One of the city's most visited attractions, Pier 39 offers specialty shopping, memorable views, and daily live entertainment (from magicians to comics to mimes). A visit here is typically part of a Fisherman's Wharf experience, with crowds to be expected, but lots of opportunity to people-watch and take photos.
If you go, consider going in the early morning or evening if you wish to have a quieter time. The attraction offers 110 shops, plus 14 restaurants and a complement of S.F. Bay scenery: Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge, the Bay Bridge, and city skyline. The two-level complex is located two blocks east of Fisherman's Wharf (where Beach Street meets the Embarcadero). To reach it by public transportation, take BART, the "F" line trolley, or Muni buses #47, 15, or 10.
Located next to Pier 39 is the fascinating Aquarium of the Bay, which invites visitors to venture "inside" an aquarium. Pass through a 300-foot acrylic tunnel and marvel at the indigenous marine life that surrounds you (some 20,000 animals). At the "petting pool," visitors can get even closer: Touch sea stars, bat rays, and leopard sharks.
Each year, the attraction welcomes close to 600,000 visitors, and as its name suggests, it focuses on the Bay's diverse aquatic life and ecosystems, with an emphasis on conservation, education, and protection. Newly opened on April 4th are three brand new exhibits: the Giant Pacific Octopus exhibit, the Jellies exhibit, and the PG&E Bay Lab, which delves into climate change and its impact.
The stars of the PG&E Bay Lab are the aquarium's first-ever land-dwelling animals, including the California King Snake, Banana Slug, Blue Tongued Skink, and Chinchilla. Since February, these new residents have been making their introduction to the public, with their new home unveiled earlier this month. As CEO John Frawley notes, the exhibit is new and exciting for all: "Our new animals are taking Aquarium of the Bay to the next level -- the above the ground level."
Open daily, the Aquarium of the Bay begins tours at 9 a.m. (through 8 p.m.) Price of admission is $15.95 for adults and $8 for both children and seniors. (Note: To also take a Behind the Scenes tour, tickets are $6 more.)
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Pier 39
Location: Beach Street & the Embarcadero (map)
Hours: 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. Sun-Thurs; 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. Fri-Sat
Price: Free to visit and explore.
Don't Miss: The sea lions at K-Dock.
Tip: High Season begins April 24 and will last through November 1, 2009.
Website: www.pier39.com
Aquarium of the Bay
Location: Next to Pier 39
Price: $15.95 for adults, $8 for kids and seniors. (map)
Don't Miss: The Moon Jellies and all the newest exhibits, including the interactive PG&E Lab with nature's ambassadors.
Tip: Present your Muni passport for $2 discount off adult admission, $1 off of child/senior.
Website: www.aquariumofthebay.com
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