Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: lions (22) watch (11) area (7) experience (7) pier (7) Francisco (6)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Russell P. 2 years ago on Google
    If you are 10 years old or 60 you will love this is one of the absolute easiest ways to get next to magnificent animals in the wild I could spend hours there they are so adorable and they are spending the whole day just trying to relax but fighting about doing it with each other
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Trish L. 2 years ago on Google
    Great place to watch the sea lions at Pier 39 would either be up and close at the front (which is usually crowded), or up top if you go up the stairs on the left side. The sea lions provide hours of entertainment with their barking and fighting over who gets the best sun bathing spot. You'll never know what you will find - the last time I went, there was a baby sea lion hanging out with its parents sun bathing. Great place for families, couples or just sightseeing on your own!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Fet 1 year ago on Google
    If you're an animal lover, you won't want to miss the Sea Lions at this location. These adorable creatures have made the area their home, and it's an absolute delight to watch them bask in the sun, play, and interact with each other. What's great about this location is that it provides a safe and welcoming environment for the sea lions. The area is clean, and there are barriers in place to protect both the sea lions and the visitors. Signs are posted to educate visitors about the sea lions and their behavior, which helps to ensure that everyone can enjoy watching them while also respecting their space. The sea lions are a reminder of the beauty and diversity of the natural world, and it's heartwarming to see them thriving in their habitat. If you're in the area, I highly recommend taking some time to observe these amazing creatures. Not only is it a unique and memorable experience, but it's also a great opportunity to appreciate the importance of protecting our wildlife. Overall, this location is a must-visit for anyone who loves animals. The sea lions are a joy to watch, and it's great to see that efforts are being made to protect them and their habitat.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Jenni L. 2 years ago on Google
    Very surprised to see no Sea Lions today 🤷🏻‍♀️ anybody knows why ? Anyways its great to visit this area since its a iconic place in San Francisco and nice to explore around, just was expecting to see the famous animals living here as I have seen in my previous visits but not even one to be seen.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Davida A. 2 years ago on Google
    These are some pretty comical mammals. I enjoyed watching them. There were only about 10 the day I went but the experience was still enjoyable.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Vic “Vic StayFit” W. 2 years ago on Google
    Cool to see. Definitely entertaining to watch the sea lions swim around and they jockey for space to be able to nap together. Fun to watch for a few minutes of entertainment!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Elizabeth W. 2 years ago on Google
    So fun to see the sea lions off of Pier 39! The viewing area is easy to get to by following the signs on the pier. There is plenty of seating. It is so fascinating to watch the sea lions lazing about on the platforms, and you can get some good pics of Alcatraz from here as well. Misty see while in San Francisco.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Antonis G. 1 year ago on Google
    Adorable sea lions, faffing around and making funny noises. A must go to if you are on the boardwalk area in pier 39.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sandip D. 4 years ago on Google
    See Sea Lion in their natural habitat. See the animals climbs to the wooden platform from sea take rest and then go back to sea. Watch them doing friendly fighting, push each other out of the platform. Nice eating places in the same area ( pier 69)

  • 4/5 Daniel Stepel (The last Baby B. 4 years ago on Google
    It is important to remember that this place is a tourist trap. Having said that for me this is a must-stop when you are in San Francisco. I would say that for the people watching alone. Add to that the Sea Lions and beautiful views of the bay and you have a winner of a day. Take the cable car from Market Street and stay for the sunsets. A uniquely San Francisco experience.

  • 5/5 Harrison J. 5 months ago on Google
    So much fun getting to see beautiful Sea Lions! I loved them and enjoyed the experience. Will come back here!

  • 5/5 Indre R. 10 months ago on Google
    Very nice experience to enjoy the view of sea lions just chilling. It’s free, no need for any tickets. It’s a side of marine where sea lions resting.

  • 5/5 B S. 10 months ago on Google
    Not much to say that others haven’t but it is quite simply so fun, engaging and worthwhile going to see the sea lions. Constant joy, humour, and would recommend to all regardless of age.

  • 5/5 Julie F. 11 months ago on Google
    It was so much fun for the entire family to just watch the Sea Lions play, swimming around, sometimes fighting over spots to lay. There are a lot of them lying on the dock, and it's just enjoyable to look at them.

  • 5/5 Liam N. 1 year ago on Google
    Sea lion galore it is! No tickets needed! One of the best places to visit in SanFran. Great experience to appreciate these creatures enjoying and/or bickering amongst themselves.

  • 5/5 K 1 year ago on Google
    You can’t visit San Francisco without a stop by Pier 39 and the sea lions - just be prepared for the strong odour!

  • 5/5 yanru c. 1 year ago on Google
    Over 20 sea lions next to the pier. Visiting sea lions is free, on the left side of the pier. There’s a lot of restaurants and stores there as well.

  • 5/5 Philip S. 2 years ago on Google
    Can't go to the pier without seeing the sea lion's!

  • 5/5 Benjamin B. 1 year ago on Google
    A very nice place to see sealions and very good sunsets

  • 5/5 Janice M. 2 years ago on Google
    I could watch these guys for hours. Endless entertainment. They all have personalities and it is awesome to watch. Very noisy.

  • 5/5 Cay D. 1 year ago on Google
    Very enjoyable. Seating available to just relax and take in the view of the sea lions. A bit smelly but to be expected.

  • 5/5 Ashley H. 1 year ago on Google
    One of the San Francisco tourist bucket list items, visit the sea lions at the famous pier 39. The day I went there were only a few, no idea why, must be based on the time of year. I wasn’t disappointed though, I’d never seen them and they were cool to watch. It’s free, and you can stay and watch as long as you want.

  • 5/5 Dion I. 2 years ago on Google
    I have loved coming to see the sea lions here since I was a kid. They are so cute!

  • 5/5 Tom D. 1 year ago on Google
    They sing they dance all in a totally sealion style. Don't miss them!

  • 4/5 Omar B. 2 years ago on Google
    Sea lions only, but is way different to see a big colony of sea lions than only a few on the zoos, good experience, is one must stop when you're at the Pier 39.

  • 5/5 Kelly C. 2 years ago on Google
    A great spot for some adorable marine life viewing. We got up fairly early as to avoid crowds and we saw HUNDREDS of these little guys and gals sun bathing, swimming, and barking up a storm. Such a fun time


Call (415) 623-5300 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Trends



Last updated:

Similar Tourist attractions nearby

Last updated:
()