The Sea Lions of San Francisco

The sea lions of Pier 39, in San Francisco

The sea lions of Pier 39 are one of the most famous and endearing attractions of San Francisco. The San Francisco audio-guided tour stops here to evoke this colony of marine animals settled on the pontoons, become a symbol of the city.

A colony settled on the pontoons

At the end of the 1980s, sea lions began to take up residence on the floating pontoons of Pier 39, in San Francisco. Over time, they settled there in numbers, forming a colony that never left the place. These great marine mammals, who bask in the sun, dive and play in the water of the bay while pushing their characteristic barks, have become one of the emblematic attractions of the city. Observing them offers an endearing natural spectacle, in the heart of the seafront.

What to see

Here you observe the colony of sea lions that basks, dives and plays on the floating pontoons of Pier 39, pushing its characteristic barks. These animals have become an emblematic symbol of San Francisco. It is an endearing stop, to be discovered from the seafront.

Practical information

The sea lions are observed from the pontoons of Pier 39, on the seafront of San Francisco, reachable on foot. It is a natural spectacle freely visible from the public space; the number of animals varies with the season. It is best to observe them from a distance and with respect, without disturbing them.

Since when are the sea lions at Pier 39?

Since the end of the 1980s, when they began to settle on the floating pontoons of Pier 39, forming a colony become emblematic of San Francisco.

Where to see the sea lions in San Francisco?

On the pontoons of Pier 39, on the seafront of San Francisco, in California.