Sea Lion Viewing Area

One of the highlights of my visit to California! I loved hearing them bark and play in the water.

A few California sea lions began “hauling out” on PIER 39’s K-Dock shortly after the Loma Prieta earthquake hit San Francisco in October 1989. By January 1990, the boisterous barking pinnipeds started to arrive in droves and completely took over K-Dock, much to the exasperation of PIER 39’s Marina tenants. The Marina Staff turned to The Marine Mammal Center, an organization devoted to the rescue and rehabilitation of marine mammals, for advice about their new slippery tenants. After much debate and research, the experts from The Marine Mammal Center recommended that the sea lions stay in their newfound home. With a plentiful supply of food from the Bay and an environment protected from predators, the PIER 39 Marina proved to be an ideal living situation for the sea lions. Within a few short months, the number of sea lions grew to more than 300 and hit an all-time record of 1,701 in November 2009.nWhile the number of sea lions at K-Dock rise and fall with the seasons, available food supply and natural migration patterns, the world famous sea lions always have a home at PIER 39.nI recommend visiting!!!

I loved the place and environment. Sea lions are great. So various things to see and you can spend really good time as a family too. Unfortunately, some stores closed because of covid-19 but you can check other stores at Pier 39.

Loved it been coming to see the sea lions since I was a kid now shared with my daughter she wanted me to rate it 5 stars said it was the best birthday destination ever!

This place is very cool and chill. You'll have fun watching them chilling