Why are there sea lions at PIER 39?
Posted on Jun 18, 2026 / Travel
The sea lions at PIER 39 showed up naturally after a big earthquake in the late 1980s. They basically found the docks comfortable and safe, so they just stayed. Over time, they became a permanent attraction that people now come from all over to see. You’ll usually hear them before you see them because they bark and make a lot of noise. They lie around on floating platforms, sunbathing and fighting for space in a pretty funny way. Some days there are tons of them, and other days fewer, depending on the season. They’re protected, so visitors can watch but not get too close or disturb them.
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