the Clam Chowder dish has such a creamy and rich feel when eaten with a piece of a warm bread bowl made from sourdough. A few eateries along the pier offer their takes on the classic soup but with the same rich and hearty flavors that make it popular among visitors.
As you enjoy your clam chowder with loved ones or friends at Pier 39, you will be mesmerized by the atmosphere characterized by infectious shops busy at work, amusing street performers or simply looking over the striking waterfront views.
5. Take A Bay Cruise
A Bay Cruise in San Francisco offers a mesmerizing experience, gracefully displaying the city’s famous sites from the waters. The panoramic views of the tall buildings dotting this beautiful skyline accompanied by hills forming their backdrop are amazing.
As for Pier 39 itself, it is truly an exciting place containing numerous shopping centers, restaurants, and other leisure time outlets to explore. In addition to being an ideal launch pad for your cruise across San Francisco Bay’s nature parks, its vibrant atmosphere makes it all so much better than just seeing sea lions soaking up sun rays on the decks.
6. Experience 7D Thrill Rides
Experience the exhilarating 7D Thrill Rides at San Francisco’s iconic Pier 39, where cutting-edge technology meets heart-pounding adventure. This interactive attraction combines a 3D motion ride with high-definition graphics, surround sound, and special effects; creating an immersive environment that places you in the action.
Whether you are dodging zombies racing through futuristic landscapes or embarking on a thrilling treasure hunt, each ride offers its unique experience making it unforgettable. Located in the heart of Pier 39, the 7 D Thrill Rides are perfect for thrill seekers of all ages.
7. Watch Street Performance
Everyone seeking a taste of the city’s vibrantly artistic atmosphere ought to consider watching a street performance at Pier 36, San Francisco. Pier 36, which is located along the winding roads of Embarcadero and known for its quaint setting, features many talents including musicians, dancers, jugglers, and magicians among others whose performance actively engages people from all walks of life.
The waterfront ambiance they command alongside the artistry exuded by these performers will take you in within no time as they entertain viewers with their creativity and charm. An impromptu show will fit well into this naturally occurring backdrop.
8. Experience The Golden Gate Bridge
The Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most recognizable sights in San Francisco. It stretches 1.7 miles over the Golden Gate Strait, linking Marin County with the city. Its completion date was 1937 with a stunning Art Deco design colored with international orange proving it to be an engineering and architectural wonder.
Every year, this bridge receives millions of visitors who come for breathtaking views of the bay, Alcatraz Island, and the Pacific Ocean. The remains on top remain evidence that human beings can think beyond themselves when faced with their situations and thus it remains one of the most loved places but also shows how smart we can be.
9. Listen To Live Music
San Francisco's Pier 39 has an effervescent live music environment that compliments its celebratory aura. Visitors can enjoy local bands and individual performers who perform different types of music ranging from jazz to rock. The ambiance created by such sounds perfectly integrates with the other noises around and those made by sea lions nearby.
There are also various attractions at Pier 39 such as restaurants, shops, and views over the bay featuring numerous live performances. It is often frequented by tourists and locals alike due to this energy-rich milieu. Everyone who goes to Pier 39 will have an unforgettable time because of the lively entertainment plus its beautiful scenery.
10. Enjoy The Festive Atmosphere
In San Francisco, there is a lively feeling at Pier 39 full of joy and energy. Street performers amuse people with their musical, magical, or by doing acrobatics. The local bands add to the cheerful atmosphere with their inspiring songs. The sounds of laughing and chatting people combine with sea lion calls which leads to an interesting sound world full of life.
Moreover, this celebration-like environment has various features such as carousel rides, video games, and many restaurants serving delicious meals; In addition, tourists find shops selling unique items that they may want to buy elsewhere.
11. Visit The Aquarium Of The Bay
What an exciting time to be in San Francisco! This used-to-be-small spot (it still is!) at Pier 39 introduces you to multiple kinds of waterborne beings within one place. Exploring the world beneath these waters is downright magical; swimming through glass tunnels filled with everything from fluffy schools of jellyfish to hungry-looking sharks makes anyone feel like they’re underwater too!
Visitors can touch different kinds of starfish and even bat rays among other aquatic beauties when they dip their hands into this pool. This exhilarating experience makes visiting the Aquarium Of The Bay a popular Pier 39 San Francisco destination.
12. Play A Game At Arcade
Pier 39's arcade is a nostalgic and thrilling experience for every age. Outdated pinballs and video games alongside new interactive simulators grace this game center. It does not matter if you are just about to begin your gaming journey or if you have been gaming since the 1970s because there will always be something interesting for you in this arcade.
Consequently, the comfortable predominantly dimmed surroundings find declarations that would never bore any seasoned player until he/she leaves with pride after receiving serious prizes.
13. Visit The Children's Playground
The children’s community park at Pier 39 in San Francisco, is a great spot for families to have fun. It has unique colored features like slides, ladders, and different structures where children can play and enjoy themselves. This place is designed to keep children occupied and healthy. For the parents, there are benches close to the play area where they can sit back and watch over their children.
Families can combine playing time with having their meals, buying something or simply looking at the scenic bay view since it is situated within Pier 39. It is one of the most popular spots in CA where kids can go wild while parents can spend time bonding with them.
14. Admire The San Francisco Skyline
Pier 39, in San Francisco, is famous for its stunning city skyline. From such an angle, one can see the great bay for many well-known buildings of San Francisco like the Transamerica Pyramid and Salesforce Tower. It becomes an awe-inspiring image as it glows with all the lights of the town during twilight hours.
At Pier 39, visitors can enjoy these surroundings including walkways along the waterfront and areas for people to look out for them. The buzzing vibe around the pier, mixed with this breathtaking cityscape defines what Fiscal Charm is about; it has that rarest beauty found only in some parts of California.
15. Relax At Water Front Restaurant
Soothing at a waterfront eatery positioned at Pier 39 is an enthralling moment. Diners can enjoy their meals while observing the movement of waves and vessels as they are treated to stunning views of the bay and San Francisco skyline. A gentle breeze with a scenic backdrop creates tranquility making it an ideal locale for relaxation.
No matter if you are taking your time eating seafood or sipping cocktails, the waterfront aspect enhances one’s dining experience. One of the most appealing elements about this place is its excellent food, breathtaking views, and laid-back atmosphere perfect for casual lunch and formal ceremonies.
16. Go Fishing
At Pier 39, fishing is an experience like no other, right in the middle of San Francisco. Anglers get designated fishing zones on the pier to cast their lines into the bay and catch local species such as perch, sea bass, or halibut. The beautiful scenery also improves the fishing experience featuring the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island in the distance.
Whether you are a passionate angler or just someone who does it for fun, Pier 39’s fishing opportunities are brought together by the bustling ambiance of the region, making it an ideal place to mix rest and play.
17. Go Kayaking Or Paddleboarding
Exploring the beautiful bay of San Francisco can be done excellently by kayaking or paddleboarding at Pier 39. A kayak rental allows visitors to navigate the waters from a rented paddleboard. They can view Alcatraz Island among other places from a distance and even enjoy the Golden Gate Bridge.
Kayaking or paddle boarding at Pier 39 offers a great way to explore San Francisco’s attractive bay. The rental of a kayak or paddleboard gives one proximity to water while urging it to become one of the popular things to do in Pier 39 San Francisco CA.
18. Browse Unique Shops
Browsing through unique shops at Pier 39 provides a delightful experience with many different finds. The shops have eclectic merchandise, quirky souvenirs, handcrafted jewelry, local art, and specialty foods. Each store has its charm characterized by the colorful displays and interesting items reflecting what San Francisco is all about.
Irrespective of whether you want to buy something unique for someone special to keep as a memory from your trip or want to look around, browsing the Pier39 stores will give you a good time while shopping.
19. Walk Or Bike The Embarcadera
Walking or biking along the Embarcadero is a fantastic way to get a feel of San Francisco’s waterfront. This beautiful stretch of roadway runs along the city's eastern edge and provides great views of Bay Bridge, the Ferry Building, and the busy harbor. Smooth pathways for cyclists and pedestrians tie together major attractions and different neighborhoods. Parks, public art displays, and historic locations can be seen on this route.
The Embarcadero is an attractive and enjoyable path that lets you experience the beautiful San Francisco waterfront by walking or cycling at your own pace anywhere from taking a casual walk round to covering it quickly with a cycle ride on it.
20. Take A Ferry To Alcatraz
An enchanting journey to Alcatraz Island by boat gives one a taste of the legendary past. The boat ride begins at Pier 33 and exposes the picturesque sight of the Bay Bridge, San Francisco skyline and Golden Gate Bridge.
When on the island, guests can follow audio-guided tours that provide a personal account of Alcatraz’s harsh realities. Engaging and educational tours include historic cell blocks, guard towers and breathtaking views. The boat trip plus tour offers various glimpses at such an important point in San Francisco’s past.
