(Updated: July 22, 2025)
Ready to visit PIER 39? Read on for helpful tips you’ll want to know before you visit. From free parking and Alcatraz advice – we’ve got you covered!
1. WHERE TO EAT
You’ll find incredible dining options owned and operated by local families. The following PIER 39 restaurants are open 11am-9pm, 7 days a week:
Fog Harbor Fish House offers incredible Golden Gate Bridge views and was voted Best Seafood Restaurant in San Francisco 2025 by SF Gate. Reserve now.
Pier Market Seafood Restaurant offers outdoor patio dining with harbor views and heat lamps, mesquite-grilled 100% sustainable seafood and clam chowder is a sourdough bread bowl. Reserve now.
Wipeout Bar & Grill is a fun California surf-themed restaurant with an outdoor patio situated for prime people-watching serving burgers, hand-tossed pizzas, tacos, burritos, salads, Fish n Chips and a full bar. Reserve now.
Reservations & Waitlists
Reservations are recommended but all restaurants also welcome walk-in guests.
Pro tip: Skip the wait. Can’t find a reservation at the time you want? Add yourself to restaurant waitlists before you arrive using the Yelp app to skip the line.
Where to Eat Breakfast
Eagle Cafe serves the best breakfast is Fisherman’s Wharf, and it’s located right at the entrance of PIER 39. This historic waterfront cafe is open 7 days a week at 8am with breakfast favorites like pancakes, eggs benedicts, breakfast burritos, and more.
Biscoff Coffee Corner opens at 8am daily serving to-go coffee, pastries, breakfast sandwiches, breakfast burritos, and everyone’s favorite cookie with coffee – Biscoff!
2. PARKING
Avoiding public transportation? Drive and park in the PIER 39 Garage (discount tip below.) To get there, Drive north on Embarcadero past North Point Street, and make sure you’re in the left-turn-only lane. Turn left onto beach street and the entrance to the garage will be on your right.
Pro tip: Park on the 3rd level and take the pedestrian bridge (next to the level 3 elevators) which takes you over the street and straight onto PIER 39.
1 Hour Free Parking
Get TWO hours free when you dine at Fog Harbor Fish House, Wipeout Bar & Grill, Eagle Cafe, Crab House or Pier Market Seafood Restaurant.
Flat Rate All Day Parking
Planning to spend all day at the pier? Make an advanced reservation and get a flat rate $10 all day weekday or $15 flat rate all day weekends. Now THAT’S a good deal.
3. WHAT TO WEAR
Since PIER 39 is outdoors with bay breezes, we recommend bringing a warm coat and a hat and sunglasses. It can get quite chilly as the wind picks up, but it can also get hot if you are sitting in the sun.
4. FREE ATTRACTIONS
Sea Lions
The San Francisco thing to do that literally every age and gender loves? Watching the sea lions in the fresh bay air. The best place to view the famous sea lions is the end of the pier, left-hand side.
Musical Stairs
Check out these free fun musical stairs that play a note each time you step! The best time you’ll ever have climbing stairs and the perfect setting for your next TikTok or Reels. Find the stairs halfway down the pier, across from Pier Market Seafood Restaurant.
Learn PIER 39 Fun Facts
As you walk the pier, keep an eye out for more than 10 plaques containing fun facts and photos on buildings around the entire pier.
5. Dog Friendly
Dogs are allowed on PIER 39 with a leash. Pro tip: Pier Market Seafood Restaurant and Wipeout Bar & Grill welcome well-behaved dogs to sit with their family when dining outdoors.
6. Free Wifi
If you’d like to stay connected during your visit, or need to power up your laptop, Pier Market Seafood Restaurant, Eagle Cafe, Crab House, Fog Harbor Fish House and Wipeout Bar & Grill provide complimentary wifi to dine-in guests.
Bonus tip: Alcatraz
Alcatraz tours take off .3 miles down from PIER 39 on the Embarcadero (about a 5 minute walk). This is an absolute must-visit when coming to San Francisco. We recommend buying tickets in advance as they can sell out during the busy season.
We hope these tips help you confidently plan your best visit to PIER 39. If you have any questions or suggestions, please email simco@simcorestaurants.com.