Outdoor Activities in Fisherman's Wharf (San Francisco)

Pier 39

This San Francisco landmark features some of Fisherman's Wharf's best shopping and attractions. Ride the carousel or watch the sea lions. There are more than 25 one-of-a-kind gift stores that carry automobile, Hollywood, and rock 'n' roll memorabilia, as well as flags of the world, Russian dolls, collectible knives, hammocks, kites, and more. But that's not all. You will find more than 30 more stores, including the famous Na Hoku to shop for clothing, jewelry and toys. It is a great place to pick up high-end San Francisco souvenirs. Credit card acceptance varies by store. Pier 39 is a magnet for locals and tourists for many reasons, including their nearly year-round calendar of special attractions for the whole family like the Tulipmania tulip festival held in late February on both levels of pier 39 or the Holiday Tree Lighting in November.

San Francisco Fire Engine Tours & Adventures

Here is a chance not only to do some sightseeing, but to become a sight yourself on a tour like no other. The world famous Fire Engine tour departs from the Cannery at Fisherman's Wharf, travels through the Presidio to Ft. Point, across the Golden Gate Bridge and through Sausalito. Take photos at Ft. Baker and check out the Union Street neighborhood as the tour returns back to Fisherman's Wharf. The whole trip is approximately 75 minutes. The couple who run this tour live in a historic 108 year-old San Francisco Firehouse and their enthusiasm is contagious! It's a show on wheels. Advanced reservations are recommended as seating is limited.

Aquarium of the Bay

Aquarium of the Bay is a unique nature center and the only Aquarium dedicated to animals of the San Francisco Bay and neighboring waters. The Aquarium gives visitors the opportunity to feel like a skin diver without getting wet as they walk through the Aquarium's crystal clear tunnels, while more than 20,000 sharks, bat rays, skates, octopi and other aquatic animals. With daily and special activities including behind the scenes tours, shark feeding presentations, a water discovery Lab for underwater detectives and much more; there is truly something for everyone to see, touch, discover and learn at Aquarium of the Bay.

Blue & Gold Fleet

Blue & Gold Fleet is one of the most popular ferry services in the Bay Area, serving thousands of tourists and locals each year. Turn to them for a cruise around the San Francisco Bay, a trip to Alcatraz, or transportation to an amusement park in Vallejo. Some other tours offered go to attractions like Yosemite, Monterey, Carmel, the wine country, Angel Island, Muir Woods, Tiburon and Sausalito.

Segway San Francisco Electric Tour

Experience the beautiful sights of the San Francisco waterfront on your own Segway. A platform perched on two wheels, the Segway system has a patented gyroscope balancing system, enabling the standing rider to maneuver by tilting forward or backwards while using the steering control on the left handlebar to turn. Guided three-hour tours take you from Fisherman's Wharf to Maritime Park, Marina Green and the Palace of Fine Arts at up to 8 mph. Each tour begins with a short training session and then its off to the roads and bike trails along the Bay for amazing views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz and the city. For all tours, a helmet and safety vest are provided and required to wear. Each tour is $65 per person and is limited to ten riders. This Segway tour is ideal for families, visitors and even residents of San Francisco to take in the beauty of the City by the Bay via one of the most unique and innovative modes of transportation around. There are also tours available across the bay in beautiful Sausalito.

GoCar Rentals

Hop into a GoCar for a spin around San Francisco and see just how far you can go. Catch all the attractions and experience all the fun of the City by the Bay without the confusion of maps or the inflexibility of organized tours. Utilizing state-of-the-art GPS (Global Positioning System) locator technology, GoCars take you from the Bay to the Pacific and around the neighborhoods, parks, and famous landmarks of the City. While driving, the talking cars tell you exactly when and where to go and provide historical information and plenty of fun facts. The best part of the GoCar adventure is being able to discover the City at your own pace. Stop to take pictures, grab a bite to eat, or take in a museum at your leisure. Feel free to spend anywhere from an hour to an entire day zipping around town in your talking 3-wheeled car. There is no better way to see San Francisco! To rent a GoCar, you must be a licensed driver and 18-years-old. Reservations are required. Be sure to call or reserve online well in advance. There is a second location in Union Square at: 321 Mason St (at corner of Mason & O'Farrell). Opens Daily At 8 am.

Holiday Tree Lighting at Pier 39

Come November and stores and shops all over the country are decked in Christmas colors, offering holiday sales and featuring at least one Santa Claus with his elves. Pier 39's Holiday Tree Lighting kicks off the annual tradition with performances by the Bay Area groups. A huge tree is decorated with glowing ornaments, multi-colored bows, and scores of twinkling lights, the gifts notwithstanding. Children, adults, teens and others come together at Pier 39, where the tree is lit with cheers, shouts, and lots of excitement.

Sea Lions at Pier 39

January 19th, 2006 marked the sixteenth anniversary of the sea lions' arrival at Pier 39! These adorable creatures flocked here after the 1989 earthquake and the population has grown ever since. Every winter the number increases to almost 900, thanks to the availability of space and ample food. Although some of the sea lions choose to migrate in the summer, a group of them decide to stay back at Pier 39! You can bring your kids over for free educational talks by the Marine Mammal Center, held on weekends year-round provided the weather is good. Call the numbers listed for further information.