Key takeaways:
- PIER 39 is a vibrant waterfront destination with fun and engaging activities for San Francisco visitors and locals alike.
- The pier offers a mix of family-friendly entertainment options, including marine life viewing, amusement rides, boat tours, and live performances.
- Many attractions, like the Aquarium of the Bay and the carousel, are engaging and educational for children.
- Beyond paid attractions, families can enjoy free activities like watching the sea lions or catching live street performances.
PIER 39 is a multi-layered waterfront playground packed with fun for both kids and adults. With a variety of restaurants and super fun activities, you must plan to spend a few hours exploring everything the pier has to offer.
From playful sea lions to exciting rides and live entertainment, here are 10 PIER 39 family activities you won’t want to miss.
1. Watch the Sea Lions
This one is a crowd-pleaser for all ages, thus one of the easiest family-friendly things to do on PIER 39. No trip to Fisherman’s Wharf is complete without seeing the famously quirky sea lions. They gather by the hundreds on the docks, barking, wrestling, diving into the water, and playing.
Enjoy the signage around the viewing area to learn fun facts and snap plenty of photos of these playful mammals. You’ll also have beautiful views of the Bay and Golden Gate Bridge while you watch, as the sea lions usually gather at the end of the pier on the Golden Gate Bridge side.
2. Ride the Carousel
At the far end of PIER 39, you’ll find a large, beautifully hand-painted carousel. This two-story gem lets kids pick their favorite mythical creature or sea animal. And yes, there are even sea lions to ride!
You can buy tickets on-site, and the short ride is a fun option for kids and adults of all ages. It’s a classic San Francisco experience and an easy way to add a little more family fun at PIER 39 to your day.
3. Explore Aquarium of the Bay
This is a great option if you’re looking for family-friendly things to do on PIER 39 that combine learning and fun. The Aquarium of the Bay is an aquatic wonderland that invites you to walk through glimmering clear tunnels filled with local marine life like leopard sharks, river otters, and rays swimming overhead.
Touch pools offer hands-on experiences, while interactive exhibits highlight the wildlife’s environmental challenges and conservation efforts. It’s an educational and entertaining experience for all ages, especially curious young minds.
4. Enjoy a Free Live Performance
There are plenty of free, family-friendly things to do on PIER 39, such as this one. At the end of the pier next to the carousel, grab a seat and enjoy a fun, interactive live performance.
Shows range from dancers and clowns to magicians and musicians, so there’s always a chance to see something different. You may even get called up on stage!
Check the schedule ahead of time to make sure you catch your favorite act. With so many performances to choose from, it’s an easy addition to your list of PIER 39 family activities.
5. Get Lost in Magowan’s Infinite Mirror Maze
For something a little different, step into the famous Magowan’s Infinite Mirror Maze. Inside, mirrors, lights, and colorful effects create a maze that will have the whole family laughing as you try to find your way out.
Add it to your list of family-friendly things to do on PIER 39 when you’re ready for a break from the waterfront attractions. It’s especially fun for older kids and teens who enjoy more interactive experiences.
6. Cruise the San Francisco Bay
If you have some extra time, take the fun out onto the water with a San Francisco boat tour. There are several cruises to choose from, so it’s easy to find an option that works for the whole family.
Depending on the tour, you may cruise beneath the Golden Gate Bridge, take in Alcatraz, visit the Twin Peaks, or simply enjoy the city from the Bay. It’s a fun way to see some of San Francisco’s most recognizable sights from a different perspective.
And because many cruises depart right from the pier, it’s a convenient addition to your list of family-friendly things to do on PIER 39.
7. Visit Sausalito
Want to turn your PIER 39 outing into a little adventure? Some Bay boat tours make their way to Sausalito, a charming waterfront town about four miles north of San Francisco from the Golden Gate Bridge.
It’s an idyllic location where you can take a stroll along the waterfront, grab a bite to eat, browse the unique shops, or simply sit and enjoy the views across the Bay.
If you’re looking for PIER 39 family activities that extend beyond Fisherman’s Wharf, a trip to Sausalito is a great option.
8. Go Shopping
Shopping is always a crowd-pleaser, and an easy way to add some variety to your list of family-friendly things to do on PIER 39. The shops are an attraction in their own right, with plenty of places to browse between the pier’s other activities.
You can wander through the unique stores together to find San Francisco-themed gifts to take home or souvenirs to remind you of your favorite PIER 39 experience.
9. Take a Family Photo With the PIER 39 Heart
Don’t leave PIER 39 without taking a family photo to remember your day. The colorful heart sculpture is a fun backdrop for a quick snapshot.
It may only take a few minutes, but it’s an easy way to capture a memory between all your other PIER 39 family-friendly things to do. Plus, the pier offers plenty of other scenic spots where you can stop for another family photo along the way.
10. Catch the Sunset at Wipeout Bar & Grill
Last but definitely not least, for families looking for a PIER 39 restaurant with crowd-pleasing food, fun drinks, and a casual atmosphere, visit us at Wipeout Bar & Grill.
Our California surf-themed restaurant has an outdoor patio with a fire pit and outdoor bar, surfboard tables, surf memorabilia, and surf action playing on the TVs. The whole family will love the beach-vibe and wide menu, including famous Killer Burgers, burritos, tacos, rice bowls, and fresh salads.
Come take a break, refuel, and keep the family fun at PIER 39 going!