California sea lions can be found along the Pacific Coast from Vancouver to the southern tip of the Baja peninsula. Historically it was not unusual for sea lions to occasionally dock themselves in and around San Francisco Bay’s Fisherman's Wharf. However, it was only after the earthquake of 1989 when the larger population of sea lions decided to take up residence in San Francisco Bay, in particular Fisherman's Wharf’s Pier 39, and become one of the Bay Area’s main attractions.

No one knows for sure why the sea lions moved, only that it was uncharacteristic for these known creatures of habit. There are many theories, including the spawn of herring in the waters of the Bay area and the presence of fishing boats docked in the guest slips of K dock after the earthquake. But the fact remains that many of these factors were in place before the earthquake, and yet the sea lions stayed where they were on Seal Rock, which is north of Ocean Beach.

Regardless of the reason why they moved, it looks like the sea lions are here to stay – and they are multiplying at an alarming rate. Prior to the earthquake there were only sporadic sightings of the sea lions around Fisherman’s Wharf. The population quickly grew to approximately 300 after the earthquake and in winter months the Bay area is home to about 900 sea lions.

When the number of sea lions populating the Pier 39 area grew to a point when it became dangerous for boaters, the slips for boaters were relocated to another area of the Wharf and the pier was designated as a conservation area for the sea lions. Since then, renovations have been made to the pier to make it easier for the mammals to lazy about, and the population of Bay area sea lions has again increased. They are protected in the United States by the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972.

Seeing the sea lions at Pier 39 is a must-do activity for first time tourists. The best time to go is in winter months, when the sea lion population is at its highest. Don’t forget to bring your camera and walking shoes. To see the sea lions, go to the Fisherman’s Wharf area and walk along the waterline to find Pier 39. There are also a number of seafood and other restaurants along the Pier, including the Sea Lion Café which overlooks the Sea lions on the Pier below. The Aquarium of the Bay is also beside Pier 39 and is worth the trip if you are interested in marine life in the Bay Area. There is no cost to see the sea lions at Pier 39. To find out more information on the California sea lions in the bay area, visit the Marine Mammal website at:

http://www.tmmc.org/learning/education/pinnipeds/casealion.asp

This is about the Pier 39 and Fishermans Wharf area of San Francisco. The Fishermans Wharf area is filled with many people bustling around trying to find such goods as freshly baked sourdough bread from Boudins Bakery, fresh clam chowder from the sidewalk restaurants, or trips out to the famous island prison, Alcatraz. Stop here a while and checkout the street performers. Look for the "Bush Man" while you traverse this area. He might just get you if you don't keep your eyes peeled.

From here you can access Pier 39, which is home to such sights as Forbes Island, and also see the Sea Lions that have adopted a part of the docks for their own place to sun themselves. You can also find many stores on Pier 39 and it pays to take your time walking around. You will not only use your sense of sight, but also your sense of smell as you walk down the pier. You can smell the salty air mixed with the smells of coffee, fresh bread, pretzels, cotton candy, etc. The pier is usually really busy, so unless you are a fan of crowds I wouldn't recommend this to you. If you are looking for a trinket from San Francisco, this is the place to shop.

For dinner I recommend going to Forbes Island. It is a small man-made island that is used as a restaurant. It is cozy and pretty romantic. Afterwards, you can watch the sea lions vying for places to sleep on the floating platforms nearby. For more information, check out www.pier39.com.

Pier 39 is a huge tourist destination. It's full of unique specialty shops and fantastic restaurants and is the hub for tours to Alcatraz and around the bay. There are also attractions, such as the hand-crafted Italian carousel and the Aquarium of the Bay, which has hundreds of feet of underwater tunnels showcasing the varieties of life in the San Francisco Bay, including sharks. I enjoy shopping there for gifts and decorations, such as the many black-and-white photos of San Francisco I have framed in my room. The restaurants mainly feature the delicious fresh seafood from the bay, but there is something for everyone if you look.

Don't miss the tour to Alcatraz. I've lived here all my life and just recently enjoyed the tour a couple years ago. Make sure you book tickets in advance, however. Your chances of acquiring tickets while in San Francisco are slim to none.

Also, check out the other tours around the bay and the dinner cruises. Some other attractions around Fisherman's Wharf include Ghiradelli Square, the Wax Museum, Ripley's Believe It or Not, the USS Pampanito submarine, and the USS Jeremiah O'Brien. You have to visit Fisherman's Wharf on your next trip here.

Bay Cruise is good way to see the Golden Gate, Alcatraz, and the general San Francisco Bay Area when you have limited time, as it's a non-stop cruise. The cruise takes off from Pier 39, which like a lot of Fisherman's Wharf, is very touristy.

Inside and outside seating are both available on the cruise, and you can quench your thirst and hunger at the onboard snack bar. I suggest taking a cruise that sails during the sunset; the orange of the setting sun deepens the orange of the Golden Gate even more. I was able to take some excellent pictures.

For the $20 I paid, I was also able to see Coit Tower on top of Telegraph Hill, Ghirardelli Square, the Presidio, the Bay Bridge, and the sea lions on the pier - all from the bay. One day I'll go back and see all those places up close.

The cruise also provides a narrative, giving insight into the history of some of the landmarks you see from the boat.

I recommend the cruise if you have limited time. If you have abundant time, take a bike ride over the Golden Gate and the night tour on Alcatraz Island to get the best experiences.

Personally, I have seen enough sea lions for a lifetime, but my friend Tanya absolutely loved watching them. You can pass them when taking the Blue & Gold Fleet tour, but behind Pier 39 there are benches and crowds of people usually watching them also. Sometimes they are a bit funny to watch as they fight and play with each other, but mostly I fight them to pose or sleep. It costs nothing to watch the sea lions or take photos.

http://www.pier39.com/