Pier 39

PIER 39 is a 45-acre waterfront shopping, dining, and entertainment complex on the San Francisco waterfront, and one of the city’s most visited attractions. It is a free-admission destination — entry to the pier itself costs nothing, though individual attractions within it charge separately. The pier is an accessible facility: ramps are located throughout the property, and elevators provide access to the second level. ADA-compliant accessible restrooms are available on-site, and the PIER 39 parking garage directly across the street provides ADA parking spaces with a paved path of travel to the pier. A passenger and taxi/rideshare loading and unloading zone is located at the entrance plaza. Service animals — leashed and trained to assist guests with disabilities — are explicitly welcomed on PIER 39 property.

The California Welcome Center, located on Level 2 of PIER 39, rents wheelchairs and strollers for visitors who need mobility assistance on-site. The pier’s walkways are smooth and largely level, making navigation manageable for wheelchair users across both levels. Accessible public restrooms are confirmed via accessible paths of travel. The pier’s entrance features a dedicated drop-off zone for taxis and rideshare vehicles, providing a convenient arrival option for visitors who cannot use the parking garage.

Visitors report that the pier’s main walkways are generally easy to navigate in a wheelchair, with access to the sea lion viewing area at K-Dock available from the main strip. Some visitors note that portions of the wooden dock walkways can include uneven planks, and that certain areas may feel crowded during peak times — planning a morning visit tends to mean fewer crowds. Wheelchair rentals are available through the California Welcome Center on Level 2, which is a practical option for those who need mobility support after arrival.