Sea Lions at Pier 39

First opened in 1978, Pier 39 was the result of creative efforts of an entrepreneur called Warren Simmons. Located at the edge of the Fisherman’s Wharf district, the pier enjoys vicinity to Chinatown and North Beach and is loved for its crystal-clear views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Bay Bridge and Alcatraz islands. The colonies of sea-lions are believed to have migrated from the western edge of the city- Sea Rock; and every year since then the majority of the colony is seen dispersing to Santa Barbara in Southern California to mate with the female sea-lions during the months of May-June.

Essentially a shopping centre, Pier 39 is a tourist spot celebrated for its amazingly curated shops, restaurants, wine-tasting shows, adventurous rides, magic shows, bay cruises, the aquarium, and the spectacular marine-life. The show-stealer of the pier, however, remains are its adorable migrant sea lions, which flocked to the Pier 39 marina after the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake. The second-floor of the pier has been dedicated to these mammals- the Sea Lions Center which has exhibits, presentations, interactive displays, educational videos, informational forum managed by the Aquarium of the Bay Naturalists. The Pier “Sea Liberties” are known for their playfulness, intelligence, exuberance and bickering-noises.