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Pier 39
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Pier 39 is a shopping center and popular tourist attraction built on a pier in San Francisco, California. At Pier 39, there are shops, restaurants, a video arcade, street performances, the Aquarium of the Bay, virtual 3D rides, and views of California sea lions hauled out on docks on Pier 39's marina. A two-story carousel is one of the pier's more dominant features, although it is not directly visible from the street and sits towards the end of the pier. The family-oriented entertainment and presence of marine mammals make this a popular tourist location for families with kids.
Key Information
The pier is located at the edge of the Fisherman's Wharf district and is close to North Beach, Chinatown, and the Embarcadero. The area is easily accessible with the historic F Market streetcars. Attractions include Kwak, a store selling only rubber ducks, and Magowan's Infinite Mirror Maze.
From the pier one can see Angel Island, Alcatraz Island, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the Bay Bridge. Blue & Gold Fleet's bay cruises leave from Pier 39.[1]
History
[edit]Pier 39 was first developed by entrepreneur Warren Simmons and opened October 4, 1978.[2]
On December 22, 2017, the Federal Bureau of Investigation arrested Everitt Aaron Jameson, a 25-year-old former Marine, on suspicion of planning a terrorist attack in the Pier 39 area over Christmas.[3]
Sea lions
[edit]A colony of California sea lions first began hauling-out on Pier 39 in September 1989. Before that they mostly used Seal Rock for that purpose. Ever since September 1989 the number of sea lions on Seal Rock has been steadily decreasing, while their number on Pier 39 has generally increased. Some people speculate that sea lions moved to docks because of the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, but the earthquake happened after the first sea lions arrived at Pier 39. It is likely that the sea lions feel safer inside the Bay.[4]
The Bay Ecotarium/Bay.org (501c-3) non-profit watershed conservation group in the Bay Area, operates the Sea Lion Center as an extended education arm of the Aquarium of the Bay on Pier #39.[5] Naturalists and education staff interact with visitors and school groups with programs and demonstration activities.

Although the reason for their migration to the pier is unclear, the refurbishing of the docks in September 1989 required the removal of all boats from that area, leaving large open spaces for the sea lions to move into. Once the project was completed, boat owners returned, but did their best to navigate around the sea lions; no efforts were made to encourage the new guests to leave. By the end of that year, fewer than a dozen sea lions frequented the docks at Pier 39.[4] By January 1990, their numbers had increased to 150 animals. Owners of the 11 boats docked there began to complain about having to avoid the animals who can weigh up to half a ton, and odor and noise complaints began to pour in. News coverage caught national attention, and the sea lions began to attract tourists. Advice from The Marine Mammal Center was to abandon the docks to the animals, and to relocate the boats elsewhere.[4]




Although fluctuations in the number of sea lions at Pier 39 are dramatic, as many as 1,700 have been officially reported at one time (Thanksgiving week in 2009),[6] many of whom are recognizable to researchers and others, and some of whom have been unofficially named. Volunteers and staff at The Marine Mammal Store and Interpretive Center monitor the sea lion population each day, and educational information is provided to tourists who visit from around the world. Scientists continue to collect information there, adding to knowledge about sea lion health, dietary habits, and behavior.[4] In November 2009, the more than 1,700 sea lions that had lived at the pier began to leave, and by late December 2009 nearly all were gone; a similar flux in population occurs annually, with the animals returning in the spring. Although the reason for their seasonal appearance and departure is not known for certain, according to Jeff Boehm, executive director of the Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito, "Most likely, they left chasing a food source," anchovies and sardines.[7] A handful of sea lions did return in February, and by late May several hundred could once again be seen on Pier 39. It remains unknown exactly where they went and why. However, in December 2009, nearly 4,000 sea lions that were identified as members of the California sub-species were seen outside Oregon's Sea Lion Caves, suggesting that they were likely the sea lions from Pier 39.
In early 2017, the estimated number of seals ranged from 150 to 600 around the pier. In June and July however, most were expected to leave temporarily for their breeding grounds near the Channel Islands.[8] That number has rapidly increased since the pandemic, with a maximum of 1,100 to 1,200 sea lions being reported on the pier as of May 2024. [9]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "The San Francisco Piers ...By the Numbers". FogCitySecrets.com. Retrieved August 1, 2019.
- ^ "Fisherman's Wharf Merchants Association". Archived from the original on May 9, 2008. Retrieved July 4, 2008.
- ^ "San Francisco: Man arrested over 'Christmas terror plan'". BBC News. December 22, 2017. Retrieved December 23, 2017.
- ^ a b c d "A History of the Sea Lions at PIER 39". The Marine Mammal Center. Archived from the original on February 18, 2002.
- ^ "Aquarium of the Bay | Explore, Engage, Experience | San Francisco".
- ^ "Famous San Francisco sea lions may have turned up near Oregon". January 7, 2010.
- ^ San Francisco's famous sea lions leave in droves
- ^ Teresa Hammerl (May 25, 2017). "With Summer Ahead, Most Sea Lions Expected To Leave Pier 39". Hoodline.
- ^ "'Essentially a gas station,' fishy feast draws sea lions to Pier 39 in numbers not seen in 15 years". Los Angeles Times. May 8, 2024. Retrieved April 30, 2025.
External links
[edit]Pier 39
View on GrokipediaLocation and layout
Geographic setting
Pier 39 is situated at the intersection of Beach Street and The Embarcadero in San Francisco, California 94133, within the Fisherman's Wharf district, where it extends approximately 1,000 feet into the San Francisco Bay.[5][6] This position places it along the northern waterfront of the city, directly interfacing with the bay's open waters and contributing to the area's maritime character. The pier is in close proximity to several notable landmarks, including Ghirardelli Square, located about a 10- to 20-minute walk to the west, and the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park's museum, which is within walking distance along the waterfront.[7][8] From its vantage point, Pier 39 offers panoramic views of Alcatraz Island to the north, Angel Island in the bay, the Golden Gate Bridge to the northwest, and the Bay Bridge to the east.[1][9] Environmentally, Pier 39 is influenced by the San Francisco Bay's tidal fluctuations, which can reach extremes during king tides, and by prevailing bay currents that affect sediment movement and shoreline stability in the area.[10][11] It integrates seamlessly with the urban Embarcadero promenade, a revitalized waterfront corridor that connects it to broader pedestrian and transit networks while addressing ongoing challenges like sea level rise.[12][13] Accessibility to Pier 39 is facilitated by the F Market & Wharves historic streetcar line, with stops at nearby Beach Street and The Embarcadero, providing service from downtown San Francisco and beyond.[14] On-site parking is available in the PIER 39 Garage, which operates 24 hours a day with a vehicle clearance of 6 feet 8 inches and includes accessible spots near elevators.[15] Pedestrian pathways feature ramps, elevators, and wheelchair-accessible routes throughout the pier and surrounding waterfront, ensuring ease of navigation for visitors.[16][17]Architectural features
Pier 39 was designed by the architectural firm Walker & Moody AIA, in collaboration with structural engineers Johnson Guthrie Associates, to create a waterfront complex that evokes a Victorian-era aesthetic reminiscent of historic maritime villages.[18][19] The design incorporates wooden boardwalks, pilings, and multi-level decks constructed primarily from reclaimed 1910 lumber sourced from decommissioned piers 34 and 3, providing an authentic, weathered appearance while ensuring durability against San Francisco Bay's harsh marine environment.[2][20] The structure spans 45 acres and features a two-level layout with elevated walkways, a central plaza for pedestrian circulation, and floating docks integrated into a 300-berth marina to accommodate boating traffic.[21][22] Key elements include a reinforced concrete and steel breakwater to shield against wave exposure and tidal forces, alongside weather-resistant materials such as treated wood and corrosion-proof metals for the exposed bayside facades.[20] Utility systems, including electrical, plumbing, and HVAC infrastructure, are embedded within the pier's framework to support commercial operations without compromising the open, navigable design.[2] Following the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, the complex underwent seismic upgrades as part of broader San Francisco waterfront resilience efforts, enhancing structural integrity through additional bracing and foundation reinforcements.[23] The initial 1978 plans outlined a layout with 50 stores and 23 restaurants arranged across the multi-level decks, which has since evolved through targeted expansions, including extended docking facilities and plaza enhancements to improve flow and accessibility.[2] This elevated configuration also facilitates panoramic views of the bay and Alcatraz Island.[22]History
Pre-development era
Pier 39 was constructed in 1905 as part of San Francisco's early 20th-century expansion of its port facilities, serving primarily as a cargo terminal to handle the growing volume of maritime trade following the city's recovery from the 1906 earthquake.[2][20] During this period, the pier facilitated the loading and unloading of break-bulk cargo, including lumber and other goods, by longshoremen using traditional methods like pallets and slings, which often took several days per shipment.[24] The terminal played a significant role in regional transportation networks, served by the San Francisco Belt Railroad, which provided rail service for freight along the waterfront until the late 20th century.[2] This integration helped sustain San Francisco's position as a key West Coast port, with Pier 39 handling commercial cargo that supported the movement of lumber from northern California forests and other commodities across the bay.[25] By the mid-20th century, Pier 39 experienced a sharp decline in activity, accelerated by the rise of containerization in the 1950s and 1960s, which required expansive landside storage and efficient rail access that San Francisco's congested waterfront could not accommodate, prompting most cargo operations to shift to Oakland.[26] The completion of the San Francisco–Oakland Bay Bridge in 1936 and the Golden Gate Bridge in 1937 contributed to broader changes in bay transportation, but the piers like 39 were increasingly marginalized by modern shipping needs.[27] In the early 1970s, amid broader urban decay along the waterfront characterized by abandoned structures and deteriorating infrastructure, initial proposals emerged to redevelop Pier 39, aiming to repurpose the obsolete industrial site for new economic uses.[2][20]Construction and opening
The development of Pier 39 was initiated in the mid-1970s by entrepreneur Warren Simmons in collaboration with the City of San Francisco's Port authority, which leased the site to him for redevelopment into a commercial waterfront attraction.[28][29] The project required an investment of approximately $29 million and entailed the demolition of outdated industrial structures on the site, followed by the erection of a new, pedestrian-friendly pier designed to emphasize retail and entertainment.[30] Construction commenced with groundbreaking in August 1977, incorporating reclaimed wood from historic piers dating to 1910, and proceeded through 1978 to create a multi-level complex over the water.[2] Pier 39 held its grand opening on October 4, 1978, amid significant local fanfare, including a ceremonial ribbon-cutting attended by then-Mayor Dianne Feinstein.[20] The initial offerings included 50 specialty shops, 23 restaurants, a diving pool for performances, and designated areas for street entertainers, transforming the space into an immediate hub for tourists and locals alike.[2] From the outset, Pier 39 demonstrated strong economic viability, drawing millions of visitors in its early years and reaching an estimated 10 million annually by 1989, while serving as an influential model for revitalizing decaying urban waterfronts through mixed-use development.[31][28]Key events and incidents
The 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, which struck on October 17 with a magnitude of 6.9, caused minimal physical damage to Pier 39's structures but led to significant business disruptions due to widespread regional impacts on tourism and infrastructure.[32] The event prompted subsequent reinforcements and maintenance to the pier's docks and buildings to enhance seismic resilience, though specific costs for these works at Pier 39 are not publicly detailed in available records. In the aftermath, boat owners relocated their vessels from the K-Dock to avoid potential hazards, inadvertently creating space that would soon attract a new attraction.[33] Shortly after the earthquake, in late 1989, a small group of California sea lions began hauling out on the vacated K-Dock at Pier 39, marking a spontaneous arrival that quickly boosted visitor interest and tourism recovery for the site.[33] By early 1990, their numbers had grown to over 300, turning the dock into a permanent viewing area and providing an unexpected economic lift amid post-earthquake challenges.[32] In 1981, the site was acquired by Moor + South, forming the PIER 39 Limited Partnership, which has managed its operations and expansions since.[2] In December 2017, the FBI arrested Everitt Aaron Jameson, a 26-year-old former U.S. Marine from Modesto, California, for attempting to provide material support to ISIS by plotting a mass casualty attack at Pier 39 during the holiday season.[34] Jameson had communicated with undercover agents about targeting the crowded tourist spot with firearms and explosives, but the plot was thwarted before any action could occur; he was later sentenced to 15 years in prison in 2018.[35] This incident heightened security measures at the pier, including increased surveillance and coordination with federal agencies.[36] The COVID-19 pandemic forced Pier 39 to close temporarily in March 2020, resulting in an 87% drop in visitors and substantial revenue losses for its shops, restaurants, and operators as San Francisco's tourism industry ground to a halt.[37] To adapt, the pier implemented outdoor seating expansions, contactless payments, and phased reopenings starting in June 2020, helping to mitigate ongoing financial strain while prioritizing health protocols.[37] In 2024, following the effects of the 2023-2024 El Niño event on ocean currents and fish migrations, the California sea lion population at Pier 39 surged to a record high of over 2,100 individuals in May and June, the largest gathering since 2009 and driven by abundant anchovy schools in the area.[38] This influx temporarily overwhelmed the K-Dock, requiring minor adjustments to viewing platforms, but it significantly enhanced the pier's appeal to tourists recovering from pandemic-era declines.[33]Attractions and amenities
Shopping and retail
Pier 39 features over 90 specialty shops that cater to a diverse range of shopping interests, emphasizing unique and themed retail experiences along the San Francisco waterfront.[39] These include distinctive outlets such as Kwak, a store dedicated to rubber ducks in various designs, and Trish’s Chocolate, which produces fresh and packaged chocolates on-site.[40] Souvenir stores focused on San Francisco themes, like Only in San Francisco and the Alcatraz Gift Shop, offer apparel, memorabilia, and collectibles inspired by local landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island.[41] The retail mix at Pier 39 blends national chains with local artisans, providing apparel, jewelry, and marine-themed goods that appeal to tourists and residents alike. National brands such as Build-A-Bear Workshop and Sunglass Hut coexist with local offerings like the San Francisco Sock Market, which specializes in themed socks, tights, and legwear since its opening in 1988.[42] Artisanal shops, including Carmel Honey Company and The Spice & Tea Exchange, sell handmade jewelry, custom apparel, and ocean-inspired items that highlight Bay Area craftsmanship.[40] Since its debut in 1978 with approximately 50 stores, Pier 39's retail landscape has evolved to incorporate modern elements like e-commerce integrations through individual shop websites and occasional seasonal pop-up vendors during events.[43] This growth reflects adaptations to changing consumer preferences, including online ordering options for many tenants.[42] Economically, Pier 39's retail operations play a significant role in waterfront tourism, generating $258 million in gross sales in 2017 and supporting hundreds of jobs through its tenants and management.[30] The shopping areas integrate seamlessly with adjacent amenities to enhance visitor flow, contributing to the pier's overall appeal as a one-stop destination.[41]Dining options
Pier 39 features 12 full-service restaurants and numerous casual eateries, offering a diverse array of dining experiences centered on fresh seafood harvested from local fisheries.[44] Many establishments emphasize sustainable sourcing, with Fog Harbor Fish House becoming the first restaurant in Fisherman's Wharf to serve 100% sustainable seafood in 2011, approved by the Monterey Bay Aquarium's Seafood Watch program.[45][46] Similarly, Pier Market Seafood Restaurant commits to sustainable mesquite-grilled seafood, while Crab House at Pier 39 sources all its offerings, including its signature Dungeness crab, responsibly to support marine ecosystems.[47][48] Seafood dominates the menu selections, with signature dishes like clam chowder served in sourdough bread bowls available at spots such as Chowders and Boudin Bakery Cafe, evoking San Francisco's culinary traditions.[44] Full-service options include Eagle Cafe, a historic venue originally built in 1928 as a hash house for fishermen and physically relocated to Pier 39 in 1978 during the pier's development, now offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner with bay views.[49] Other notable seafood-focused venues are Swiss Louis Italian & Seafood Restaurant, blending Italian influences with fresh catches, and Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., themed around Southern American fare.[40] The variety extends to international and casual cuisines, including Mexican tacos and margaritas at Taco Cantina, American burgers and sports-bar eats at Wipeout Bar & Grill, and interactive grilling at the newly opened Fire + Ice in 2025, where diners customize meals over an open flame.[40][50] Quick-service counters provide grab-and-go items like crepes at Crepe Cafe and fish & chips at The Hook, while fine-dining experiences at Fog Harbor and Pier Market highlight panoramic views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz.[44] As of 2026, several popular restaurants at Pier 39 have received high ratings on review platforms such as TripAdvisor and Yelp:- Fog Harbor Fish House: 4.4/5 on TripAdvisor (6,393 reviews), highly rated on Yelp with over 12,000 reviews.[51][52]
- Pier Market Seafood Restaurant: 4.2/5 on TripAdvisor (3,080 reviews), strong Yelp presence with over 3,500 reviews.[53][54]
- Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.: 4.0/5 on TripAdvisor (3,826 reviews).[55]
- Crab House at Pier 39: 4.1/5 on TripAdvisor (2,398 reviews).[56]