Pier 39, San Francisco (must see)

Pier 39—the beating, barking heart of Fisherman’s Wharf—isn’t much of a fisherman’s pier anymore. The old fleet has long since sailed off into history, but in its place rose something entirely different: a carnival by the sea. Imagine a boardwalk that decided to go full extrovert—complete with a glittering carousel (hidden toward the end of the pier like a shy performer), neon amusements, and the constant hum of tourists chasing their next photo op. Revamped in the 1970s to resemble a quaint wooden fishing village, it now welcomes thousands daily—none of whom are catching fish, though, but plenty of those catching Instagram stories...

It’s essentially an open-air shopping mall in a sailor’s disguise. Between the street performers, the Aquarium of the Bay, and enough snack stands to feed a small ship’s crew, there’s no shortage of things to distract you from the ocean view. If you need a recharge, the visitor center has you covered—literally—with phone-charging stations and a place to stash your bags while you explore.

Then there’s the food—because let’s be honest, half the crowd here comes for the chowder. Fourteen restaurants dish out everything from cioppino (which is the Italian-American shellfish and tomato stew) to locally-sourced oysters, with Fog Harbor Fish House leading the pack in both flavor and sustainability. If you’re feeling adventurous, there’s even a floating restaurant—Forbes Island—where the catch of the day comes with a side of gentle rocking.

But the true stars of Pier 39 aren’t human at all. The sea lions, self-appointed landlords since 1989, lounge across the docks like sunbathing celebrities—loud, lazy, and utterly unbothered by their audience. Slightly stinky, yes, but undeniably charming...

From the pier, you’ll spot Angel Island, Alcatraz, and both the Golden Gate and Bay Bridges stretching across the horizon. Boat tickets and ferry rides await those itching to head out on the water. Just remember: San Francisco’s sea breeze doesn’t care about your vacation outfit—so bring a jacket, or risk looking windswept in every photo...