Pier 39 tours, things to do and tickets

See San Francisco’s top sights the easy way with Big Bus Tours. We offer the most comprehensive tour with over 17 hop-on hop-off locations spanning from the Golden Gate Bridge for panoramic views of the Bay, to Fisherman’s Wharf to enjoy fresh clam chowder and watch sea lions at Pier 39. Explore Chinatown’s bustling streets, admire the Painted Ladies’ Victorian charm, and experience the counterculture history of Haight-Ashbury. Stop at Union Square for shopping or unwind in the green spaces of Golden Gate Park. With one full route covering all major attractions, you won’t need to change buses or worry about directions. Hop on and off at your own pace, while onboard commentary provides stories and tips to bring the city to life. Highlights: Unlimited hop-on hop-off access at 17 stops across San Francisco Cross the Golden Gate Bridge on an open-top bus for unbeatable views Learn about the city with engaging onboard commentary Flexible tickets that let you explore at your own pace

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 700 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 700 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 Ride Experience at PIER 39 is part thrill ride, part laser blasting game, and all-out fun. Up to 20 players compete at once, blasting their way through action-packed worlds while scores flash on the big screen after every ride. With five adventures to choose from, there’s an option for every player: Road Fighters – A post-apocalyptic action showdown Los Banditos – Wild West shootout with robot cowboys (great for younger kids) Werewolves – Battle creatures overtaking Victorian London Zombies – Survive relentless hordes in a scary showdown (scary) Carnival – Face creepy clowns in an abandoned theme park (scary) Strap in, grab your blaster, and see who claims bragging rights in this interactive ride-game hybrid you’ll only find at PIER 39.