Pier 39 sea lion colony

Sea lions began hauling out on the docks at Pier 39 shortly after the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, and the colony increased through the 1990s to become a long-term attraction. The animals commonly use the floating docks near Pier 39's K-Dock and are a frequent subject of public viewing and informal monitoring by marine organizations. The presence of the colony drew substantial local and tourist attention and remains a well-known feature of the pier.