Pier 39

Pier 39 and San Francisco Fisherman’s Wharf have enough attractions to fill an entire day or even two days. I have been here countless times and it is still an enjoyable experience. This is another great attraction for both kids and adults.

If you walk to the very end of Pier 39, you have great views of the Golden Gate Bridge and if you walk to the bridge side of the pier (west) you can see the famous sea lions. Note, sea lions have ear flaps and can walk or even run, whereas seals only have ear holes and waddle on their bellies.

There is a small but good aquarium called Aquarium by the Bay. There are many specialty shops where you can “Build a Bear”, select from 1,000’s of souvenir magnets, candy stores, cable car memorabilia, Houdini’s Magic Shop, Mrs. Fields Cookies, and even a shop for left-handed people only.

You can ride the double decker carousel, one of about 15 historic carousels in the Bay Area. Fisherman’s Wharf itself is the 4-block stretch on Jefferson Street with discounted t-shirts, sweatshirts, and hats. Also, at Fisherman’s Wharf is the Madame Tussauds Wax Museum filled with famous people (see our Madame Tussauds Wax Museum page).

There are two military ships that you can visit: the SS Jeremiah O’Brien liberty ship and the USS Pampanito attack submarine. If you still have the energy, Ghirardelli Square and their chocolate store is seven blocks west of Pier 39. There is a large parking lot across the street from Pier 39 and multiple other parking lots scattered throughout the area.