Pier 39 San Francisco

See sea lions!

Nadine from San Francisco

""Pier 39" in San Francisco is where I got to buy live crabs during the season and see the sea lions! They are the quintessential San Franciscans..."

Admittedly, I don't visit the area around Pier 39 more than once a year. I typically go to my favourite vendor and buy a few live crabs during the season. Many locals enjoy the sea lions at Pier 39's K-dock. I think they're really cool, from a distance. Others love to get as close as possible. They are large and graceful with flexibility that would make any yogi jealous.

Although the weather in the city is good, there's plenty of food, and usually no predators in the Bay, the Sea Lions don't stay all year round. They come and go. Late July to August is the best time to see them.

The Sea Lions may be quintessential San Franciscans-attractive, travel savvy, intriguing and a little temperamental.

I'd advise anyone to take lots of great pics but don't get too close. They are wild animals. Many are young pups getting to know the commute up and down the coast. The sea lions on the pier are mostly males and argue from time to time for space but generally just sleep, eat and pose for us, the paparazzi.

Relaxing

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San Francisco Spotter Nadine

About me Some of my most vivid memories are quintessentially San Franciscan. Learning how to roller-skate down the Hayes Street hill, and eventually learning how to brake. My first fight with Mom was because she wouldn't let me see the Sex Pistols at Winterland. Getting to the public library by navigating my way through a sea of Dead Heads in front of what's now the Bill Graham Auditorium. Nearly falling off the Golden Gate Bridge while biking across too fast on a very wet and foggy morning. My city has a both a buzz and a hum. That's me too. A little intensity is great when...

About this spot

pier 39

US$

free

Website

Oct 29, 2025

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