Pier 39

Sure, it's a tourist trap. But that doesn't make Pier 39 any less fun.

In fact, I love everything about San Francisco Pier 39 — from the gawking tourists, jugglers and street performers, to the barking sea lions on the west marina's K-dock.

If you're staying at one of the many hotels near Pier 39, it's an easy stroll to get here. If not, there are plenty of cable cars that service the area. And if you happen to have your own car, there's a Pier 39 parking garage right across the street. (Hint: If you dine at one of their full-service restaurants, you'll get validated parking for one hour at lunch, or two hours after 6 p.m.)

This popular seaside attraction is packed with shops, activities and cafes. When you arrive, be sure to take the kids for a ride on the old-fashioned San Francisco Carousel ($3 per ride) or bungee trampoline ($10), then browse the fun Pier 39 stores. One of the newest attractions at Pier 39 is Magowan's Infinite Mirror Maze (415-205-8552). For just $5, you can don gloves and get lost in a labyrinth of trippy mirrors, endless hallways and flashing lights.

Of course, the sea lions at Pier 39 are the most popular draw. In fact, there is viewing area especially for these pinnipeds, who have been a staple at the pier since 1990. To learn more about these adorable furry sea mammals, visit the Marine Mammal Center (415-289-SEAL) on level 2, where you'll find a gift store and interactive exhibits. Many of the Pier 39 sea lions depart San Francisco for the Channel Islands during the summer, but a small colony usually stays behind.

For more fun on Pier 39, check out the Aquarium of the Bay (415-623-5300), which is home to more than 20,000 ocean creatures. Touch leopard sharks and bat rays, explore floor-to-ceiling tunnels filled with schools of anchovies, or go on a behind-the-scenes tour of the Pier 39 aquarium.

My husband and I enjoyed a few glasses of wine and some wonderful seafood at Neptune's Palace on Pier 39.

Additional Pier 39 attractions include San Francisco Whale Tours (800-979-3370) aboard the Kitty Kat catamaran; Blazing Saddles Bike Tours (415-202-8888) across Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito; and the Blue & Gold Fleet (415-773-1188), which offers cruises around Angel and Alcatraz Island. Daring soulds can brave their heart-pounding RocketBoat rides across San Francisco Bay.

San Francisco is known for its amazing cuisine, so when you get hungry, there are no shortage of delicious Pier 39 restaurants. For alfresco dining, try the smoked salmon bannock from Pier Market (415-989-7437); a clam chowder sourdough bread bowl from Boudin Bakery (415-421-0185); or a wine tasting flight and appetizers from Wines of California (415-288-8600).

Other choices range from popular chains like Bubba Gump Shrimp Company (415-781-4867) and Hard Rock Cafe (415-956-2013) to sit-down seafood restaurants like Neptune's Palace (415-434-2260), Fog Harbor Fish House (415-421-2442) and The Crab House at Pier 39 (415-434-2722).

The Smoked Salmon Bannock from Pier Market makes a terrific San Francisco lunch.

If you want to stay close to the action, consider a stay in one of several San Francisco Pier 39 hotels. Some top-rated choices include Radisson Hotel Fisherman's Wharf (415-392-6700), The Wharf Inn (415-673-7411), Best Western Tuscan Inn (415-561-1100), Holiday Inn Express (415-409-4600), Sheraton Fisherman's Wharf Hotel (415-362-5500) and Hyatt at Fisherman's Wharf (415-563-1234).  Most of the hotels near Pier 39 San Francisco are just a few blocks away, so there's no need for a rental car or taxi.

Getting There: Pier 39 is located at Beach Street and The Embarcadero in San Francisco. Click here for a Pier 39 map and Pier 39 directions.