Pier 39

Pier 39 is a pier-top shopping and entertainment complex on the Fisherman's Wharf waterfront of San Francisco, California, extending into the bay from the Embarcadero at Beach Street. Built from a former cargo pier in the late 1970s with a wooden boardwalk design, it hosts about ninety stores and restaurants, an aquarium, a carousel, street performers and boat departures. The main draw beyond shopping is the group of California sea lions that gather on floating docks beside the pier on K-Dock, which can be watched from viewing platforms at no cost. Goods sold include souvenirs, T-shirts, candy, fudge, toys, magnets, fridge magnets, sunglasses, jewelry, kitchen gifts, and local art, so the mix is heavily tourist oriented; there are few specialty craft items, and the ratio of generic souvenir products is high. Visitors seeking authentic local goods generally do better elsewhere in the city. Prices are fixed and vary by shop, with souvenir prices typically above those at stores away from the waterfront. Bargaining does not apply. Cards are accepted widely. California sales tax is added at the register, and there is no tourist refund. The atmosphere is festive and crowded, particularly in summer and at weekends, with families, buskers and large tour groups. Food options include seafood restaurants with bay views, clam chowder in bread bowls, sweets and snack stands, fast food and sit-down grills. Boat departures for bay cruises and the Alcatraz ferry terminals are nearby, and the pier lies within walking distance of Fisherman's Wharf's crab stands and the Musee Mecanique. Parking on the pier is available in a garage but is expensive, and the F-line historic streetcar and cable car lines connect to the area. Hours are generally from about 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM and vary by season, and individual restaurants stay open later.