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| Area: 45 Acres | ||
| Lat: 37.809903 | ||
| Lon: 122.410333 | ||
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Paulette Donnellon
Dale Val
Josh Benin
Jim Cunningham
Sandrine Biziaux Scherson
Martha Gonzi
Rick Derevan
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| PIER 39, K-Dock - Site # 162 | |||
| Where else can you watch hundreds of California sea lions snooze, swim and play while you shop, see jugglers, and ride a carousel but at San Francisco's PIER 39? | |||
 | Seasonal - these sites have high wildlife values during certain seasons, though they may have recreational value year-round. | ||
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| Background: | In 1990, the sea lions began hauling out onto K-Dock, on the west side of the PIER. PIER 39 management, working in concert with The Marine Mammal Center, accommodated the sea lions' preference for this public dock. Now as many as 600 of the noisy, playful pinnipeds may use it seasonally as a favorite haulout. Visitors from around the world line the wooden railing above the sea lions to enjoy close-up views of their interactions. The sea lions fish for herring and smelt in the bay waters, then surface to rest on the dock. They bark, chase gulls, and bump each others' chests to claim resting space. Occasionally, small spotted harbor seals are visible in the group, always giving the much larger sea lions a wide berth. The Marine Mammal Interpretive Center, located on PIER 39, offers docent-led talks and has excellent displays. | ||
| The Habitat: | San Francisco Bay | ||
| The Experience: | You can see hundreds of sea lions in close proximity. | ||
| Wildlife and Where to Find It: | On foot, no difficulty. Less than 1/4 mile on a paved surface. | ||
| Viewing Tips: | Excellent viewing year-round. High numbers present from August through June, peak viewing from January through May. Some sea lions remain in June and July, but most migrate to The Channel Islands for mating season. Some sea lions just 15 feet from railing. Outstanding bay views. | ||
| Site Notes: | PIER 39's K-Dock is located off The Embarcadero along San Francisco's picturesque waterfront. From PIER 39, visitors are treated to spectacular views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, the Bay Bridge and Fisherman's Wharf. | ||
| Nearby Viewing Sites: | Aquarium of the Bay, Steinhart Aquarium, San Francisco Bay, San Francisco Zoo. The Port Walk provides educational environment signage around PIER 39's Perimeter Road. | ||
| Festivals & Events: | Anniversary of the Sea Lion's Arrival: January 19, 2008 EarthFest: April 20, 2008 | ||
| Visitor Information: | San Francisco Convention & Visitors Bureau - (415) 974-6900 - www.onlyinsanfrancisco.com | ||
| Viewing Site Hours of Operation are: | |||
| Staff On-site: | Yes | ||
| Open: | Everday | ||
| Hours: | 24 hours | ||
| Year Round: | Yes | ||
| Road Information: |  Paved. | ||
| Roads available year-round. | |||
| Road Hazards: No | |||
 Number of Parking Spaces: 980 | |||
| Parking Fee: Yes | |||
| Proximity to viewing area:approximately 1000 feet | |||
 Pull-Through Parking: Yes | |||
| Parking Notes: | |||
| How to Get There: | In San Francisco, PIER 39's K-Dock is located off of The Embarcadero, in Fisherman's Wharf. It is accessible from all major freeways and by public transportation. | ||
| Contact Information | |||
| Managing Agency: | City & County of San Francisco | ||
| Agency Site URL: | www.pier39.com | ||
| Physical Address: | Beach Street & The Embarcadero San Francisco, CA 94133 |
Agency 2: | P.O. Box 193730 San Francisco, CA 94119-3730 |
| Manager Phone: | 415.705.5500 | Contact Us: | by Email |
| Site Phone: | (415) 705-5500 | ||
| County: | San Francisco | ||
| Addition Website: | |||