#Pier 39 Sea Lions

[jewsingermany]

Fisherman’s Wharf: The Heart of San Francisco’s Waterfront

Fisherman’s Wharf is one of the most iconic and visited attractions in San Francisco. Known for its seafood, stunning bay views, and lively atmosphere, this historic waterfront district is a must-visit for tourists and locals alike. Whether you’re looking for delicious clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl, a glimpse of the famous sea lions at Pier 39, or a ferry ride to Alcatraz Island, Fisherman’s Wharf offers something for everyone.

A Brief History of Fisherman’s Wharf

Fisherman’s Wharf dates back to the 1800s, when Italian immigrants settled in San Francisco and started a thriving fishing industry. Over the years, the area became famous for its Dungeness crab and seafood markets. While it has transformed into a bustling tourist destination, Fisherman’s Wharf still honors its roots, with working fishing boats and fresh seafood stands along the waterfront.

Top Attractions at Fisherman’s Wharf

1. Pier 39 – Home of the Famous Sea Lions

Pier 39 is the most visited attraction at Fisherman’s Wharf, offering entertainment, shopping, and incredible bay views. The biggest highlight? The playful sea lions that lounge on the docks! These noisy yet lovable creatures have made Pier 39 their home since the late 1980s, drawing thousands of visitors every day.

2. Ghirardelli Square – A Chocolate Lover’s Paradise

A short walk from Fisherman’s Wharf, Ghirardelli Square is home to the famous Ghirardelli Chocolate Company. Enjoy a delicious hot fudge sundae, sample some gourmet chocolates, or simply soak in the beautiful views of the bay.

3. Alcatraz Island – The Infamous Prison

From Fisherman’s Wharf, you can catch a ferry to Alcatraz Island, home to the notorious Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary. Once housing infamous criminals like Al Capone, the prison is now a popular museum offering guided audio tours that take you through its chilling history.

4. Musée Mécanique – A Vintage Arcade Museum

For a nostalgic experience, visit Musée Mécanique, a hidden gem filled with antique arcade machines and mechanical games. Located at Pier 45, this free museum showcases over 300 coin-operated machines, some dating back to the early 1900s.

5. Boudin Bakery – The Best Sourdough in San Francisco

A trip to Fisherman’s Wharf wouldn’t be complete without tasting San Francisco’s famous sourdough bread. Boudin Bakery, which has been baking sourdough since 1849, serves up the city’s most delicious clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl. You can also tour their bakery and watch bakers craft fresh loaves daily.

6. The USS Pampanito – A WWII Submarine

History buffs will love exploring the USS Pampanito, a World War II submarine docked at Pier 45. Visitors can take a self-guided tour inside the submarine and get a firsthand look at what life was like for the sailors who served aboard.

Fun Activities at Fisherman’s Wharf

Take a Bay Cruise

Hop on a Golden Gate Bay Cruise and sail past some of San Francisco’s most famous landmarks, including the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and Angel Island. Many tours also offer sunset cruises, providing spectacular views of the city skyline.

Try Fresh Seafood

Fisherman’s Wharf is known for its seafood, especially:

Dungeness crab – Freshly caught and served with butter.

Clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl – A San Francisco classic.

Fish and chips – Perfect for a quick and tasty meal by the bay.

Visit Hyde Street Pier

Located near Aquatic Park, Hyde Street Pier features a collection of historic ships, including schooners, steam-powered ferries, and tugboats. Visitors can climb aboard and learn about San Francisco’s rich maritime history.

Best Time to Visit Fisherman’s Wharf

Fisherman’s Wharf is lively year-round, but the best time to visit is:

Spring and Fall – Fewer crowds and mild weather.

Summer – Peak season with the best energy, but also the most tourists.

Winter – Less crowded and perfect for enjoying hot clam chowder.

How to Get to Fisherman’s Wharf

Cable Car – The Powell-Hyde and Powell-Mason cable car lines stop near the Wharf.

F-Line Streetcar – A scenic and affordable way to travel along the waterfront.

By Foot or Bike – Walk or bike along the Embarcadero for amazing views.

Why You Should Visit Fisherman’s Wharf

Fisherman’s Wharf is more than just a tourist attraction—it’s a place where San Francisco’s history, culture, and culinary delights come together. Whether you’re watching sea lions, enjoying fresh seafood, or taking a bay cruise, there’s never a dull moment. A visit to Fisherman’s Wharf is an unforgettable experience that captures the heart and soul of San Francisco!

[rinibayphoto]

[mudwerks]

(via San Francisco Sees Unusually Large Number Of Sea Lions At Pier 39)

[telesilla]

So apparently the anchovies in the SF Bay are particularly plentiful right now, leading to a huge population of sea lions at Pier 39. There’s a live cam.

[rabbitcruiser]

Marine Mammal Rescue Day

Marine Mammal Rescue Day is celebrated on April 27 annually. It is a holiday initiative by the state of California’s Senate. This day honors the people who have made a positive difference in the lives of marine mammals, such as wildlife biologists, veterinarians, and animal care specialists. It is also a day to consider our individual contributions to climate change that affect marine mammals’ lives. For the west coast, spring is the peak of animal rescue season owing to disease and famine. Action is conducted by marine mammal rescue organizations.

History of Marine Mammal Rescue Day

Toni Atkins, a California State Senator, passed the bill that designates April 27 as Marine Mammal Rescue Day. The celebration began in 2017. Gratitude is also given to the Marine Mammal Stranding Network for its continued dedication to the rescue, rehabilitation, and return of creatures stranded off the coast of California. The Marine Mammal Rescue Day celebration may be fairly recent, but the work of these marine mammal rescues has been in existence for far longer.

In 1975, The Marine Mammal Center (T.M.M.C.), formerly known as The California Marine Mammal Center, a private and non-profit organization based in the United States was founded to rescue, rehabilitate, and release injured, ill, or abandoned marine animals. Lloyd Smalley, Pat Arrigoni, and Paul Maxwell created it in Sausalito, California. T.M.M.C. has rescued nearly 23,000 marine mammals since 1975. It also acts as a research and education facility for marine animals such as whales, dolphins, pinnipeds (seals, walruses, and sea lions), otters, manatees, and dugongs.

Many water species require medical assistance due to illness or damage. Polluted waters, marine trash, and illegal fishing gears injure and kill aquatic life in general. The ocean has been polluted and tainted as a result of human acts and inaction. The waters have warmed as a result of climate change, and the patterns in which fish swim have changed. Young marine mammals are frequently unable to travel long distances or dive deep enough to get the food they require. All types of aquatic life are harmed by illegal fishing gear, pollution, and garbage. This is where aquatic mammal rescuers and specialists come in, devoting their time, energy, and resources to safeguard the safety of the marine life that we all should care about.

Marine Mammal Rescue Day timeline

1972

Marine Mammal Protection Act

President Richard Nixon signs the Marine Mammal Protection Act (M.M.P.A.) into law, establishing a national policy.

1975

The Marine Mammal Center

The Marine Mammal Center (T.M.M.C.), a private and non-profit organization based in the United States, is founded.

1992

Foundation for Marine Animal Husbandry

The Foundation for Marine Animal Husbandry, a nonprofit organization in Florida, opens.

2017

Marine Mammal Rescue Day

Toni Atkins, a California State Senator, creates Marine Mammal Rescue Day through a bill.

Marine Mammal Rescue Day FAQs

What are baby whales called?

Baby whales are referred to as ‘calves.’

What are the kinds of marine mammals?

Cetaceans, pinnipeds, sirenians, and marine fissipeds are the four taxonomic groups that make up marine mammals.

Do dolphins lay eggs?

Dolphins are mammals. Thus, they do not lay eggs. Instead, they give live birth to their young.

How to Observe Marine Mammal Rescue Day

Reduce, reuse, recycle: Simple steps to improve your actions to assist in reducing marine body pollution can make a tremendous difference. Reduce, reuse, and recycle as much as possible. Single-use plastic should be avoided and other trash should be disposed of sustainably.

Learn about ocean conservation: Learn as much as you can about ocean conservation. Discover what it entails and how you can help. Know about ocean conservation organizations and consider donating to support their objectives.

Volunteer yourself: Make yourself available to help marine conservation charities. Joining and volunteering with beach cleanup is one of many ways to do so. It may not seem like much but if everyone performed their modest part, we could have a significant influence collectively.

5 Interesting Facts About Marine Mammals

Sea otters have deft hands: Sea otters have deft hands for smashing sea urchins off rocks.

Sleeping with one eye open: Dolphins only sleep with one half of their brain and one eye closed at a time.

Semi-aquatic creatures: Sea lions are semi-aquatic creatures.

Penguin proposal: During mating season, several species of male penguins "propose" to their lady with a pebble.

Elephant relatives: Manatees are related to elephants and have more in common with them than they do with dolphins or whales.

Why Marine Mammal Rescue Day is Important

Human and marine life interaction: Whale watching benefits local economies in a variety of ways. According to studies, people can derive economic benefits from simply knowing that marine mammals are present and healthy even if they are unable to see them.

Marine mammal protection: The Marine Mammal Protection Act protects all 125 species of marine mammals that live in American waters. This makes it illegal to harm a marine mammal in any way that would interfere with its normal behavior.

It promotes a healthy ocean ecosystem: Maintaining the equilibrium of marine ecosystems requires robust marine mammal populations. Reduced numbers of whales, dolphins, or seals can have unpredictably negative consequences for other key species such as fish, birds, and invertebrates.

Source

[kurosmind]

Stardew valley fisherman was right.... Clam chowder good...

[cpahlow]

[wandering-jana]

The locals at Pier 39. San Francisco, California.

Explore:

[watermeloname]

[truxtonstravels]

Sea Lions, Seagulls, & More at Pier 39 in San Francisco, California

[clairity-org]

Pier 39, San Francisco 11/20/23 by Sharon Mollerus

[rinibayphoto]

[torto-isemusings]

I present unto you, Tumblr, the local herd of Majestic Chonks!

[patchoblack]

We left Alcatraz, and took another streetcar to Pier 39. We ate at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. My Lady Jellicle got the “Of Course We Have Scampi!”, while I had the Dixie Style Baby Back Ribs. We then bought a lot of salt water taffy, which I forgot to get at the Boardwalk, saw the sea lions, and picked me up a new hoodie as it was getting cold.

[rabbitcruiser]

Pier 39 was first developed by entrepreneur Warren Simmons and opened October 4, 1978.