Pier 39, San Francisco

Pier 39 was great, lots of different shops and great restaurants.

However the sea Lions were the best thing about Pier 39. We could have sat for hours just watching them, in fact I think we did. There were so many just piled on top of each other, as you can see from the picture.

Watching the Sea Lions was amazing, definately a must see activity and it's free!

The Pier 39 is famous here also for its other attractions, there is more than restaurants here.
Games, shops with souvenirs and a couple of sports shops (great) are here. A colony of sealions is also here, for unknown reason these animals decided to stop here and you may see then from close distance all the day.
For what concerns dining, instead, the many restaurants seem to have agreed the prices, there is no difference among them. All the restaurants are actually expensive. Bastards.

The Pier 39. Another place not to be missed during your visit to this fabulous town.
Piers that become markets. How many times I encountered this, especially in England and here in the United States. Nothing original, then, but still pleasant to visit and maybe have a quality dinner as we did that night. Can't remember what we have eaten, but I enjoyed it, still remembering the filthy Korean in Monterey.

Is it a tourist attraction, must see activity or Tourist trap? Not sure.

I guess you have to go and decide by yourself.

The main thing to do while there is to see the Sea Lions and them walk along the shopping area.

For many can be boring as it is all restaurants and shops, but the restoration that was done there is great. I did some sepia photos of here and it looks like half century ago.

Well done! (in marketing terms) to the brain behind this project!

Some people may call Pier 39 a tourist trap but I prefer to refer to it as a must see place.. Pier 39 is a location in San Francisco by the bay where a lot of activities are going on.. There are plenty of restaurants to dine at including "Bubba Gump Shrimp", there are stores to shop for unique merchandise, fruits being sold outside, many tour companies including Blue and Gold Fleet booths, etc.. and ofcourse last but not least, the Sea Lions on Deck D at pier 39.. Really stinky but pretty fun to check out..

Visiting pier 39 website will be your best best before visiting.. The website is full of important and helpful information.. Parking is pretty expensive but plentiful (not on popular holidays such as thanksgiving)..

Checking out the street performers has been my favorite activity at pier 39...

There is however one element of surprise around pier 39 which if told, will do you no justice.. It is better not revealed and said.. I'm sure if you visit pier 39 and come cross this element of surprise and laughter, you will know what I am refering to

I guarantee you will smell and hear the sea lions at Pier 39 before you see them.

They lie on these pontoons, sometimes push each other off them, it is comical to watch them.

Best view is looking down on them from the upper floor of Pier 39

Travellers and tourists alike must go to Pier 39. Yes a lot of people would like to put this under the heading "Tourist Trap" but Pier 39 is synonymous with San Francisco.

There are lots of shops, places to eat, and a place on the second tier to watch the sea lions. Just follow the noise, you cannot miss them.

Here I had a wonderful clam chowder, the sourdough bread was delicious too.

Pier 39 is just 2 blocks from Fisherman’s Wharf, it has two levels of restaurants, specialty shops and a 350-berth marina. From this pier you can watch the sail boats, cruise ships & cargo ships pass by on the bay.

Pier 39 is as close as you can get to Alcatraz without getting on a boat.