PIER 39 (with baby)
How Baby-Friendly is PIER 39?
What makes it 72% Baby-Friendly: Stroller-friendly ramps, free sea-lion viewing, and calm benches suit infants, but no formal nursing room and limited public changing tables require advance planning and restaurant buys.
Positives:
- Stroller-Friendly Layout: Flat pier with ramps and elevators makes stroller navigation easy.
- Free Baby Activities: Sea lions, street performances and public art require no tickets.
Challenges:
- Limited Changing Facilities: Public restrooms lack changing tables; use restaurant restrooms as a paying customer.
- No Dedicated Nursing Room: No official lactation space; find quiet benches or ask staff for a back-room spot.
What is PIER 39?
- A two-level waterfront complex on San Francisco’s historic Fisherman’s Wharf featuring restaurants, shops and attractions
- A purpose-built pier that accommodates a permanent colony of California sea lions on its floating docks
- An iconic observation platform offering panoramic views of Alcatraz Island, the Bay Bridge and the city skyline
What is so special about PIER 39 for with baby?
- Free sea lion sightings at stroller-accessible K-Dock
- Wide waterfront paths and elevators for easy stroller use
- Live performers and interactive art to engage your baby
- Restaurant restrooms offer changing tables when you dine
- Aquarium of the Bay admits children under 4 for free
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with baby: Enough time to see sea lions, explore free attractions and rest with your baby.
Baby-Friendly Activities in PIER 39
Sea Lions Viewing:
Watch California sea lions lounging on K-Dock floating docks.
Tip: Bring your stroller to view at eye level and visit in the morning for quieter crowds.
Waterfront Walk:
Stroll wide, level pathways along the bay with views of the Golden Gate Bridge.
Tip: Use ramps and elevators; stop at benches for quick nursing breaks.
Street Performers & Musicians:
Enjoy live, gentle performances in open-air plazas.
Tip: Catch early shows to avoid crowds and bring a blanket for your baby to sit on.
Aquarium of the Bay:
Explore underwater tunnels and touch pools showcasing local marine life.
Tip: Children under 4 enter free; ask staff for stroller access and quieter exhibit times.
Musical Stairs & Open Heart Sculpture:
Interact with piano stairs and take photos at the heart sculpture.
Tip: Go during off-peak hours so your baby can explore sounds without busy crowds.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to PIER 39
- Plan Feedings Ahead: Feed your baby before arriving and use benches near K-Dock for nursing.
- Visit Early on Weekdays: Arrive before 11am on a weekday to avoid crowds and get prime sea lion views.
Reviews of PIER 39
Kristin Bolen
There’s a lot to see and do at Pier 39. It’s one of those must-visit spots when you’re in San Francisco. The seafood is fresh, and there are plenty of great places to eat. You’ll also find every kind of souvenir you can imagine, though it’s definitely on the pricey side. The sea lions are always fun to watch with their noisy barking, and the carousel adds a bit of old-fashioned charm. The Ferris ...
Robert Curtis
Wow!!! We had such a fun experience walking around Pier 39! Many different shops to explore. Many different seafood restaurants around Fisherman's wharf. We had the best ever clam chowder at the Chowder hut in the wharf! It was so good on a cold and rainy day.
Lizbeth Vences
It was super cold the day we visited, so we didn’t get to do much, but it was still fun! The seals were the best part, lol. The views are beautiful, and there’s lots to see and explore. Definitely worth checking out if you’re in San Francisco; just bundle up!
Troy Windhorst
💚 This spot is a tourist trap at full throttle. It does it well and does not pretend to be anything more or less. 💚 Filled to the brim with both large and regional chain restaurants, from window service to table service. 💚 Come “sea” the lions sunbathing on a floating dock! 💚 The pier has two levels which affords beautiful, sweeping views of the bay and the pier itself. 💚 Beautiful carousel s...
J M
Just had an incredible adventure at Pier 39 with my family! 🎉 It was such a fun and exciting day, filled with sea lion watching and lots of very good food. 🦭 Every moment was memorable, and the atmosphere was fantastic. We captured so many pictures to remember this amazing day. Can't wait to come back for more adventures! Highly recommend it for a perfect family outing.
When is the best time to visit PIER 39 (San Francisco, United States)?
Sea lions are most abundant March–May and August–October. Summer mornings can be foggy; come after noon. Weekdays are quieter year-round.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Family of 3 (2 Adults + 1 Baby)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Aquarium of the Bay tickets (2 adults) | USD 56.5 |
| Clam chowder bowl snack | USD 12 |
| Stroller rental (optional) | USD 55 |
| Total Estimated | USD 123.5 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
Map of PIER 39
Address: The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94133, USA
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