Pier 39

Sure, it’s touristy. But unlike many family tourist attractions, where the sole intent seems to be to suck money out of your wallet, Pier 39 is a breath of fresh, salty air. There are gift shops aplenty, but also plenty to see and do for all ages—especially kids—that’s low-cost or flat-out free.

It starts with the free performances. At small stages at either end of the pier, musicians (12:30-7:30 p.m.) and entertainers like jugglers, magicians and clowns (12:00 to 8:45) perform daily every 75 to 90 minutes. Then there’s the biggest attraction at Pier 39—located at The Embarcadero and Beach Street, one block from Fisherman’s Wharf—the Aquarium of the Bay. Featured are 20,000 marine animals from sharks to bat rays, plus a petting area for kids. (No, they don’t pet the sharks.)

Making your way down the pier, you’ll go past a dizzying array of shops and restaurants. Nearly all are small and independently owned, not the national chains you’ll find in many tourist spots. (The lone exceptions are the Bubba Gump Shrimp Company and Hard Rock Café, which displays guitars played by Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Bo Diddley and James Taylor.) The variety of shops and eateries mirrors the variety of San Francisco itself.

Restaurants range from a tiny all-beef hot dog stand to Neptune’s Palace, the large, elegant seafood restaurant at the end of the pier with the best view and arguably the best food. Most of the bigger restaurants are logically seafood places, many with outdoor tables. Sweet tooths go wild on the Pier, with its big chocolate shop (Chocolate Heaven), candy shop (Candy Baron), and ice cream, cookie and fudge shops.

Many other shops fill fun niches, selling only left-handed products (Lefty’s), magic supplies (Houdini’s), knives (We Be Knives), colorful socks (San Francisco Sock Market) and Irish gifts (Treasure Ireland). Attractions include a mirror maze and the motion-simulated 4D Turbo Ride.

Most shops are on the main level, but the largest restaurants and best bay views are on the open-air second level. Before climbing the stairs, however, check out the highlights at the end of the pier: a double-decker carousel made in Venice and literally tons of sea lions.

The sea lions are an even bigger draw than the performers and they don’t even pass the hat. They laze on the old docks just off the pier by the hundreds, always watched by a similar number of tourists. Between the loud barking and foul smell, you can’t miss them.

HelloSanFrancisco tip: Up to two hours’ free parking at the Pier 39 lot can be validated by dining on the Pier or by picking up a free Fun Pack at the California Welcome Center on the second level.

- by Bob Cooper, San Francisco Reporter for HelloMetro  (Click to leave a message)

Bob Cooper

Bob Cooper is a full-time freelance writer (www.bob-cooper.com) who writes about travel, outdoor sports and health. He is a monthly contributor to Runner's World and has written recent articles for other national magazines such as Continental, Ladies' Home Journal and Inc.