Fisherman’s Wharf - Pier 39
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"Bay Aquarium is worth the trip"
This tourist trap of an area is truly one to avoid in my book... except for the Bay Aquarium. Not only does it have underground tunnels under the water, with fish all around you, but their touch tanks and BAy Area focus are just wonderful.
If you are going, don't miss the seals just outside, and a quick stroll will get you to Boudin Bakery, home of San Francisco sourdough (and sandwiches), where kids can watch the bread being made before you eat!
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"Lots of action!"
Great place for two small children. Plenty to see (sealions, boats, crab stalls etc) as well as do (carousel, ferry ride etc). A fun place to visit if you are at a loose end and want some relatively cheap entertainment! The shops are also fun to explore with plenty of cheap SF themed novalties
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"So much fun! "
I love going to Pier 39! There is so much to do. We love going to all the different shops. The food is so good. Our family tradition is to get a huge loaf of bread from Boudin Bakery and sit and eat it the whole thing on the wharf. So good! The Wharf also has a stage with performers, which the kids love! And you gotta stop and watch the sea lions, they are so amusing!
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"So entertaining!"
Our family had so much fun here. It was really crowded on the day we went since it was summer, but it was still loads of fun. There is a really fun outdoor mall where you can shop for souvenirs and unique gifts. It is really fun to get a FRESH crab from one of the vendors! They literally cook and cut up the crab right in front of you! It's amazing how fast they can do it! Kids LOVE this! It is kinda pricey, but worth it!
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"LOTS OF FUN"
We had a GREAT time at the Fisherman's Wharf. Took in all the sights, sounds, music and entertainment. Had a great (but highly overpriced) lunch. Lots of fun for the kids. But, if you go shopping in the side streets it might get tiresome for little tykes. Besides the merchandise is not the greatest. Best to shop at malls or outlets. MUST SEE/MUST DO just for the experience!
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"come to see the sea lions."
You'll recognize the sound and the smell of the sea lions immediately when you're around Pier 39 & Fisherman's wharf. Nice sceneries and nice views to take pictures with Arkantras and Golden Gate bridge. Also you can take some boat tours to go around the bridge and to enjoy the fresh air. I would also recommend the seafoods there, e.g. the crabs,... I just love to enjoy the seafoods and share them with the sea gulls. Your kids will definitely love the sea lions and the sea gulls.
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"Fisherman's Wharf - Pier 39"
Fisherman's Wharf has plenty of activities and sights to see. We enjoyed looking at the sea lions but there were only a few to see while we were there and I've learned they have left. Also, it can get incredibly crowded and chilly so come prepared. There are plenty of options for dining as well. Look out for the bush man!!
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"sea lions are the best"
The best part of Fishermans Wharf are the sea lions. Unfortunately if you are here in Winter they may not be here. I forget the months they are not there, but we forgot that and took people to see them and they were all gone having babies some where else. The shopping if fair, the street people can be fun sometimes, everything is expensive. Best to spend your time looking at the boats, birds, and sea lions. All ages can enjoy that.
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"Great place to go"
It's got an underwater aquarium, lots of shops to buy SF embroidered clothing, many places to dine at and sea lions! Just beware they can be noisy and smelly. I liked coming here to see the fireworks for either July 4th or New Years but it does get awfully crowded and I guess the scenery isn't for everyone. There are ferries you can board to see Alcatraz or Angel Island too.
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"Really fun!"
We really like to go to Pier 39 when we visit San Francisco. Lots of entertainment! We like all the neat shops, and there are a bunch of little vendors and side entertainment for the little ones. Not to mention good food! It is fun also just to stand on the pier and watch the birds and look out over the water.
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"best on warm day"
My two boys 2 and 4 love to go to the pier and watch the sea lions. When it is cold and rainy not so fun but when it is warm and sunny we can sit here for an hour and imitate the sea lions and watch them interact. There are lots of neat shops on the pier and street entertainers that the boys like to watch as well.
1 family found this helpful
"Touristy- but must see"
It would just feel wrong to visit San Francisco and not stop off at this spot. It is neat, and fun and energetic, and synonymous with a SF visit. That being said, this place is crawling with people and can feel like you are in your own maritime zoo.
We try to avoid the long lines and big prices at the restaurants on the pier and eat clam chowder out of bread bowls at the small vendors on Fisherman's wharf. The fresh calamari is also excellent. Our kids LOVE the seagulls that swarm around and try to snack on your leftovers.
Walk through the pier, window shop if you must, but eat from the small vendors on the wharf (about a block west of the pier, just past the boat docks)
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"So much to see"
When I was younger my parents took my sister and I around the west seeing all the "natural wonders". After about a week of visiting trees and rocks and dirt, I asked if we could please just go to one city even if only for day, so that's what we did. And we couldn't have picked a neater city. I saw a green dog with purple polka dots on fisherman's warf and got to eat at Bubba Gumps for the first time either here or somewhere nearby, I can't remember. Just wish I would have had more time to go see The Rock
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"Tons of fun!"
There is sooo much to do! From great shopping at local gift shops and boutiques to eating on the bay. I love going to Pier 39 and your family will too! If you're just passing through, plan to have lunch there. There are many restaurants to choose from along the Pier and across the street. If you don't want to eat, then just enjoy the spectacular views. Keep in mind that it will most likely be windy in this area!
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"Good place to look across the bay"
I really like Pier 39 especially since I am willing to park a couple of blocks away to get free parking! My kids really like looking around at all the other people and activities (like the street performers) but it is really just a good place to sight-see. It is a very busy place and definitely a stroller-only type of area as I would be too nervous to let my little kiddos out to walk around.
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"Piering at the Sea Lions"
You can't visit San Francisco (SF) with kids without a stop to Pier 39. This place is loaded with cute shops, decent restaurants and of course...the famous SF sea lions! As an added incentive for your kids to sit nicely while you enjoy a delicious dungeness crab cocktail from the wharf...promise them a ride on the 2-story carousel! Works like a charm. Oh and did I mention the awesome photo backdrops that you can find around the Pier? Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, Treasure Island & Oakland Bay Bridge to name a few. I won't lie though, this place is your typical tourist trap, but still worth the visit. Aloha!
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"A good place for a visit"
It's always cold here for some reason, but it's a great place for a family visit - lots of little shops to browse, good seafood restaurants right on the pier, and great people-watching. A definite must-do if you are from out of town - there are cruises and tours from the pier, and Ghirardelli Square - where you must pick up some chocolate.
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"Very Busy"
This is a very busy place. It is a definite tourist attraction. There is a lot of walking and a lot of people. Shopping seems to be all there is on the Pier. Although the street performers can be entertaining and fun. It didn't really seem like anything special and unless your child likes to shop I do not recommend the trouble it is worth finding parking.
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"Fun and a Good Experience"
Pier 39 is fun and has a few things to see and do. Alcatraz is a must but not if you have younger children. There is alot to see and good restraunts along the way. We always have fun going to Pier 39 to eat and just watch the seals and boats. It can be a free trip if you bring your lunch.
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"Pier 39"
Whenever we've been there, Pier 39 has had a lot of activity going around, so if you like being in a crowd you will probably like this place.
Several attractions for adults - Souvenir shops, sea food, street performance.
Kids would enjoy the sea lions, numerous boats, and the carousel of course.
It is a walkable distance from Ghiradelli Square, agree with other reviewers it is a very touristy place, but we have had a good time whenever we've been there, so not a must do but nice to visit if you are in the area.
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