Pier 39

Beach Street and The Embarcadero
San Francisco, CA

Submitted by: Thomas Perez

A festival marketplace on the bay.

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Why It Works

Pier 39 is one of San Francisco's main attractions. It's not very big, but it's not small. There are plenty of restaurants with wonderful views. The activities and fun never ends.

What Makes Pier 39 a Great Place?

From the outside it looks like there's nothing special about it, but you'll change your mind once you enter. The Pier is very well used by the San Franciscans and citizens of the Bay Area. The sidewalks surrounding the pier are very wide, and San Francisco's historic trolley (line F) stops right in front.

When you stand in front of Pier 39, it will be really hard to resist not going in. It's on the water so you won’t be seeing any cars until you get to The Embarcadero. Seating and the bathrooms are sometimes a problem during the busy weekends. Security is not noticeable.

The pier is very busy every time it's open. It's filled with couples, families, and friends. It has over 110 stores and 11 full service restaurants. You can go all the way to the end of the pier and see the San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz Island, The Golden Gate Bridge, and the Bay Bridge. Children and adults can watch the sea lions on the left side of the pier and watch street performers at the Center Stage. Kids can ride the San Francisco Carousel while teenagers can enjoy the arcade and Turbo Ride. You can learn more about the bay in the Aquarium of the Bay.

This is a very common meeting place for locals and tourist. Everyone is usually outgoing and friendly.

Contact Info:

Pier 39, P.O. Box 193730, San Francisco, CA 94119-3730; (415) 705-5500

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User Comments:

08/04/04 tyler krehlik said:
Contrary to description, I am a local San Franciscan, and the only reason I would go to Pier 39 would be to take a visiting tourist relative. I can understand why Pier 39 so attracts a diverse tourist crowd, in that it really is a unique San Francisco experience, given its waterfront location and views. But, unfortunately, there is dire little that would attract a local resident, given its overwhelming retail t-shirt vendor offerings.
08/15/05 Louise Dyble said:
I agree with Tyler, and I would like to add that it's too bad that the really great example of an urban market that attracts tourists and locals alike--in the newly-renovated Ferry Building just a few blocks away--is not featured here.

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