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Fun tourist trap while in San Francisco. The sea lions are all the way in the back and are the best part. There were lots of sea lions the day we were there, but the amount changes with the seasons. We could have stayed all day just watching how funny they are. The sea lions were the main reason we went to Pier 39. They have only one main entrance/exit to the pier area so you are forced to walk through the shops area if you want to see them. It almost has the feel of an outdoor mall. There is an attendant that is greeting/watching everyone as they enter/leave. I’m sure this is for masks and to watch what people get into the tourist area. The shops were fun to see, we just went fast and ran into one or two to buy some tshirts. There’s mini donuts that are delicious and that come in a cute souvenir bucket. This was all during COVID so there wasn’t the big crowds that could very easily be here, which would make it a much more chaotic experience. We didn’t have any trouble with parking, but normally I can see how that could become a big problem. Most restaurants will validate your parking. Everyone was eating the bread bowl soups, which were delicious. We ended up taking ours back to the car because we couldn’t find a clean bench to eat at, which took away from the experience. Once you leave the Pier 39 compound area, there’s lots of benches but they’re all filthy or have people laying on them. This is a typical tourist trap, fun to see, the typical souvenir shops and they use the sea lions to bait you in. When in San Francisco, it’s a must see for the sea lions!…
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Date of experience: December 2020
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Response from Susan B, Guest Relations Manager at Pier 39
Responded 4 days ago
Thank you for your kind and detailed review. The sea lions are such a treat to see, aren't they? Until your next visit to PIER 39, look in on them anytime with the Sea Lion Webcam on our website. Our other visitors are sure to appreciate your detailed review and excellent suggestions -- Trish's Mini Donuts are always a tasty treat! We look forward to welcoming you back again soon!
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I lived in a sailboat on Pier 39 One Summer so I know the thing pretty much backwards and forwards. Really crowded, lousy food and restaurants you can't even get into and trinket shops selling junk you really don't need. Within walking distance of this tourist trap is 1500 restaurants all way better than anything you can find here. Google one of those and get off the pier as fast as you can. And ignore the slimy Brown things down on the dock. Those sea lions do nothing but take up space and saturate San Francisco Bay with great white sharks. The Sharks love to eat the seals and they are attracted to who them. If you're in San Francisco oh, don't fall into the water. The only reason I gave it two stars instead of one is that it does have a nice feel for it when the sun is out and all the smells are in the air. But it only lasts about 10 minutes…
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Date of experience: December 2020
3 Helpful votes
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Pier 39 was so beautiful and had many little shops and food places. There wasn’t too many people which was nice and at the end of the pier you can see Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge.
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Date of experience: December 2020
1 Helpful vote
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Response from Susan B, Guest Relations Manager at Pier 39
Responded 4 weeks ago
We're so glad you had a chance to come and enjoy the shops and restaurants at PIER 39 during your stay in San Francisco! We hope you had a wonderful visit. Please come back soon.
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The scenery is breathtaking. Your able to see the sea lions Alcatraz and the Golden Gate bridge in the distance.
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Date of experience: November 2020
1 Helpful vote
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Response from Susan B, Guest Relations Manager at Pier 39
Responded Nov. 18, 2020
Michelle, we're so happy to hear that you enjoyed the breathtaking bay views from PIER 39! Thank you very much for the kind review. We look forward to welcoming you back soon.
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Its THE pier to visit in San Francisco. Lots of sealife to watch and plenty of good places to eat. You'll end up here one way or another.
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Date of experience: November 2020
1 Helpful vote
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Response from Susan B, Guest Relations Manager at Pier 39
Responded Nov. 16, 2020
Thank you for reviewing PIER 39 on TripAdvisor! It is wonderful hearing that you enjoyed your visit to San Francisco and that you had a chance to spend time on our beautiful waterfront. We look forward to seeing you again soon for more fun by the bay, good food, and sea lion watching!
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