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Pier 39


TripAdvisor Traveller Rating: 3.5 of 5 stars
TripAdvisor Popularity Index: #78 of 622 attractions in San Francisco
Traveller Description:
This third most visited attraction in the U.S. is a hive of activity with rides, entertainment, restaurants, shops and lively street entertainers... more » This third most visited attraction in the U.S. is a hive of activity with rides, entertainment, restaurants, shops and lively street entertainers. You can easily hop a ferry across the bay to Alcatraz or Tiburon, but don't miss the celebrated sea lion colony that inhabits the nearby abandoned docks. « less
Familiar with Pier 39? Write your own description and share what you know with other travellers.
Attraction type: Wharf/pier/boardwalk, Other
Activities: Dining, Shopping
Address: Beach Street & The Embarcadero San Francisco, CA 94133
Tel: 415 705 5500

Traveller Reviews

[ Date ] [ Rating ]
9 Jul 2009

We had a short amount of time to spend in San Francisco with the family and found Pier 39 had it all. The Aquarium was a delight, the Fog Harbor restaurant was kid-friendly but elegant for the adults at the same time with fantastic food (the kids ate free with a paying adult, bonus!). The merry go round, the shops,... more

20 Jun 2009
0/1 found this review helpful

This place has a bunch of shops: purses, jewelry, clothing, shoes, etc.. It also has a TON of food places. It is a great 1st or 2nd day vist. The worst part is the seals; they smelled like a field of cows. more

26 May 2009
0/1 found this review helpful

I am not a fan of tourist traps where I have to push through a crowd to get anywhere and everything is overrpriced. Pier 39 is no exception. The one restaurant that looked good for less that $20 per plate was closed for some reason. If you want to see sea lions in their natural environment, go to Alaska. It... more

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1 of 5 stars
Houston, TX
10 Dec 2008
0/1 found this review helpful

The only good thing about this location are the sea lions that live there on the barges. All it is a collection of chain eateries and nik-nak shops. Not a place for a real traveler. more

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3 of 5 stars
Baltimore
4 Nov 2008
1/2 found this review helpful

The crowds weren't too bad when I went in November. There are plenty of restaurants and shops to go to. I actually liked Pier 39 a lot more than the surrounding Fisherman's Wharf area. There is a nice spot to take picture sthat has a good view of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz. The sea lion area is pretty... more

7 Oct 2008
3/3 found this review helpful

After having read the reviews of how lame this place was for being a tourist trap...I knew I had to visit it! It does stink...probably because of the sea lions and there was a lot of people...probably because it is a tourist trap. But they do have the Hard Rock cafe right there which was kind of nice to eat... more

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4 of 5 stars
Edmonton, Canada
12 Sep 2008
0/3 found this review helpful

The Shops are great and lots to do at and around Pier 39. more

28 Aug 2008
0/3 found this review helpful

Didn't like this place at all. It was crowded, tacky and full of junk. The only redeeming feature is the view of the sea lions - if you can get near them for the crowds. more

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3 of 5 stars
Chicago
6 Aug 2008
2/4 found this review helpful

Pier 39 is a tourist trap. It's extremely crowded! We ate at Fog Harbor Fish House and were very happy with service and the food. We did not spend much time on the pier because the crowds were so bad. more

10 Jul 2008
4/5 found this review helpful

I guess if you're in San Francisco you might as well go to Pier 39 just to tell friends you did. Like others have mentioned it is a very typical tourist trap with a lot of what I call "junk tourist shops", nothing I would consider as real novelty shops. Beware the crowds are huge and on a hot day... more

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Pier 39 Address

Beach Street & The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94133
Tel: 415 705 5500