Pier 39
There is so much on offer at Pier 39. Yet for all the shops and sideshows you can enjoy here, nothing comes close to the spectacle of the sea lions playing and basking in the sunshine on their floating docks.
The entertaining creatures have lived at the pier ever since the late 1980s, following the San Francisco Loma Prieta earthquake. It was here where they chose to come and reside – according to marine biologists – probably because of the bay's plentiful food supply, as well as the absence of the white sharks and orcas to prey on them. They do tend to migrate to the south in the summer months in order to breed and give birth, but you're likely to see them throughout the rest of the year. Indeed, as recently as November 2009, a record of 1,701 sea lions were counted here.
Close by, you can also pay a visit to the Aquarium of the Bay, where you can see and admire all kinds of other sea creatures on display. Make your way through two clear tunnels and watch as marine species swim immediately above you. You’ll spot a range of species native to the San Francisco Bay, including rays, sharks and octopi.
You can also of course enjoy the thrills and spills of dry land here. Pier 39 itself is a complex built on two storeys offering shopping, entertainment, food and drink spots, as well as some great rides and attractions. You could very well lose several hours or even a whole day here.
To see the pier from a new perspective, head out on the 'Neptune' to take a 90-minute wine tasting cruise, which will carry you across the bay. Or you can simply find a spot to settle down and appreciate and admire the truly captivating views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Bay Bridge, as well as of Alcatraz, Angel Island and the stunning cityscape of San Francisco itself.
Located adjacent to Fisherman's Wharf to the north of the Embarcadero, you can reach Pier 39 easily on foot. You can also jump on board the cable cars running up and down the Embarcadero.