Everything You Need to Know About San Francisco's Sea Lions
Get the fast facts on some of San Francisco's most iconic residents, the sea lions of PIER 39.
Ah, San Francisco; where rent is so high that 400-plus sea lions have to share one dock! Since 1990, a colony of California sea lions have camped out in force on PIER 39. They bark, they nap, and in that way they remind us of ourselves. Below are some notable facts about these iconic animals.
Sea lions are not seals, okay?
They get really angry if you confuse them, so it’s best to know the difference.
- Seals are more streamlined with few protruding body features. Their ears and genitals are tucked inside their bodies so they can glide through the water faster, a tactic they possibly learned from Michael Phelps.
- Sea lions have large front fins that help them walk. So, if an animal is waddling towards you on flippers and you can see its ears, it’s a sea lion—and you should probably move.
How the heck did they get here?
When two sea lions love each other very much…oh, you mean, “How did they get to San Francisco?" The Sea Lion Center of San Francisco says that they arrived here in 1989. Sea lions do this thing called “hauling out”— and if you didn’t picture sea lions dancing to “Roll Out” by Ludacris, you’re not doing it right.
Hauling out is when the animals look for spots to rest and get it on between bouts of swimming and hunting. The sea lion population in San Francisco increased after the Loma Prieta earthquake, when people moved their boats away from the pier, leaving more space for the sea lions to hang out.
But, like, how many sea lions are there in San Francisco?
The number fluctuates based on migratory patterns and prey movements, but at one point there were over a thousand sea lions chilling on the docks!
You can watch them on this live stream camera (you know, if your boss isn’t looking).
What can I do to help support the sea lions?
You can follow these guidelines to help keep the sea lions and their home safe and clean.
What should I know before I go?
- Get a different angle: If K-Dock is full to the brim with tourists, walk over to Pier 41 next door. You won't be as close to the sea lions to photograph them, but it's far less crowded, and it gives you an opportunity to get a clearer shot.
- Best photo spot: The west side of the pier is a great spot for a photo opp. You can frame shots with the Golden Gate Bridge or Alcatraz in the background.
- Watch the smell factor: Sea lions get pretty stinky on warmer days. If you're sensitive to smell, mornings and cooler days are more pleasant.
- Pair it with lunch: Fog Harbor Fish House and Pier Market Seafood Restaurant are two PIER 39 restaurants with upstairs seating and sea lion views. There are plenty of other fantastic, nearby restaurants to check out as well.
- Learn more about the animals in the Bay: If you are interested in learning more about the sea lions and other marine life on the surrounding coast, the Aquarium of the Bay and the Sea Lion Center are a short walk away.
What should I do after I see the sea lions?
- Take a ferry: The Alcatraz ferry terminal at Pier 33 is about a 10-minute walk east. Make sure you book this trip ahead of time, since tickets usually sell out days in advance.
- Walk from sea life to shopping: If you're ready for a stroll, Ghirardelli Square is a 20-minute walk west along the water, and has plenty of chocolate treats, shops, and even more bay views. Another option would be to go 30 minutes southeast towards the Ferry Building, which has a great selection of food and artisan goods.
- Ride a cable car: The Powell-Hyde cable car turnaround is close by and drops you right at Ghirardelli Square if you'd rather ride than walk. If you are interested in exploring other San Francisco icons, this cable car will take you past Lombard Street and directly to Chinatown.
- Walk along the water: Continue along the Embarcadero toward Coit Tower and North Beach for more views and a change of scenery.
Frequently Asked
Questions
Get the fast facts on San Francisco's popular pinnipeds!
Take An Urban Safari in San Francisco
Looking for more local wildlife? Follow our guide for spotting parrots, whales, bison, and more around San Francisco.
You May Also Like
Your guide to one of the best-kept secrets just outside of San Francisco, a historic home and garden begging to be explored all year round.
Visit sights seen in the long-awaited follow-up to the blockbuster trilogy of action films, The Matrix, in San Francisco.
There's so much more to Alcatraz's story than its infamous prison.
Let United Airlines treat you to a luxurious travel experience in their Polaris lounge at San Francisco International Airport.
Immerse yourself in these brilliant works by some of the world’s most notable light artists at these San Francisco museums.
Explore these San Francisco dispensaries bringing a new emphasis on style to the cannabis experience.
San Francisco is a perfect city to visit with your dog. @hellorubydoodle shows how four-legged companions can enjoy San Francisco just as much as you do.
Did you come to San Francisco just to eat? Don't be embarrassed; this is what San Francisco is famous for!
Get the fast facts on San Francisco's largest, greenest, and newly renovated convention venue, The Moscone Center
Sign Up for Our Newsletter
Be the first to know about upcoming events and festivals, new restaurants, special deals, and everything else happening in the City by the Bay.