Pier 39

About

Pier 39 sits on San Francisco's northern waterfront, jutting into the bay with sweeping views of Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge, and Marin County. It's the most-visited attraction in one of America's most-visited cities - and for good reason. The atmosphere is electric: street performers, ocean air, fresh seafood, and the unforgettable background noise of hundreds of sea lions barking from the docks below.

The pier is a two-level shopping and dining complex with dozens of restaurants, souvenir shops, and entertainment options. The Aquarium of the Bay, right at the pier's entrance, takes visitors through clear underwater tunnels surrounded by local marine life including leopard sharks, bat rays, and thousands of fish native to San Francisco Bay. The aquarium is fully wheelchair accessible with wide pathways and accessible restrooms.

Long, flat dock walkways extend off the main pier, offering excellent vantage points for bay views without leaving the boardwalk. This is one of the best spots to watch the famous California sea lions that have colonized the K-dock since 1990, creating a wildlife spectacle right in the middle of a major urban tourist destination.

Fisherman's Wharf extends along the waterfront adjacent to Pier 39, offering fresh crab, clam chowder in sourdough bread bowls, and the historic seafood restaurants that have defined San Francisco waterfront dining for generations. Ghirardelli Square, home to the famous Ghirardelli Chocolate Company, is a few blocks west up a steep hill along Beach Street.

For those wanting to visit Alcatraz, cruises depart from Pier 31, just nearby. Alcatraz Cruises provides accessible boarding options; book well in advance during peak season, as tickets can sell out months ahead.

Accessibility

Pier 39 and the adjacent Fisherman's Wharf area are largely accessible, though the hilly San Francisco terrain creates some challenges.

Pier 39 itself: The two-level pier has elevator access between levels. The main boardwalk and dock walkways are paved and flat, ideal for wheelchair users. Accessible restrooms are available on the pier. The Aquarium of the Bay at Pier 39 is fully wheelchair accessible with wide pathways and accessible restrooms throughout.

Fisherman's Wharf area: The waterfront along Jefferson Street and the Embarcadero is mostly flat and accessible. Most restaurants and shops have accessible entrances. Buena Vista Cafe (Hyde and Beach Streets) has a portable ramp for the step entry; its single restroom may accommodate smaller wheelchairs but is not ADA-updated. Call ahead if specific accommodations are needed.

Ghirardelli Square: Located a few blocks west up a steep hill from Pier 39. Accessible entrances on Beach Street and Larkin Street; the Larkin Street entrance is on a very steep incline. Ramps and elevators connect the square's interior levels. Accessible restrooms inside.

Alcatraz Island: Cruises depart from Pier 31 and include accessible boarding options with ramps and ADA-standard restrooms. The island itself has significant terrain challenges due to its historic nature; see alcatrazcruises.com/accessibility for current details.

Getting there: The F-Market vintage streetcar serves the waterfront and is accessible at most stops. Accessible taxi vans (rear-entry ramps) operate throughout San Francisco at standard meter rates. BART stations and the Embarcadero station are accessible. Waterfront parking lots offer accessible spaces but can fill quickly during peak hours.

More accessible places in California

• Exploratorium (San Francisco)
• California Academy of Sciences (San Francisco)
• Golden Gate Bridge / Alcatraz (San Francisco)
• Griffith Observatory (Los Angeles)
• Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) (Los Angeles)
• San Diego Zoo (San Diego)