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30th Anniversary of the Sea Lions Arrival


  • pier 39 13 Pier 39 SF, CA, 94133 United States (map)

January 2020 marks the 30th Anniversary of the world-famous sea lions’ arrival to PIER 39. The boisterous barking pinnipeds came sparingly at first after the Loma Prieta earthquake hit San Francisco in October 1989, but soon after they arrived in droves reaching more than 500 in number by January of 1990. With a protected environment and plentiful supply of food from the Bay, the sea lions quickly decided to make PIER 39’s K-Dock their new home. To commemorate the 30th Anniversary, PIER 39 along with Aquarium of the Bay, will launch the “Sea Lions in San Francisco” initiative in January. Thirty local artists will paint six-foot-tall sea lion statues in their own unique styles, each with an environmental message. Join PIER 39 to celebrate these playful mammals with a painted sea lion statue exhibition, Sea Lion Encounter Walking Tours, special discounts and more from January 17-20. Check back for more details.

Earlier Event: January 17
Lantern Parade
Later Event: January 18
Gray Whale Watching