Tourist Guide to Pier 39: Things to Do, Food & Sea Lions

Pier 39 is often the first stop for visitors to San Francisco, and for good reason.

It is a bustling, two-level open-air marketplace featuring sea lions, chowder bread bowls, and panoramic views of the Golden Gate Bridge.

Whether you are looking for family fun, souvenir shopping, or just a great view of the bay, this guide covers everything you need to know.

Top Tickets

– Alcatraz Day Tour
– Alcatraz Night Tour
– San Francisco Bay Cruise (no landing)
– Muir Woods, Sausalito & Alcatraz
– Muir Woods, Sausalito & Alcatraz + SFO city tour

Book tickets early, as Alcatraz Island tours sell out quickly.

Top things to do at Pier 39

Meet the Sea Lions

You can’t be in San Francisco and not see the boisterous colony of California sea lions that have made the K-Dock their home. These “sea dogs” are famous for their loud barking, playful wrestling, and sunbathing antics, drawing millions of visitors each year.

The sea lions mysteriously began arriving at Pier 39 shortly after the Loma Prieta earthquake in October 1989.

While you can spot sea lions year-round, their numbers fluctuate significantly with the seasons.

Winter (Late July – Mid-May): This is the peak season. The population can swell to over 900 as they gather for the abundant herring run.
Summer (June – July): This is the quietest time. Most sea lions migrate south to the Channel Islands for breeding season, so you may only see a handful of stragglers basking in the sun.

Best place to see the Sea Lions: Head to the West Marina (left side of the pier if facing the water). The viewing decks offer a clear, unobstructed look at K-Dock.

Aquarium of the Bay

Located right at the entrance of Pier 39, the Aquarium of the Bay offers a mesmerizing glimpse into the rich marine life native to the San Francisco Bay and its surrounding waters.

Under the Bay is the aquarium’s crown jewel. You’ll walk through 300 feet of crystal-clear acrylic tunnels, completely surrounded by 700,000 gallons of bay water.

It is open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Last entry at 4:30 PM).

Tip: It’s part of the San Francisco CityPASS, which can save you nearly 50% if you plan to visit other major attractions like the California Academy of Sciences.

Ride the Carousel

The San Francisco Carousel, located towards the bay end of Pier 39, was hand-painted and handcrafted in Italy.

Look up at the upper rounding boards (the panels on top). Instead of generic scenery, you will see 32 hand-painted murals depicting iconic San Francisco landmarks, including the Golden Gate Bridge, Coit Tower, Chinatown, Lombard Street, and Alcatraz.

While the carousel features classic galloping horses, it also features animals such as the Sea Lion, which represent the area and local culture.

Tickets are approximately $7 per ride (prices subject to change). You can buy them at the booth right next to the ride.

Magowan’s Infinite Mirror Maze

If you are looking for a trippy, psychedelic experience that is fun for all ages, Magowan’s Infinite Mirror Maze is a hidden gem on Pier 39.

The mirror maze is illuminated by black lights and flashing neon colors, set to a soundtrack of pumping 80s rave music.

If you want to try, you must wear plastic gloves (provided) so you can feel your way through without smudging the mirrors.

The best part – unlimited re-entry all day. You can do the maze, grab lunch, and come back to try it again.

Ticket costs approximately $10 per person.

A psychedelic, black-light maze that is surprisingly challenging (and fun) for both adults and children.

Take a Bay Cruise

If you walk to the very end of Pier 39, past the carousel and the shops, you will find the ticket booths for the Blue & Gold Fleet.

Alcatraz Bay Cruises offer a 60 to 90-minute sightseeing adventure across San Francisco Bay, providing breathtaking views of Alcatraz Island, the Golden Gate Bridge, Angel Island, Sausalito, and other landmarks.

Important: Unlike the official Alcatraz Island tour, these cruises do not dock at the island but offer a narrated experience covering its history, infamous inmates, and unique past.

Where to Eat at Pier 39

Fog Harbor Fish House: Known for being one of the first 100% sustainable seafood restaurants in SF. Ask for a window seat for incredible bay views.
Boudin Bakery (nearby): While the main flagship is a short walk away at Pier 45, the smell of fresh sourdough is everywhere here. A clam chowder bread bowl is the quintessential lunch.
Trish’s Mini Donuts: Follow the smell of sugary, fried dough to this spot for a bag of hot, fresh mini donuts.

Crucial Tourist Tip: Pier 39 vs. Pier 33 (Alcatraz)

This is the single most common mistake tourists make in San Francisco.

The “Alcatraz” Confusion

Many visitors assume that because Pier 39 is the main tourist hub, the ferry to Alcatraz leaves from here. It does not.

Pier 39: Departs scenic bay cruises that sail around Alcatraz but do not land on the island.
Pier 33 (Alcatraz Landing): The ONLY place where the official National Park Service ferry departs to take you onto Alcatraz Island.

Do many tourists get confused?

It happens daily. Tourists often purchase tickets for a “Bay Cruise” at Pier 39, thinking it includes a tour of the prison, only to realize once they are on the boat that they aren’t stopping. Others show up at Pier 39 with their official Alcatraz tickets, realize their mistake 10 minutes before departure, and have to frantically run down the Embarcadero.

How to Get from Pier 39 to Pier 33

If you are enjoying Pier 39 before your prison tour, you need to leave enough time to get to the correct pier.

Distance: It is approximately 0.8 miles (1.3 km).
Walking Time: It takes about 10-15 minutes to walk at a normal pace.
Directions: Walk out of Pier 39 to the street (The Embarcadero). Turn left (South) and keep the water on your left. You will pass Pier 35 (cruise ship terminal) before arriving at Pier 33.