Pier 39

Pier 39 showing street scenes, a city and signage
Pier 39 showing signage and landscape views
Pier 39 which includes street scenes and a city
Pier 39
Pier 39 showing signage


This waterfront attraction offers all the fun of a traditional pier with rides, street performances and entertainment courtesy of a colony of resident sea lions!

Pier 39 is an interesting two-tiered complex which incorporates shopping, sideshows, entertainment, dining, rides and attractions, which will appeal to everyone. There’s so much going on that you’ll find it easy to spend a whole day here. The Neptune cruiser, permanently stationed in the bay offers regular cruises. Adults can indulge in a 90-minute wine-tasting cruise. Otherwise, find a spot on the waterfront and take in the beautiful views of San Francisco’s famous landmarks the Golden Gate Bridge and Bay Bridge, Alcatraz, Angel Island and the city skyline.

Colonies of sea lions have made Pier 39 their home and have now been resident here for decades. Watch them basking in the sun or playing on the floating docks. These playful animals are a particular favourite with children, and are a real draw for visitors. It’s widely believed that the animals made the pier their home because of the plentiful food available and the lack of predators, ensuring their survival! At certain times of year, you’ll see hundreds of them. Other times, they are noticeably absent as they disappear out to sea for a while to breed.

Sea life doesn’t stop here though. There’s a vast selection of sea life on display at the adjacent Aquarium of the Bay. There are two transparent tunnels that you can walk through, which treat visitors to a surreal experience as marine species native to the San Francisco area like rays and sharks swim all around you.

Pier 39 is located next to Fisherman's Wharf at the northern end of the Embarcadero. Cable cars also run between the Embarcadero and downtown.

Tours & day trips

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History & culture

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Private & custom tours

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Adventure & outdoor

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Cruises & boat tours

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Popular places to visit


Top Hotel Deals

Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG

Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG

3.5 out of 5
1500 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG
Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf

Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf

4 out of 5
2500 Mason St, San Francisco, CA
Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
Hotel Caza Fisherman's Wharf

Hotel Caza Fisherman's Wharf

4 out of 5
1300 Columbus Avenue, San Francisco, CA
Hotel Caza Fisherman's Wharf
Hotel Zoe Fisherman's Wharf

Hotel Zoe Fisherman's Wharf

4 out of 5
425 North Point, San Francisco, CA
Hotel Zoe Fisherman's Wharf
Hotel Zephyr San Francisco

Hotel Zephyr San Francisco

4 out of 5
250 Beach Street, San Francisco, CA
Hotel Zephyr San Francisco
Holiday Inn Express and Suites Fisherman's Wharf by IHG

Holiday Inn Express and Suites Fisherman's Wharf by IHG

3 out of 5
550 N Point St, San Francisco, CA
Holiday Inn Express and Suites Fisherman's Wharf by IHG
Hilton San Francisco Financial District

Hilton San Francisco Financial District

4 out of 5
750 Kearny St, San Francisco, CA
Hilton San Francisco Financial District
Marriott Vacation Club®, San Francisco

Marriott Vacation Club®, San Francisco

3 out of 5
2620 Jones St, San Francisco, CA
Marriott Vacation Club®, San Francisco
Wharf Inn

Wharf Inn

2.5 out of 5
2601 Mason St, San Francisco, CA
Wharf Inn
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Pier 39

Exploring Pier 39 offers a delightful array of activities, including visits to the captivating aquarium and various attractions that entertain visitors of all ages. The area is also renowned for its vibrant theatre, diverse art scene, and a plethora of shopping opportunities, making it a perfect destination for a memorable day out in San Francisco.

Shopping

At Pier 39, indulge in shopping at Boudin Bakery, only 483m away, offering delightful treats. Ghirardelli Square, 1.3km away, features a vibrant atmosphere with unique shops. If you're up for a drive, visit Winery Collective, located 966m from Pier 39, for exquisite local wines.

Recreation

Experience the electrifying atmosphere at the Chase Center, just 4.8km from Pier 39, where you can catch a thrilling sports event. Alternatively, enjoy live performances at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium, located 3.2km away, immersing yourself in the vibrant entertainment scene of San Francisco.

Adventure

At Union Square Ice Rink, enjoy a delightful ice skating experience, located 3.2km from Pier 39. Explore the scenic Perimeter Road, 4.8km away, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. For a more adventurous outing, hike the Coastal Trail, a stunning 8.0km trek with breathtaking views.

Nightlife

Enjoy a delightful evening at the San Francisco Carousel, where the outdoor atmosphere is perfect for families. If you're seeking romance and culture, catch a show at the nearby SHN Curran Theatre or Alcove Theater, both offering an enchanting vibe just a couple of miles from Pier 39.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Pier 39

At Pier 39 in San Francisco, enjoy a vibrant waterfront destination filled with culture and family-friendly experiences. Explore the lively pier, visit local attractions like the bustling wharf district, and discover art museums nestled nearby. Don't miss the chance to see the famous San Francisco fishermen and indulge in the top attractions that this iconic location has to offer, ensuring a memorable trip for all visitors.

  • Moscone Convention Center: A hub for innovation and business, the Moscone Convention Center hosts a variety of conferences and events. Despite its professional atmosphere, the architecture and design create an inspiring space for networking and collaboration, making it a fascinating visit even for tourists.
  • Alcatraz Island: A short ferry ride from Pier 39, Alcatraz Island offers a unique glimpse into history with its infamous former prison. Explore the rugged beauty of the island and enjoy captivating audio tours that recount stories of notorious inmates and daring escapes, all amidst stunning views of the San Francisco skyline.
  • Lombard Street: Known as the crookedest street in the world, Lombard Street features eight hairpin turns adorned with beautiful flowers. Walk or drive down this iconic street and take in the charming architecture and picturesque views, capturing the essence of San Francisco's vibrant city life.

Best time to go to Pier 39

The best time to visit Pier 39 can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Pier 39 falls in September, when visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny with no rain. The coolest average temperature around Pier 39 falls in December, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January51.4°F (10.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
February52.2°F (11.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
March53.4°F (11.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April55.8°F (13.2°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
May58.1°F (14.5°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
June62.1°F (16.7°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighAverage
July63.1°F (17.3°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighAverage
August64.2°F (17.9°C)No RainSunnyAverageSlightly High
September64.9°F (18.3°C)No RainSunnyAverageSlightly High
October62.6°F (17.0°C)No RainSunnySlightly LowSlightly High
November56.1°F (13.4°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
December51.3°F (10.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Pier 39

To save on your trip to Pier 39, consider visiting in February or November to December when accommodation prices are lower. Fridays are generally the cheapest days to stay, while Tuesdays are the most expensive. Use Expedia’s search tool to filter by budget and location, sorting prices from lowest to highest for the best deals. Look for package offers that combine flights, hotels, and activities to maximise savings. Don't forget to explore free activities at Pier 39, such as watching sea lions and enjoying the waterfront views.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Pier 39 are February and November to December, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to August to October, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Pier 39 is Friday. The most expensive day to stay around Pier 39 is Tuesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. To find the most affordable prices and offers, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your hotel reservation at Pier 39 with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.