A Full-Day Itinerary at San Francisco’s PIER 39: The Best Food and Activities

People visiting Pier 39

  • Pier 39 offers memorable experiences you can enjoy at all times of the day.
  • There are both exciting and relaxing activities at Pier 39. 

Pier 39 in San Francisco is a famous and iconic location, and it’s clear why. With the variety of activities, experiences, and the best food around at Pier 39, it’s no wonder. If you’re spending the day at this incredible pier, there are certainly things you don’t want to miss. 

A Full Day at Pier 39

There are many amazing activities and food options at San Francisco’s Pier 39. So much so that it may be challenging to choose what to do on the Pier. To help you decide, listed below is the ideal itinerary for a full day at Pier 39.

How to Create the Perfect Morning

Pier 39 offers many experiences that will start your day off right. This is especially true of the following three activities:

1. Breakfast at Biscoff Coffee Corner: Not only does this shop serve wonderful coffee to begin the day, but a free Biscoff cookie comes with each coffee purchase. This is a unique bonus! Not to mention, their quick-bite breakfast food provides a great kickoff for spending the day at Pier 39 in San Francisco

2. A Sunrise Walk Along the Pier: There is nothing like watching the sun rise, especially on Pier 39. The sunrise is easily enhanced with surrounding views of the Bay, the Golden Gate Bridge, and Alcatraz. This view will surely set the stage for the rest of the day.

3. Visit the Aquarium of the Bay: Following some of the best coffee (and other breakfast food) on Pier 39, exploring the Aquarium of the Bay is a great next step. With the abundant aquatic wildlife that you can discover, an educational and inspirational opportunity awaits.

At Pier 39 in San Francisco, incredible breakfast food, the sunrise, and magnificent sea life will make your morning worthwhile.

Activities for a Memorable Afternoon

Sea lions lounging on the docks next to Pier 39

To follow a great morning with a memorable afternoon, Pier 39 has multiple entertaining, unforgettable adventures ready. Below are just three of the adventures that you can experience.

1. Grab Lunch at Eagle Cafe: You don’t want to miss the food from Eagle Cafe when visiting historical Pier 39 in San Francisco. From seafood to burgers, lunch from this restaurant is excellent. It offers a real, genuine taste of the city and the area. 

2. Check Out the Rides: Pier 39 has multiple ride options for an amusing afternoon. For example, if you want a thrilling ride that drops you from up high, the Bay Plunge Ride is perfect. However, for less speedy rides, the Ferris Wheel or Carousel are fun options. 

3. Discover the Sea Lions: There are many sea lions hanging out on the  Pier! It’s easy to discover and really appreciate these animals at Pier 39. After enjoying the rides and food from San Francisco’s Pier 39, watching the sea lions is something else that can make the afternoon even better.

When you combine the activities listed above (especially when eating some of the best food at Eagle Cafe), Pier 39 at Fisherman’s Wharf is remarkable. 

What to Do For a Lovely Evening at Pier 39

Front of Crab House at Pier 39

There are many fitting activities to end a wonderful day on Pier 39 that can help you relax, unwind, and conclude the day. The following are the top three suggestions.

1. Dine at Crab House at Pier 39: Crab House truly has the most delicious food on San Francisco’s Pier 39. This restaurant has its signature Dungeness Crab, sizzling iron skillet options, and various pasta dishes. You won’t regret wrapping up the day with dinner from this exemplary restaurant.

2. Take a Stunning Boat Ride: Taking a boat ride along the bay is spectacular. You can watch the sun set over the water, and watch the city light up at night. There’s also a stunning view of famous landmarks. It’s a lovely sight.

3. Explore the Shops: After enjoying the exceptional food from San Francisco’s Crab House at Pier 39, exploring the shops until 9 p.m. is the way to go. Not only is it a good way to unwind, but there are also many cool souvenirs to buy and other items to see.

Exploring the shops, taking a boat ride, and eating the best food at Crab House at Pier 39 wraps up a wonderful day.

Due to the attractions, fun things to do, and impeccable food at San Francisco’s Pier 39, it’s a well-loved area by all who visit. With the full-day itinerary listed above, you really can make the most out of your trip to Pier 39.