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Sea Lions – Head over to the west side of the
pier, where kids will enjoy watching sea lions lolling on wooden
platforms. The sea lions do a lot of barking, and it's quite entertaining.
On weekends, there are free sea lion informational talks (11-5pm). Don't
miss the sea lions statue (in the West Park, left of the entrance
to Pier 39) – a great picture spot. |
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Telescope views – From the end of the pier, there
are stunning panoramas of the Golden Gate Bridge. Aim your telescope for a close-up
look at boats coming and going under the bridge. Also picnic tables, so grab a sandwich and eat your lunch outdoors with a view. |
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Aquarium of the Bay – The aquarium features marine
life from around San Francisco. In the first tunnel, see fish that live
under Pier 39 – red spiky sea cucumbers, strawberry sea anemones, the
giant Pacific octopus, schools of shimmering smelts. Find out what lives
under the Golden Gate Bridge in the second tunnel – bat rays, leopard
sharks and spiny dogfish. Little kids will like the touch pools, where you
can feel a bat ray, leopard shark, sea urchins and sea stars. (Tip: Use your San Francisco CityPass.) |
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Playtime – |
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 For
little kids, take a ride on the double-decker Venetian Carousel. |
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Older
kids will head for the Riptide Arcade with an old-fashioned shooting
gallery and video games. |
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In
the West Park, Frequent Flyers is a bungee trampoline for kids of
all ages. |
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In
the East Park, there is a playground (sand and climbing structure)
and benches. |
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Live performances – Look for shows
at the Crystal Geyser Center Stage, behind the carousel. There are also
buskers and street performers all around the pier. |
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Tip: Pier 39 gets really crowded in the
summer. Plan your visit early in the day or late in the afternoon when crowds
thin out a little – otherwise, it can be unpleasant. In the 11am -
3pm time frame, take a Bay cruise, or go over to Crissy Field for a picnic. |
