PIER 39 and Sea Lions

Are you ready for a blast of a good time? Look no further than PIER 39 in San Francisco! This 45-acre waterfront complex is the ultimate spot for an unforgettable San Francisco experience.

First things first, the views! The location of PIER 39 offers the picture-perfect backdrop for postcard-worthy views of the Golden Gate and Bay Bridges, Alcatraz and Angel Islands, and the famous city skyline. It's truly a sight to behold.

But the fun doesn't stop there! PIER 39 is also home to a colony of lively sea lions who have been camping out in the West Marina for over 25 years. These boisterous barking pinnipeds are an international sensation and a must-see attraction. You can watch them lounging and playing from the pier, or even from your own home with the Sea Lion webcam on pier39.com.

When you're ready for a bite to eat, PIER 39 has got you covered with 14 full-service restaurants serving up some of the freshest and most delicious San Francisco dishes. From global cuisines to San Francisco classics like clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl and fresh seafood, there's something for every taste bud. And don't forget, validations for the PIER 39 Parking Garage are available for guests who dine at participating full-service PIER 39 restaurants.

Shopping is also a must-do at PIER 39, with more than 50 specialty shops located throughout two levels, you'll be treated to a memorable shopping experience like none other in San Francisco. From gifts, collectibles, body care, apparel, accessories, jewelry, games and more, there's something for everyone.

But that's not all, PIER 39 also has a 5-acre waterfront park and a 300-berth marina for you to explore. So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and head on over to PIER 39 for a fun-filled day of sea lion watching, delicious dining, shopping and more. Trust us, it's an experience you won't forget.

 

Splashy Sea Lions

 

The sea lions of PIER 39 in San Francisco have been a beloved attraction for over 25 years. These boisterous barking pinnipeds first started "hauling out" in the West Marina shortly after the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake. Initially, only a small number of sea lions were present, but due to the plentiful herring supply, available dock space, and protective environment, their population quickly grew to over 300 in just a few months.

The Marine Mammal Center, an organization dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of marine mammals and the study of their health, advised PIER 39 to allow the sea lions to stay. As a result, the center and PIER 39 have been working together for the last two decades to ensure the health and well-being of the sea lion population at the pier. An educational program was also developed to educate visitors and school groups about these marine mammals.

In November 2009, a record number of sea lions were counted on K-Dock, but later that same month, their numbers quickly dwindled. By December 2009, only a handful of sea lions were hauled out on K-Dock. Researchers at the Marine Mammal Center attributed their departure to a shift in their food source that caused the population to travel to other regions in their normal range, including the Oregon Coast, to feed. However, the California sea lions slowly began migrating back to PIER 39, much to the delight of locals and tourists who gather from all over the world to watch the playful mammals.

Visitors can watch the sea lions from anywhere in the world by visiting the Sea Lion section on pier39.com to check out the Sea Lion Webcam. It's a great way to experience these amazing creatures without having to leave the comfort of your own home.

In summary, the sea lions of PIER 39 have been a beloved attraction for over 25 years, and the Marine Mammal Center and PIER 39 have been working together to ensure the health and well-being of the sea lion population. Visitors can watch them from anywhere in the world via the sea lion webcam on pier39.com. It's a must-see attraction while visiting San Francisco.

 

Note: Segway Tour does not make a stop at the Sea Lion viewing area on Pier 39. Pier 39 is located a few blocks from the Segway office. Visit the Sea lions before or after your Segway Tour. 

 

Specialty Shopping

With more than 50 specialty shops located throughout two levels of PIER 39, visitors are treated to a memorable shopping experience like none other in San Francisco. There is a variety of merchandise suitable for everyone that includes gifts, collectibles, body care, apparel, accessories, jewelry, games, and more.

 

Delectable Dining

PIER 39 is known for serving up some of the freshest and most delicious San Francisco dishes. With 11 full-service restaurants, you can enjoy an array of global cuisines, as well as San Francisco classics like clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl and fresh seafood. Validations for the PIER 39 Parking Garage are available for guests who dine at participating full-service PIER 39 restaurants. Visit pier39.com for more information.

Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. Restaurant & Market • Chart House • Crab House • Eagle Café • Fog Harbor Fish House
Hana Zen Japanese Grill • Hard Rock Café • Luau Lounge Tiki Bar • Luigi’s Pizzeria • Mango’s Taqueria & Cantina
Pier Market Seafood Restaurant • Players Sports Grill & Arcade • Swiss Louis Italian & Seafood Restaurant
Wipeout Bar & Grill • 

 

Endless Entertainment

PIER 39 features a multitude of fun-filled attractions for all ages:

7D Experience • ACsailingSF • Adventure Cat Sailing Charters • Aquarium of the Bay • Bay Voyager
Blazing Saddles Bike Rentals & Tours • Blue & Gold Fleet Bay Cruises • Caricatures • Big Bus
Frequent Flyers • Live Music • Magowan’s Infinite Mirror Maze • Musical Stairs • Players Sports Grill & Arcade
San Francisco Carousel • San Francisco Whale Tours • Sea Lion Center • Sea Lions
SOLVE IT! Think out of the Box Play Area • Street Performers • The Plunge • Wine Tasting on the Bay

 

Information and images provided by Pier 39.