Pier 39 is San Francisco’s playground of charm and energy—vibrant street markets, live music drifting through the air, and seaside cafés where every view feels like a postcard. Don’t miss the sea lions snoozing on the docks, or a scenic boat ride that takes you past gulls and golden light. Every second here feels like a scene from a dream.







Everything you need to know about PIER 39
Marriott San Francisco Fisherman's Wharf is a top choice, offering unobstructed views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the San Francisco Bay from its rooms. Located steps from Pier 39, it provides complimentary shuttles to the pier and features a rooftop bar perfect for sunset cocktails while watching sea lions bask on the docks. Guests can also easily access the California Academy of Sciences and Sea Life Aquarium within walking distance, making it ideal for families and nature enthusiasts seeking authentic maritime experiences.
The most convenient option is taking the Muni Metro T-Third Line or N-Judah Line to the Embarcadero Station, then walking just 5 minutes to Pier 39. Alternatively, transfer at Civic Center Station from Powell Street to reach the pier via bus. For a scenic route, consider renting an electric bike along Market Street—this allows you to enjoy panoramic views of the Financial District and the Bay while cycling directly to the waterfront, ideal for travelers who prefer a relaxed, immersive journey.
Don’t miss the daily sea lion show between 10 AM and 4 PM, where dozens of Pacific sea lions lounge and play on floating platforms—perfect for photography. Enjoy live street performances featuring folk, jazz, and local artists throughout the day. For a unique perspective, take a bay cruise tour departing from the pier, passing by Angel Island and the Golden Gate Strait, offering breathtaking views of the Golden Gate Bridge. Don’t forget to explore the artisan markets and street vendors selling souvenirs, fresh crab cakes, and iconic San Francisco sourdough hot dogs, making it a sensory-rich experience.
Marriott Marquis San Francisco Bay Area is a top choice for its unbeatable views of Pier 39, Golden Gate Bridge, and the San Francisco Bay. Just a 5-minute walk from the pier, this hotel offers panoramic windows in every room, allowing guests to enjoy breathtaking sunsets and bustling harbor life from the comfort of their accommodations.
The hotel also provides complimentary shuttle services to major attractions across the city, making it ideal for travelers seeking convenience and luxury. Don’t miss the rooftop garden—perfect for evening cocktails with a view of the illuminated city skyline and the iconic bay.
Nearby highlights include Fisherman’s Wharf Seafood Market, where you can savor fresh-caught lobster and oysters. The lively atmosphere, street performers, and sea lions on the docks make Pier 39 one of San Francisco’s most iconic experiences.
The easiest way to reach Pier 39 is by taking the Muni Metro Line 41 Embarcadero, which stops directly at "Pier 39" station—just a 15-minute ride from Union Square or Fisherman’s Wharf. This convenient transit option connects well with downtown San Francisco’s main hubs.
Alternatively, rent a Bay Wheels electric bike near the pier; the ride takes only about 8 minutes and offers scenic views along the waterfront and past vibrant murals. For those who prefer walking, it’s a pleasant 25-minute stroll from Union Square, passing landmarks like the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park and Columbus Avenue.
Parking is available but limited—especially during weekends—so public transit or biking is strongly recommended to avoid traffic delays.
Must-try experiences at Pier 39 include watching the playful sea lions lounging on the wooden pilings—often barking and splashing in the waves. Take a harbor cruise to see the Golden Gate Bridge and Angel Island up close, offering unforgettable views from the water.
Don’t miss dining at Sea Lion Cafe, known for its signature salmon burger and chocolate lava bomb—a warm, gooey dessert that’s a local favorite. Live street performances by musicians and artists fill the air daily, with a special Friday night music festival featuring folk and jazz acts.
For photography lovers, visit the pier’s viewing deck at sunset—the golden hour casts a radiant glow over the bay and city skyline, creating perfect conditions for stunning shots. Also, pick up souvenirs like sea lion plush toys and limited-edition maritime pins as keepsakes of your visit.
Yes! Pier 39 is a top destination for families, featuring interactive exhibits like the Junior Sailor Adventure Zone, where kids role-play as young seafarers and learn navigation skills through hands-on games.
Just steps away, the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park offers free admission and engaging touch-screen displays, plus a simulated ship bridge cockpit—ideal for children to explore maritime history in a fun, educational way.
Every Saturday afternoon, the Sea Lion Discovery Day features guided tours led by naturalists explaining sea lion behavior and conservation efforts—engaging and informative for all ages.
Family-friendly amenities include shaded picnic areas with stroller-accessible benches and restrooms. For a relaxed outing, book a family-friendly harbor cruise that includes kid-sized drinks, snacks, and interactive trivia—making learning about the bay both entertaining and memorable. The entire area is wheelchair- and stroller-accessible, ensuring inclusive enjoyment for all.
See what other travelers say about PIER 39

Staying at the BEI San Francisco, Trademark Collection by Wyndham was a fantastic experience. Located right in the heart of downtown, it’s incredibly convenient for both sightseeing and business trips—everything is just a short walk away. The room was spotless, modern, and designed with a clean, minimalist aesthetic that feels both professional and comfortable. Housekeeping was thorough, and I appreciated the courier pickup service, which made handling packages during my trip super easy. The hotel has strong security measures in place, which added peace of mind throughout my stay. One thing to note: the area around the hotel can get busy at night, especially with people experiencing homelessness. While the hotel itself is safe, I’d recommend avoiding long walks outside after dark, particularly if you're traveling solo. Overall, this is a top-tier mid-range option in a prime location—excellent value, great convenience, and very well-run. Definitely a solid choice for travelers looking for comfort and accessibility in San Francisco.

This hotel exceeded my expectations in every way. Located just a short walk from downtown San Francisco, it’s perfectly positioned for exploring the city while still enjoying a peaceful, quiet neighborhood. The rooms were spotlessly clean, with comfortable bedding and excellent air conditioning—perfect for a good night's sleep. I appreciated the thoughtful touches like hot water upon arrival and complimentary snacks. The staff were friendly and helpful, making check-in and check-out smooth. With such great value for the price, it felt like a real bargain. Whether you're here for business or leisure, this is an ideal choice. I’ll definitely be staying here again on my next visit to San Francisco.

The hotel’s location is a smart choice—quiet and safe, yet still close to most of San Francisco’s top attractions. I was pleasantly surprised that they clean the room daily and change the towels, which isn’t something you typically expect from a two-star property. It made a big difference in comfort and cleanliness. Overall, it’s a solid stay with great value for the price. Definitely recommend if you're looking for a no-frills but reliable base in the city.

Staying at the Days Inn by Wyndham San Francisco - Lombard was a pleasant surprise! The room was spotlessly clean and well-maintained, with all the essentials like a fridge, microwave, and coffee maker—perfect for a quick morning brew or reheating a snack. Breakfast was simple but satisfying: just bananas, juice, coffee, and cookies, but it’s free, so you can’t complain. What really stood out was the complimentary parking—huge plus for travelers driving in, especially in a city where parking fees can be steep. The location is convenient too, with easy access to public transit if you want to explore downtown. Overall, this hotel offers great value for money, with reliable basics and a stress-free stay. I’d definitely come back here on my next visit to San Francisco.

Staying at the Super 8 by Wyndham San Francisco/Union Square Area was a great experience. The room came with all the essentials—hair dryer, coffee maker, and both heating and cooling air conditioning that worked perfectly. Shower amenities like shampoo and body wash were provided, along with clean towels. While toothpaste and toothbrush weren’t included (a small note, but not an issue for me), the free breakfast was a nice bonus—simple but satisfying. Located just steps from Union Square, it’s incredibly convenient for exploring downtown San Francisco. Public transit is close by, making it easy to get around. Overall, this hotel offers excellent value for money, and I’d definitely stay here again on my next visit.

Staying at this hotel was incredibly convenient—just a short walk from Fisherman's Wharf and all the main tourist attractions. The location is perfect for exploring San Francisco on foot, with restaurants, shops, and sights within easy reach. The room was clean, comfortable, and well-maintained, and the staff went out of their way to make our stay enjoyable. It’s an excellent choice if you're looking for a great value, central spot in a vibrant part of the city.

Staying at the Super 8 by Wyndham San Francisco/Near the Marina was a great experience overall. The location is perfect—just a short walk from the waterfront and Fisherman’s Wharf, making it super easy to explore the city on foot. Even though the room is small, it was clean, comfortable, and well-maintained with all the essentials we needed. What really stood out was the complimentary extra hour on checkout—huge help when you’re rushing to catch a flight or just want to relax a little longer. I also noticed that the soda prices in the hotel vending machine were actually cheaper than what you’d pay at nearby convenience stores—small win, but appreciated! Friendly staff, good value, and unbeatable convenience. Would definitely stay here again if visiting San Francisco.

The Lombard Inn is a solid choice if you're looking for a no-frills stay in San Francisco. The rooms are clean and the beds are surprisingly comfortable—perfect for a good night's rest. While the decor and furnishings feel a bit dated, they’re still functional and adequately maintained. One thing worth mentioning is that the hallways had a slight musty odor, likely due to the carpets needing a deep clean. That said, it’s an easy fix and doesn’t detract much from the overall experience. I’d recommend this hotel for travelers who prioritize comfort and convenience over modern design. It’s a reliable option with great value, especially if you're on a budget.

We stayed in Glasgow for a few days and stopped by this hotel for breakfast—had no expectations going in, but was pleasantly surprised. The menu options were somewhat limited, but the warm welcome and excellent service from Thomas made all the difference. He went above and beyond to make our morning special. It’s a hidden gem with a welcoming vibe, and I’d definitely recommend it to anyone passing through.

On Friday, April 21st at 10:15 AM, a guest from another building at the hotel climbed over the fence between units 179 and 173, entered our private driveway area, then climbed over our fence and left toward Wiese Street, heading toward 16th Street. We immediately called 911. The situation was alarming and unsettling. While police responded promptly, the incident raised serious concerns about property security and safety protocols. It's important to note that making assumptions based on someone's background is not only inappropriate but also harmful. As guests, we expect the hotel to maintain a secure environment for all. We hope management will take immediate action to improve fencing, surveillance, and overall safety measures to prevent future incidents.
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