Pier 39 Tours and Activities
12 Reviews
One of the most visited sights in San Francisco, the multilevel Pier 39 complex is home to shops, restaurants, street performers, and a video arcade. Its waterfront setting on the San Francisco Bay means visitors can take in panoramic bay views, breathe fresh sea air, and watch sunbathing California sea lions.
The Basics
Besides dining and shopping, another popular Pier 39 attraction is the Aquarium of the Bay, where you can watch sharks circle overhead and manta rays skate by. The glassed-in San Francisco Carousel is a hit with kids, as are the Musical Stairs and Magowan’s Infinite Mirror Maze. Pier 39 is also a popular jumping-off point for boat tours to Angel Island, Alcatraz Island, Sausalito, and the Golden Gate Bridge. Bay cruises focus on one of these attractions or all of them, some going as far out as the Farallon Islands in search of whales.
City tours of San Francisco typically include a stop to Pier 39’s historic waterfront. A hop-on hop-off tour via double-decker bus allows you to disembark and explore the area’s arcades, restaurants, and shops at your leisure.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Cruises to Alcatraz Island leave from Pier 39 and tend to sell out far in advance. Be sure to buy tickets ahead of time.
- The California Welcome Center offers luggage storage during the day for a fee.
- Pets are allowed at Pier 39 outdoors in the common areas.
- Ramps and elevators are located throughout Pier 39, and wheelchairs are available for rent at the California Welcome Center.
How to Get There
Pier 39 is located at the edge of the Fisherman’s Wharf district, near the beginning of the Embarcadero. The pier is also close to North Beach, Chinatown, Ghirardelli Square, and Fort Mason. The area is easily accessible via the historic F-Market streetcars, buses, and cable cars. Parking in the area is possible, but be prepared to pay.
When to Get There
Although San Francisco’s weather is cold and foggy in the summer, that’s when Pier 39 is the busiest. Prepare for large crowds and sold-out activities during this time. Bring layers to fend off the chill, or visit in the fall for the best weather. The pier’s hours of operation change seasonally.
California Sea Lions
Pier 39’s most famous—and famously loud—visitors are California sea lions. Mostly between January and July, as many as 900 sea lions park themselves on the floating docks off of the pier. Since the early 1990s, every year these marine mammals put on a show of barking, lounging, and climbing over one another. Learn more about the playful pinnipeds at the Sea Lion Center.
Address: Beach Street and The Embarcadero, San Francisco, California 94119, USA
Hours: Open daily
Admission: Free
Admission Tickets (3)

The Flyer San Francisco Admission Ticket
7
Soar over San Francisco without leaving the ground with an admission ticket to The Flyer. Using immersive 3D technology and movement, you’ll take a flight over San Francisco landmarks such as Coit Tower and the San Francisco Bay. Simply head to Pier 39 for this high-tech introduction to the City by the Bay.
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From
$12.00
From
$12.00
56 Tours and Activities to Experience Pier 39
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The Flyer San Francisco Admission Ticket
7
Soar over San Francisco without leaving the ground with an admission ticket to The Flyer. Using immersive 3D technology and movement, you’ll take a flight over San Francisco landmarks such as Coit Tower and the San Francisco Bay. Simply head to Pier 39 for this high-tech introduction to the City by the Bay.
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From
$12.00
From
$12.00

7D DarkRide Admission at Pier 39
6
Battle fearsome zombies, oversize monsters or robot bandits — all without leaving San Francisco — at the DarkRide 7D Experience on Pier 39. Choose your own adventure, then buckle up and grab a laser blaster for for an immersive virtual reality quest to take down your opponents. 3D glasses plus sound and motion effects turn an ordinary trip to Fisherman’s Wharf into a thrilling, high-definition challenge.
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From
$13.00
From
$13.00

The Flyer San Francisco & 7D Experience Combo
When in Silicon Valley, do as they do in Silicon Valley. Enjoy a high-tech San Francisco experience with this double-header ticket, featuring a virtual flying tour of the city and a multi-sensory video game. Soar through San Francisco in a flying theater, visiting high altitude nooks that can’t be visited in person. After your flying experience, team up with up to 19 other players to battle zombies, robots or aliens from the comfort of a seat that moves as you play. This tour offers the perfect escape from busy San-Fran and makes for a great rainy day activity.
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From
$19.00
From
$19.00

Straight to the Gate Access: Golden Gate Bay Cruise
476
Explore one of California's most iconic settings from the beauty of San Francisco Bay. This narrated Golden Gate Bay cruise journeys alongside Alcatraz and Angel Island State Park, past the shores of Sausalito and beneath the Golden Gate Bridge. You can choose to view the sights from inside your boat or out on deck.
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From
$38.00
From
$38.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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San Francisco Bay Sunset Catamaran Cruise
602
Sail across San Francisco Bay at twilight to admire the city skyline as it begins to light up for the night. With an experienced captain at the helm, you’ll glide past Alcatraz Island and cruise underneath the Golden Gate Bridge.
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From
$90.00
From
$90.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Big Bus San Francisco Hop-on Hop-off Open Top Tour
2201
Ride a double-decker sightseeing bus to San Francisco's most famous landmarks with a choice of 2 different passes. Explore the city's 49 square miles, including stops at big-name attractions like Pier 39, the Palace of Fine Arts and Union Square. Go at your own pace, hopping off at any of 16 stops, exploring at your leisure, and then hopping back on when you're done. Choose the Premium pass to include a night tour or a Deluxe pass for an additional 24 hours of hop-on-hop-off and a night tour.
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From
$36.00
From
$36.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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San Francisco Golden Gate Seaplane Tour
106
Admire San Francisco from the air on this seaplane adventure from Sausalito. Aboard a 6-passenger plane, you’ll fly over the bay, taking in views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, Muir Woods and more. See downtown San Francisco and Fisherman’s Wharf, and soar past Angel Island. Everyone gets a window seat on this 30-minute flight, and transportation is available from Fisherman's Wharf.
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From
$214.36
From
$214.36
Temperature checks for travelers upon arrival
Regular temperature checks for staff
Guides required to regularly wash hands
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San Francisco Bay Sailing Cruise
282
Admire San Francisco and its surrounding sights from the water on a San Francisco Bay sailing cruise. Onboard a catamaran, sail past the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, legendary Alcatraz Island, and the hamlet of Sausalito. Take advantage of great photo ops while you soak up the sea breeze during this scenic tour.
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From
$72.00
From
$72.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Skip The Bus: San Francisco By Luxury Van Tour
145
Avoid the crowds, confusion, and limitations of large buses and discover San Francisco by luxury minivan. This half-day tour takes you to numerous parts of the city for the perfect overview. Enjoy fascinating facts provided by your guide's live commentary. Stop for photo opportunities at some of the city’s most popular attractions, including the Golden Gate Bridge and Twin Peaks.
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From
$89.00
From
$89.00

City and Sea Adventure: 1 Day Hop-On Hop Off Pass and San Francisco Bay Cruise
14
In just one day, experience the best of San Francisco by land and sea with this combo package that includes two hop-on hop-off bus tours and a cruise. Check out the top attractions of San Francisco, wind through the downtown streets, and cross over the Golden Gate Bridge. Each hop-on hop-off bus tour lasts 60 minutes to 2 hours and offers live commentary. The 1-hour boat cruise takes you through San Francisco Bay, giving you prime views of Crissy Fields, the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island.
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From
$79.99
From
$79.99
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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Alcatraz Ticket + Fisherman's Wharf Walking Tour
39
If you're looking to see the sights on San Francisco's waterfront—but you don't have hours to tour the city—this quick walking tour is the perfect fit. Follow your guide to top attractions including Pier 39, Fisherman's Wharf, and Ghirardelli Square. History fans enjoy a quick look at the cable cars, and the USS Pampanito, a WWII submarine. To make the most of your day, upgrade with Alcatraz tickets to see San Francisco's infamous former prison.
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From
$100.87
From
$100.87
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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Muir Woods and Sausalito Tour plus Bay Cruise
388
Visit charming Sausalito, cruise across San Francisco Bay and stare up in wonder at the redwood trees of Muir Woods on this combo tour from San Francisco—the perfect day out in the Bay Area. Experience the Golden Gate Bridge from both above and below as you drive across it and glide under it, and learn about some of California’s oldest and tallest natural wonders, the coastal redwoods. In Sausalito, you can stroll along the waterfront or shop in the galleries and boutiques.
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From
$99.00
From
$99.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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Small-Group Tour: San Francisco City Tour Including Muir Woods and Sausalito
20
Spend your day exploring the ‘City by the Bay’ before a scenic drive across the Golden Gate Bridge to Muir Woods National Monument and the nearby waterfront of charming Sausalito. This narrated small-group tour takes in all of the San Francisco highlights, from Golden Gate Park and Haight-Ashbury to the Palace of Fine Arts and Presidio. Then wander on foot under California’s giant coastal redwoods before exploring the gift shops and galleries of Sausalito.
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From
$129.00
From
$129.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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Straight to the Gate Access: San Francisco Escape from the Rock Cruise
26
Learn stories behind the Bay Area's most notorious former federal penitentiary on a fascinating 'Escape from the Rock' cruise. Board a boat for a journey through the bay while listening to audio recordings (available in several languages) from ex-prisoners and guards about daily life on 'The Rock.' Learn about the Birdman of Alcatraz and the infamous 1962 'Alcatraz Escape,' and come to know why Alcatraz instilled fear into the hearts of even the worst-of-the-worst criminals. Tours are accessible on any of your own wifi-enabled iPads, smartphones or other devices. This ticket allows you to skip the box office line and go straight to the gate.
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From
$42.00
From
$42.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Golden Gate Bridge Sailing Tour
37
Go sailing on the San Francisco Bay on a spectacular sailboat cruise from Pier 39 at Fisherman's Wharf. Head to the Golden Gate Bridge for sweeping views of the Marin Headlands, Tiburon and Sausalito, then glide across the bay, passing Angel Island, Alcatraz Island, The Presidio, Crissy Field, Ghirardelli Square, and the Bay Bridge. You can enjoy two complimentary glasses of sparkling wine, beer or soda, and ask your captain and crew any questions you may have along the way.
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From
$129.00
From
$129.00

Full Day Bike Rental from Fisherman's Wharf
46
Discover San Francisco on your own schedule with a 1-day bike rental. Visit the crooked path of Lombard Street, North Beach, Haight-Ashbury, the Golden Gate Bridge and other culturally rich and unique San Francisco neighborhoods. This self-guided trip gives you the opportunity to create your own itinerary as you explore the beloved City by the Bay. The entire fleet of equipment is sanitized regularly and curbside pick-up is available to ensure that your rental experience is safe and enjoyable.
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From
$32.00
From
$32.00
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
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San Francisco Wharf & Waterfront Segway Tour - 2.5 hours Laugh, Learn & Ride
290
Take a San Francisco Segway tour along the waterfront to see popular city attractions like Fisherman’s Wharf, Ghirardelli Square, and Alcatraz Island. With an experienced guide, cruise along San Francisco Bay on a personal 2-wheeled Segway, and learn how to operate during a training session. Limited to 10 people per tour, this tour provides a small-group experience. Choose from several tour times throughout the day.
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From
$79.00
From
$79.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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Straight to the Gate Access: San Francisco Bay Cruise
61
Enjoy a relaxing outing on San Francisco Bay with a cruise. Take in panoramic views of the city skyline, marvel at Alcatraz Island, and journey beneath the Golden Gate Bridge. Choose to sit indoors or savor cool bay breezes from an outdoor deck and experience San Francisco in a whole new way from the water. You can even learn about the sights that you're seeing from a free audio tour—available on any personal wifi-enabled device. This ticket allows you to skip the box office line and go straight to the gate.
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From
$34.00
From
$34.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Alcatraz Visit and the San Fran Tour Sampler Platter with Pier 39 Lunch Included
Experience this classic San Francisco "Sanpler" express! Combine Inside Alcatraz prison with an Express van visit to Golden Gate Bridge (San Francisco side) by deluxe ride from Fisherman's Wharf. Relax with time for walking and photos at the bridge! Pass by Ghirardelli Square as you taste the chocolate sample provided! See the Palace of Fine Arts as we drive by on the way back! Tour ends at Pier 39 to enjoy an included light fare snack food voucher. View the sea lions before walking one pier over to board your Alcatraz ferry. This Half day experience gets you the iconic SF must sees in an economical hassle free way. No frills..just thrills!
Total time is 5 hours (3 hours at Alcatraz/30 minutes at Bridge/30 minutes each way driving time and one hour Pier 39 lunch time.) Tour will typically start in Fisherman's Wharf mid morning and end at Pier 39. Alcatraz is often the last portion and is in late afternoon slots. Some days events may be reversed based on Alcatraz time slots.
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From
$115.00
From
$115.00

San Francisco Food Tour with a Local: A Feast for Foodies 100% Personalized
5
Eat your way through San Francisco’s famous Chinatown on this 4-hour private walking tour and food tasting experience. Sample Canton, Mandarin and Szechuan cuisines as you get local insights and tips from your personal guide. Wind your way though Chinatown’s colorful streets and stop to taste authentic dim sum, moon cakes, steamed sesame balls, Peking Duck, craft beer, and coffee. Experience the must-see spots and local secrets and come away with a thorough understanding of the area.
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From
$150.31
Price varies by group size
From
$150.31
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More

Private Group Segway Tour - Wharf & Hills of San Francisco 3 Hours of Fun
30
See beautiful San Francisco by Segway on this 3-hour private tour. This route is only available on the private tour. The extended route includes the best of the Waterfront, North Beach and the Advanced Hills Tour in one incredible experience. A local guide will lead the way, providing fun and insightful commentary as you discover San Francisco on two wheels.
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From
$160.00
Price varies by group size
From
$160.00
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Learn More

Private San Francisco Tour with Muir Woods and Sausalito By SUV
10
See more of the San Francisco Bay Area on a private full-day tour by SUV. Your knowledgeable driver-guide takes you to the places you want to see most, mixing natural wonders like Muir Woods with sightseeing at the Golden Gate Bridge, Sausalito, and throughout San Francisco. By SUV you can take on crooked Lombard Street, the hill to Coit Tower, and the windy road to Sausalito. See the Painted ladies in Alamo Square, Chinatown, the shops of the Haight-Ashbury, Union Square, and more.
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From
$848.00
per group
From
$848.00
per group

San Francisco Private Sightseeing Tour
4
Make your visit to San Francisco easy by taking this private sightseeing tour that includes round-trip transport in a luxury vehicle of your choice and bridge tolls. See some of the city’s most famous and memorable areas as this tour takes away the stress of maneuvering through the streets and parking in congested areas. Walk down Pier 39, stop for a cannoli in North Beach, see historic cable cars at the San Francisco Cable Car Museum, and take photos of the windmills in Golden Gate Park. Whatever you choose to do, it's up to you when and where to stop.
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From
$269.00
per group
From
$269.00
per group
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
Contactless payments for gratuities and add-ons
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San Francisco Sunset Champagne Seaplane Tour
7
See the San Francisco Bay Area from the air on a 40-minute seaplane flight from Sausalito. Enjoy views of iconic landmarks in the soft afternoon light as you soar over the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, Fisherman’s Wharf, Coit Tower, Angel Island and Tiburon. See the Transamerica building and downtown skyline, and the tall silhouette of Twin Peaks as your pilot shares informative commentary about the sights. Your flight includes a glass of champagne, and you’ll return to Sausalito in time to head out for dinner.
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From
$277.27
From
$277.27
Temperature checks for travelers upon arrival
Regular temperature checks for staff
Guides required to regularly wash hands
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Make the Most of SF in One Day: Small Group Walking Tour
6
Get to know San Francisco a little better on this full day tour of the city. This tour is well-suited to travelers who want to get the lay of the land before digging deeper: with your guide by your side, spinning stories and letting you know all about the history of the city, tour neighborhoods, stop at famous landmarks and enjoy pristine photo opportunities of highlights like Alcatraz Island, the Golden Gate Bridge and the sea lion hangout at Pier 39.
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From
$74.00
From
$74.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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Golden Gate Bay Cruise + Fisherman's Wharf Walking Tour
1
Discover top sights along San Francisco's iconic waterfront during this time-saver guided tour. Learn about the evolution of the picturesque waterfront city, from the gold rush frenzy to the advent of the cable-car. Highlights include the sea lions on Pier 39, stunning views overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge, and a stop at the historic Old Del Monte Fruit Cannery. Upgrade to include a sightseeing cruise along the water.
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From
$58.67
From
$58.67
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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Fisherman's Wharf Walking Tour
Visit some of the top attractions along San Francisco's famous waterfront: Ghirardelli Square, Fisherman's Wharf and Pier 39 with this special tour and Alcatraz ticket upgrade option. Save time and see more.
During this 75 minute walking tour you'll learn about the rich history of the area with one of our highly rated guides, all while taking in amazing views. You'll visit iconic landmarks and hear incredible stories about the gold rush, the cable car system, earthquakes and much more.
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From
$26.67
From
$26.67
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Learn More
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