From Betsy Malloy,
Your Guide to California Travel.
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• Hours: Open daily, shop hours vary
• Cost: No admission fee
• Location: San Francisco waterfront off The Embarcadero between Grant and Stockton, driving directions below
• How Long: A few minutes to a few hours, depending on how much shopping you do, and whether you hang around for a free show
• Best Time to Visit: Any time
• See It Now: Photo Tour

Pier 39 Review

Pier 39 claims to be the United States' third-most-popular tourist attraction, after the Disney theme parks. A former commercial pier, it appeals mostly to shoppers and souvenir-seekers, but everyone enjoys the sea lions in the marina next door.

Pier 39 shops and restaurants change too fast to keep up with. In general, you'll find restaurants, souvenir shops and places selling those gee-gaws you buy on vacation and wonder later what you were thinking of. Best shopping bets: the chocolate shop and clothing items. Don't miss the sea lions if they're home.

We rate Pier 39 three stars out of 5. It was innovative and exciting when first built, but these days, it's a little tired. The barking sea lions next door never lose their appeal.

Others may disagree. You can see what other people think about Pier 39, then bookmark this page and after you've been there, come back and tell us what you think.

What do you think of Pier 39?

• 0 = Yuck! Just say no to this flea-bitten tourist trap
• 1 = So-So More fun than a night in jail, but you might enjoy a good nap more
• 2 = OK Some people find it interesting. I didn't
• 3 = Good It's not a big deal if you miss it
• 4 = Great I really liked it. I think you will, too
• 5 = Awesome! It's a must-see sight I recommend to everyone

Pier 39 Sights

These Pier 39 attractions are of general interest. Some of them charge admission. You have a lot of options for getting discounts for them, and we suggest that you do a little math before you buy. Viator.com offers the San Francisco Citypass and the Pier 39 Pass, while the Go San Francisco Card offers a lot of attractions all over town at a very reasonable price. You can only do so many of them before your card expires, so be sure you can do enough to make it a good deal for you.

• Sea Lions: The Pier 39 sea lions took over nearby "K" dock in 1990, becoming an immediate tourist favorite. You can see them from Pier 39, or try Pier 41 for a better view. In summer, don't be surprised to find the docks almost empty. Even sea lions have to take care of business, and they migrate south for the summer breeding season, coming back in August.

• Venetian Carousel: Carved and painted in Italy, it's the only carousel in the U. S. that's decorated with paintings of its home city.

• Crystal Geyser Center Stage: Some of San Francisco's best street performers appear here at several shows daily.

• Pier 39 Marina: On the quiet east side you can enjoy views of the marina, Treasure Island, Bay Bridge and Berkeley.

• Theater 39: This small theater stages a variety of shows, including Menopause the Musical, highly recommended for anyone who identifies with it.

• Aquarium of the Bay: A "diver's-eye" view of San Francisco Bay marine life. Visitors travel through clear, acrylic tunnels on a moving walkway through 707,000 gallons of bay water, coming nose-to-gill with myriad marine creatures.

• Forbes Island: This man-made floating island, docked next to Pier 39, is open for dining every Wednesday through Sunday.

If you plan to visit the Aquarium of the Bay, go on a bay cruise and take a trolley tour, save money by ordering a Pier 39 Attraction Pass from Viator.com. They guarantee prices as low as you'd get at the ticket office, and you get a print-at-home voucher right away.

Pier 39 Tips

• See the sea lions without fighting crowds by walking along the west side (nearest the Golden Gate Bridge), beside the water.

• Navigating with a stroller is challenging on busy days. Go early or late to avoid the crowds, or do without it if you can.

• Pier 39 restrooms are free and you may not find one again soon. The ones upstairs are less busy and cleaner.

• Don't ignore the upper level. Half the shops are up there, it's quieter and views are great.

• Use the upper level to get from front to back faster on a busy day, or try the outer walkway on the marina side.

• If stairs are a problem, look for the elevators tucked away in the side corridors.

• Fourth of July fireworks go off near Pier 39. One of the best places to watch is the top floor of the parking garage across the street.

Getting to Pier 39

Pier 39
San Francisco, CA
Pier 39 Website

Take any main city street north toward the water, then take Embarcadero Street.

You can get to Pier 39 on the historic "F" trolley from Market Street, or on the Powell-Mason cable car, but the best way to get here depends on where you're coming from. Check out all the other options.

If you're driving to Pier 39 from the south, use I-280. Resist all urges to exit until you get to Townsend Street. Follow it around the waterfront and you'll be there in no time. If the San Francisco Giants are playing at home, take US 101 and follow the signs toward Fisherman's Wharf. The multi-story parking lot across the street from Pier 39 offers validation discounts, which may be enough to cover the cost of a meal.