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.