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Pier 39 – A Tourist Trap I Love!

What is Pier 39?

It is THE most popular and visited tourist attraction in San Francisco! It was built for tourists but I have been there at least 20 times and still enjoy it. There are great places to eat – although all are over-priced, free jugglers, yo-yo champs and other street performers, unique shops and sea lions to watch!

It is basically an elaborate shopping mall with wooden planks and clapboard buildings. It has an amusement park like feel to it. My favorite thing to do is watch the sea lions (link). It is quite fun to watch nature playing “King of the Hill.” I could watch them for hours. They seem to think they own the place! They have actually generated millions of dollars in revenue to this San Francisco tourist attraction because they draw such big crowds constantly so they might actually own a big part of Pier 39.

Pier 39 is:

  • the most popular San Francisco tourist attraction
  • almost always filled with people
  • admission FREE
  • an elaborate shopping mall with wooden planks and clapboard buildings
  • overpriced
  • a fun place to people watch
  • caters to tourist who walk over from Fisherman’s Wharf
  • a place with over 110 shops to explore
  • a place you can get some grub
  • fun to visit
  • a place every age can enjoy
  • a provider of daily entertainment

    • Other Attractions

  • Forbes Island - a 50-foot-long “island” complete with real palm trees, a waterfall, sand beach, and 40-foot tall lighthouse with observation deck. The intriguing thing about this “island” is that it is really a disguise for a 700-ton self-propelled motor vessel!
  • Beautiful Carousel
  • Turbo Ride
  • Giant Trampoline
  • Aquarium of the Bay

    • How much time should you spend there?

    That depends on you! If you enjoy browsing unique gift shops and stores for overpriced knick knacks or t-shirts plan on a couple of hours. I love to watch the street performers entertain the crowds. I have seen a fire and knife juggler and several comedy acts there. They make their living by passing a hat around for your spare change at the end of their performance.

    My Personal Favorites

  • watching the sea lions
  • buying a dark chocolate turtle at Chocolate Heaven
  • visitng the Rodney Lough Art Gallery - it's peaceful
  • taking a picture of me and whoever is with me at the back facing Alcatraz and the San Francisco Bay
  • visitng the Left Handed Store - I'm left-handed

    • Where To Park

    See my parking (link) page for ideas on how to save money on parking.

    Upcoming events at Pier 39:

    Golden Anniversary of the Sea Lions ArrivalMonday, January 19, 200912:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.This event will have additional sea lion docents available and the Whale Bus will be there too!

    TulipmaniaWednesday, February 11, 2009 to Monday, February 16, 2009Tulipmania returns in full bloom at PIER 39 with guided tours daily at 10am. I don’t know if there is a cost for these tours or not. In 2009 they will showcase Apricot Beauties, Texas Flames, Purple Princes, Flaming Parrots, Swan Wings, Burgundy Lace and many more types of tulips.

    For more information on San Francisco. For more information on Pier 39.


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