Landmark

Sea Lions at PIER 39

Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco

A sea lion raises its head on a wooden dock among others at PIER 39
Photo: Jason Riedy / Flickr (CC BY 2.0)

California sea lions began hauling out on PIER 39's K-Dock shortly after the Loma Prieta earthquake in October 1989, and the pier's site tells the story.

Time needed 30 minutes
Best time Daytime
FreeWith kids

Insider tip

The pier's sea lion page has directions and viewing information.

What the guides say about Sea Lions at PIER 39

PIER 39 and its sea lions, the Aquarium of the Bay and the boat to Alcatraz, which leaves from Pier 33, are all along one stretch of waterfront.

View on the interactive map Google Maps directions

Nearby

Aquarium of the Bay Museum · 3 min walk Aquarium at PIER 39 with exhibits on the Bay, including Touch the Bay and river otters. PIER 39 Landmark · 3 min walk Waterfront complex at The Embarcadero and Beach Street with shops, restaurants, attractions and live performances. USS Pampanito Museum · 5 min walk World War II submarine museum at Pier 45, run by the San Francisco Maritime National Park Association. Fisherman's Wharf Neighbourhood · 8 min walk Waterfront district along Beach Street and Jefferson Street with attractions, restaurants and shops. Alcatraz Landing at Pier 33 Landmark · 9 min walk Departure point for the ferry to Alcatraz Island, run by Alcatraz City Cruises from Pier 33 on the Embarcadero. Bimbo's 365 Club Nightlife · 11 min walk Music venue at 1025 Columbus Avenue with a posted shows page and a history section on its own site.

Around Fisherman's Wharf

PIER 39, Alcatraz ferries, the Exploratorium and Hyde Street

Fisherman's Wharf has 11 places on the map. It runs along the waterfront from Pier 33 and the Exploratorium at Pier 15 west to Ghirardelli Square.

Fisherman's Wharf has 10 places on the Roam San Francisco map: 5 landmarks, 2 museums, 1 shop, 1 neighbourhood and 1 bar. Read the Fisherman's Wharf guide.

Good to know

How long do you need at Sea Lions at PIER 39?
Plan for 30 minutes.
When is the best time to visit Sea Lions at PIER 39?
Daytime.

Stay near Sea Lions at PIER 39

Browse live availability and compare prices around Fisherman's Wharf.

See hotels near Sea Lions at PIER 39 on Booking.comPrices are for the night of Saturday 14 November. You can change the dates on Booking.com. If you book, Roam San Francisco earns a small commission from Stay22 at no extra cost to you.