Pier 39 tours, things to do and tickets

Explore the best of San Francisco on board a Big Bus Tour. We offer the most comprehensive tour with over 16 hop-on hop-off locations spanning from Fisherman’s Wharf to the Golden Gate Bridge. No need to switch buses – our one full city loop will take you to famous neighborhoods and attractions including Pier 39, Chinatown, Little Italy, Painted Ladies Victorian Homes, Haight-Ashbury Neighborhood, Golden Gate Park, Lombard Crooked Street, Union Square Shopping District and an unforgettable journey across the Golden Gate Bridge. With 16 stops, hop-on and hop-off at your leisure and experience San Francisco’s diverse culture, eclectic food, beautiful parks, stunning architecture, world-class shopping and picturesque views.

If you are looking for a more personal atmosphere with a small private group and you enjoy adventure, then we are the experience you are looking for!

Departing from world famous Pier 39, you'll be outfitted with foul weather gear to keep you warm and dry from the occasional splash. You'll board our 12-passenger Rigid Inflatable Boat "Bay Voyager" and rest comfortable and warm while making the best memories of your vacation.

Narrated by your captain, you will see and hear about the history of San Francisco Bay and what makes this bay so vital to life in San Francisco.

This small-group tour is limited to 12 people, ensuring a more personalized adventure and sell out during the summer months.

Visit Aquarium of the Bay for an interactive introduction to the fish and other marine life that live in San Francisco Bay and its surrounding Pacific waters. This general admission ticket includes access to the Aquarium’s main exhibit areas, which feature more than 20,000 animals. You can observe creatures like sharks, rays, sea stars and river otters. With its location at the foot of PIER 39 between Fisherman’s Wharf and the Alcatraz ferry landing, Aquarium of the Bay is easy to fit into your San Francisco sightseeing schedule.

Experience the Exploratorium, the award-winning museum of science, art, and human perception that's dedicated to the excitement of experimentation, the pleasure of discovery, and the power of play. Indulge your curiosity in more than 650 interactive exhibits—indoors and out—and explore eye-opening ways to understand the world around you. Journey through total darkness in our twisting, turning, world-famous Tactile Dome. There's also a unique museum store plus two delicious places to eat: the Seaglass restaurant, which has a stunning Bay view, and the Seismic Joint Cafe (hours vary). 

Located at Pier 15 along San Francisco's Embarcadero between Pier 39 and the Ferry Building, the Exploratorium is easy to get to by public transportation plus there's parking nearby.

Welcome aboard for a thrilling 2.5 hour sailing adventure aboard USA 76, an International America’s Cup Class racing yacht that challenged in 2003 for sporting’s oldest active trophy, the America’s Cup. Feel the adrenaline as the yacht powers up and we sail towards the Golden Gate Bridge. Public trips are conducted multiple days a week, year round, departing from PIER 39 in San Francisco.

Things Look Different After Dark. See for Yourself.

6-10pm every Thursday night at the Exploratorium. Adults-only (18+).

Lose yourself in more than 650 interactive exhibits exploring perception, art and science. Grab your friends and a drink and get immersed in everything from a fog bridge, to a large-scale kaleidoscope, dazzling light displays, mind-bending mirrors and more. Journey through total darkness in our twisting, turning, world-famous Tactile Dome. Or savor adults-only programming: featuring unique guest speakers, great music, cutting-edge films and one-of-a-kind activities. It'll change how you think about the world around you. But don't take our word for it—see for yourself.

The Exploratorium is located at Pier 15 on San Francisco's Embarcadero – just minutes away from the Embarcadero BART Station, Pier 39 and the Ferry Building.

The 7D DarkRide Experience at Pier 39 is an interactive motion theater and video game combo that immerses the rider in an action-packed environment. With selections that include 'Zombies,' 'Road Fighters,' 'Gigamon,' and 'Los Banditos,' there is a 10-minute option for every member of the family. Choose your own adventure, then buckle up and grab a laser blaster for for a virtual reality quest to take down your opponents.