The sun is warm and welcoming on a sharp, cool November bay morning. The scent of sourdough from Boudin’s Bakery filled the air and I took a sip of hot coffee and walked towards San Francisco’s Pier 39. There aren’t many people around, and the sound of the lapping water in the bay is even more pronounced. But then another sound reached my ears. It’s not a dog, it’s a bark.
As I approached the pier, I saw it glistening in the sunlight. Many smooth brown bodies float on wooden platforms in the water. they are sea lions. It looks like there are hundreds of them, but they’re just there, out in the open. I hurried down and joined a few other people standing there observing the strange behavior of these noisy and smelly marine mammals.
Why are there sea lions at Pier 39?
I had read about sea lions, but I didn’t know that they were there of their own volition and that they required enclosures and entrance fees. These wild animals choose a landing next to Pier 39. According to one tour guide, their presence was not welcomed in 1989. It was so smelly and noisy that the store owners didn’t think they could do business.
They tried various tricks to get them to move on, including hosing them down with a fire engine hose, but they kept coming back. However, it was loved by people and remains a popular attraction. I plan on stopping in San Francisco on my way to Australia and visiting the sea lions.coffee and croissant Boudin’s BakeryWith the gentle lapping waters of the bay and sea lion friends, this is my favorite breakfast activity.
Pier 39 highlights beyond the sea lions
Although it appears that Sea Lions and Pier 39 are part of the same attraction, they are not. This pier was built about 10 years before his 1978, when mammals began to inhabit it. Located in the beautiful area of San Francisco’s North Beach, this location offers views of the bay and Golden Gate Bridge. You’ll also notice the eerie island that is home to the infamous Alcatraz prison.
In 1978, the abandoned pier was transformed into a bustling entertainment and leisure center. The pier’s architecture features attractive wooden structures in pastel colors, adding to the area’s maritime shack-like feel. Even though there are a lot of tourists walking around, it feels light and refreshing.
At the center of the pier is the San Francisco Carousel, an Italian-made carousel and one of the few double-decker merry-go-rounds in the world. It features hand-drawn designs of the city’s iconic locations such as the Golden Gate Bridge, Coit Tower, Chinatown, and of course, sea lions. The carousel is decorated with his more than 1,800 glowing LED lights. He has over 30 different animals set to traditional organ music.
Where to eat at Pier 39
Lined with boutiques and stores, you’ll find everything from stylish clothing to San Francisco souvenirs. Dining options range from famous seafood joints like Bubba Gump Shrimp Company and Fog Harbor Fish House, which offer stunning bay views and delicious clam chowder, to casual spots like Wipeout Bar & Grill, which offers a relaxed atmosphere. Equally impressive. budget. Indulge in fresh crab dishes at The Crab House or indulge in a sweet treat at Crepe Café.
San Francisco Aquarium of the Bay
If you need more entertainment for the day, you can visit the aquarium at Pier 39. bay aquarium This fascinating underwater destination is home to more than 24,000 marine species, including sharks, rays, octopuses, jellyfish and playful otters. Visitors can explore walk-through tunnel exhibits, participate in transparent touch pools, and gain valuable insight into critical environmental issues such as climate change, plastic pollution, and habitat loss.
Tickets start at $21.75 for children and $31.75 for adults. Alternatively, choose the $90 Family Bundle Ticket for an educational and fun experience for the whole family.
Sea lions at Pier 39 in San Francisco
Even marine life experts aren’t 100% sure why sea lions started arriving at Pier 39 in 1989. However, most people suggest it has something to do with the earthquake in October of the same year. This marine mammal appeared at Pier 39’s K-Dock shortly after the October 1989 Loma He Prieta earthquake. Initially, only a few of these sea lions started using this dock as a resting place. Still, by January 1990, their numbers had increased significantly and they had completely taken over K-Dock. The acquisition initially irritated Pier 39 marina tenants. The tour guide tells us how some of the tenants tried to encourage the tenants to move by hosing them down with fire engine equipment.
Marina staff sought advice from marine mammal center—An organization dedicated to marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation. They recommended that sea lions continue to use K-Dock as a home. Biologists say favorable conditions at K-Dock attract sea lions, including abundant food sources in nearby bays and oceans, a lack of natural predators in the area, and the comfort and protection provided by the floating dock. thinking. These factors and the dock’s adaptability to tidal changes provide an ideal resting place for sea lions.
Best season for sea lions
Sea lion migration patterns and behavior are closely monitored to ensure the health of the sea lions and the protection of this unique marine habitat. During the summer months, you won’t see many of the noisy mammals, but during the cooler months of the year, the docks can get quite crowded. Up to 1,700 people were counted occupying the floating platform at one time.
To learn more about sea lions, visit the sea lion spot located just behind the viewing area. However, we are planning to close for renovations and will also have a place for occasional visitors, so could you please double check that we are open? You can also check them out via webcam. , which is not as fun as visiting in person. It’s also worth remembering that feeding or harming them is illegal.
- Specialties: Travel, History, Food
- Education: Monash University, Australia
- Over 400 articles published in newspapers, magazines and on the web
Lee Winter is a multi-talented journalist from Australia, currently based in New Orleans. Her passion for solo travel is evident as she expertly tracks down amazing flights and accommodations and shares her wide range of travel experiences with her readers. With her master’s degree in journalism and her bachelor’s degree featuring a double major in history and literature, she brings her unique blend of skills to her own work. Her historical expertise extends to the world of architectural history, and she has worked as a tour guide at historic building museums. But her journey doesn’t end there. She has delved into the art of coffee as a barista and has become a true connoisseur of coffee preparation, running her coffee van at events and markets. Now, Ree leverages her own insights and her expertise to share these topics with her Wealth of Geeks readers.