Pier 39 Marina Harbor, San Francisco, CA

Pier 39 Marina Harbor, San Francisco, CA

 Pier 39 is a shopping center and popular tourist attraction built on a pier in San Francisco, California. At Pier 39, there are shops, restaurants, a video arcade, street performances, an interpretive center for the Marine Mammal Center, the Aquarium of the Bay, virtual 3D rides, and views of California sea lions hauled out on docks on Pier 39's marina. The marina is also home to the floating Forbes Island restaurant.

One of San Francisco Icons...Sea Lions at  Pier 39

The famous, noisy and barking but adorable pinnipeds, sea lions of the Fisherman's Wharf at their floating home docks at Pier 39.  This is one of the tourist spot in San Francisco, California.  This year is their 22nd Anniversary at Pier 39.

Adorable sea lions

I got a couple of souvenirs for my "pasalubong"

Pier 39 claims to be the United States' third-most-popular tourist attraction, after the Disney theme parks. A former commercial pier, it appeals mostly to shoppers and souvenir-seekers, but everyone enjoys the sea lions who lounge in the former marina next door.

The pier is located at the edge of the Fisherman's Wharf district and is close to North Beach, Chinatown, and the Embarcadero.

Behind me is Alcatraz Island often referred to as the "Rock",  an army fort and prison (1850 - 1934) 

The  Blue and Gold Fleet

Blue and Gold Fleet offer visitors an opportunity to see the City's breathtaking views and surrounding marine beauty. Cruises offered by the Blue & Gold Fleet include the one-hour Bay Cruise Adventure, the thrilling RocketBoat ride (seasonal), the 90-minute Escape from the Rock cruise, and trips to beautiful Angel Island.

The San Francisco Carousel and Crystal Geyser Center Stage

Located on the first level at the Bay end of PIER 39, the magnificent San Francisco Carousel is the only carousel in the country that has artistic renderings of its home city. It is intricately crafted and hand-painted in Italy and shows scenes from famous San Francisco landmarks, including the Golden Gate Bridge, Coit Tower, Chinatown, Lombard Street, Alcatraz and the popular California sea lions at PIER 39.

Laugh and be entertained by San Francisco's world-famous street performers ~ multi-talented tricksters, magicians, jugglers and comedians entertain PIER 39 visitors daily at the Crystal Geyser ALPINE SPRING WATER Stage. This is free to the public.

Shops at Pier 39

PIER 39, San Francisco's Premier Bay Attraction, is a festive shopping destination featuring 110 specialty shops, theatrical performances, rides, cruises and 13 full-service restaurants serving seafood, California cuisine, and casual fare with amazing San Francisco Bay views.

Various restaurants at Pier 39

San Francisco Sightseeing Bus

Big sightseeing bus offers tours to visitors to discover the city's world-famous landmarks

Maria Queri (right) and me at Pier 39 Harbor

My sincerest thanks to Maria Queri  for spending time to take me to San Francisco and for lending me her leather jacket, bonnet and scarf. I would have freezed at that time.