Fisherman's Wharf
The best of Pier 39
The sea lions, the SkyStar Wheel, wharf food and the walking tours next door: here is how to spend a day at Fisherman's Wharf, with honest advice on what is worth paying for, the crowds and parking.
See our 3 picks
Pier 39 is free to walk, and you can see the sea lions on K-Dock at any hour. Shops open at 10 a.m. and restaurants at 11 a.m. The paid extras are the SkyStar Wheel from €17 and guided wharf walks from €39.
Our 3 picks for Pier 39 and Fisherman's Wharf
One ride and two small walking tours. The two tours have very few reviews so far.
- from €17 per person Our top pick
4.4 (33) reviews on GetYourGuide
SkyStar Wheel ride
A ride in a closed gondola up to 150 feet above the wharf. You see the bay, the Golden Gate Bridge and Coit Tower. The wheel is wheelchair and pram friendly.
Best for Families and first-timers
Check availability: SkyStar Wheel ride on GetYourGuide -
from €88 per person 3 hours 4.0 (3) reviews on GetYourGuide
Fisherman's Wharf and Pier 39 food walk
A 3-hour walk with a full meal: sourdough bread, seafood, a taco and Ghirardelli chocolate. You also visit the Musée Mécanique and the sea lions. Groups are up to 10 people.
Best for Food lovers who want the wharf in one go
Check availability: Fisherman's Wharf and Pier 39 food walk on GetYourGuide -
from €39 per person 2–3.5 hours 5.0 (2) reviews on GetYourGuide
Wharf hidden gems walk, with an optional bay cruise
A guided walk past old cannons and quiet corners of the waterfront, with views of the Golden Gate Bridge. You can add a bay cruise for a higher price.
Best for History fans on a budget
Check availability: Wharf hidden gems walk, with an optional bay cruise on GetYourGuide
Pier 39 and Fisherman's Wharf tours compared
| Tour | From | Duration | Who it suits | Why we picked it |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SkyStar Wheel ride | €17 per person | Not stated | Families and first-timers | The cheapest way to see the bay from above: 4.4 from 33 reviews. |
| Fisherman's Wharf and Pier 39 food walk | €88 per person | 3 hours | Food lovers who want the wharf in one go | The only food tour on the wharf, rated 4.0 from just 3 reviews. |
| Wharf hidden gems walk, with an optional bay cruise | €39 per person | 2–3.5 hours | History fans on a budget | Rated 5.0, but from only 2 reviews so far. |
€17 per person 4.4 (33)
More details
- Who it suits
- Families and first-timers
- Why we picked it
- The cheapest way to see the bay from above: 4.4 from 33 reviews.
Fisherman's Wharf and Pier 39 food walk
€88 per person3 hours 4.0 (3)
More details
- Who it suits
- Food lovers who want the wharf in one go
- Why we picked it
- The only food tour on the wharf, rated 4.0 from just 3 reviews.
Wharf hidden gems walk, with an optional bay cruise
€39 per person2–3.5 hours 5.0 (2)
More details
- Who it suits
- History fans on a budget
- Why we picked it
- Rated 5.0, but from only 2 reviews so far.
Group size is stated for one tour only: Fisherman's Wharf and Pier 39 food walk, up to 10. None of the 3 includes hotel pickup: you meet on site. All 3 offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Prices and ratings as shown on GetYourGuide on 22 October 2026. Prices are "from" prices in euros and can change; the booking page shows the live price.
Things to do at Fisherman's Wharf
The best things to do at Fisherman's Wharf are free: the sea lions at Pier 39 and a walk along the water. The pier has no gate and no entry fee.
The Musée Mécanique at Pier 45 is free to enter. Its old arcade games cost about 25 cents to $1 each.
From the wharf it is an uphill walk to North Beach and Coit Tower: see our Chinatown and North Beach guide. For other areas, compare the San Francisco neighborhoods.
Wharf walking tours
Two small walking tours run on the wharf. One is a food walk with a full meal. The other covers the history of the waterfront, with an optional bay cruise.
The sea lions at Pier 39
The sea lions rest on K-Dock at Pier 39. They first came in January 1990, when more than 500 arrived in one month. Viewing is free, 24 hours a day.
Stand at the railing above K-Dock for the closest view. The west side of the pier is the best spot for photos. If K-Dock is crowded, walk next door to Pier 41: it is quieter, but you are farther away.
Go before 11 a.m. or in the late afternoon. Crowds are lighter then, and the sea lions are most active. On warm days they smell strong, so a cool morning is nicer.
The number changes with the seasons and the fish they follow. Some days there are hundreds, other days only a few.
SkyStar Wheel
The SkyStar Wheel lifts you 150 feet above the wharf in a closed gondola. Tickets start from €17. It stands at Jefferson Street and Powell Street.
Your group gets a gondola of its own. The ticket covers the ride only. A photo taken at the wheel, if offered, costs extra.
Food at Pier 39 and the wharf
The best food at the wharf is the simple stuff: sourdough bread, seafood and chocolate. Restaurants on Pier 39 are open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
If you want a guide to pick the stops, the 3-hour food walk includes a full meal and soft drinks.
Best time to visit Pier 39
Come in the morning, before the shops open at 10 a.m. The sea lions are there, and the pier is quiet. Shops and rides stay open until 8 p.m.
Tips for Pier 39 and Fisherman's Wharf
See the sea lions first
They are free to see at any hour. Go early, then do the paid extras.
Skip the car
The Pier 39 garage is open 24/7, but traffic on the wharf is slow. Muni and the cable cars get you close.
Bring a jacket
The wind off the bay can feel cold, even on a sunny day.
Check the cancellation line
All three picks can be cancelled up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund.
Pier 39: questions and answers
What is so special about Pier 39?
Where should I stay at Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco?
How much does it cost to park at Pier 39?
Are sea lions always at Pier 39?
How far is Pier 33 from Pier 39?
Can you get close to the sea lions at Pier 39?
More Fisherman's Wharf tours, live
More options with live prices and availability, straight from GetYourGuide.
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More in San Francisco
Facts checked on 23 October 2026 against: PIER 39: home · PIER 39: frequently asked questions · SF Travel: San Francisco's sea lions · Roadside America: Musée Mécanique.
Written by the Things to Do in San Francisco editorial team.