Home SF Bay AreaShopping Local Advantage BOGO – Play Tourist for a Day at PIER 39

Local Advantage BOGO – Play Tourist for a Day at PIER 39

by TerriAnn
Travel | There are so many things to do with kids (or without) at Pier 39 in San Francisco, CA. Check out the aquarium, RocketBoat, sea lions, and get the Local Advantage discount here.

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I’ve been going to PIER 39 for years. While stores and attractions have changed over time, the overall feel has always been that of a hub of activity in the heart of San Francisco. Last week, my family (and one of my daughter’s friends) played “tourists” and experienced PIER 39 in a whole new way thanks to the Local Advantage program. I’ll share more about that later 🙂

Travel | There are so many things to do with kids (or without) at Pier 39 in San Francisco, CA. Check out the aquarium, RocketBoat, sea lions, and get the Local Advantage discount here.

What to Do with Kids (or Without) at PIER 39 in San Francisco

Our first stop at PIER 39 in San Francisco, after we picked up a crêpe to quench our munchies, was Aquarium of the Bay. To get to the entrance, you have to go through the gift shop on the second level. This aquarium is fairly small with a modest number of exhibits. However, the two underwater tunnels are fascinating and children just can’t get enough of the touch pools and river otters.

Travel | There are so many things to do with kids (or without) at Pier 39 in San Francisco, CA. Check out the aquarium, RocketBoat, sea lions, and get the Local Advantage discount here.

Lunch was at Fog Harbor Fish House. Just like the other two Simmons family’s restaurants (Wipeout Bar & Grill and Pier Market Seafood Restaurant), all of the seafood offerings are sustainable. Fog Harbor is famous for its Dungeness crab so Frans ordered the garlic one. It was his first time eating a whole crab and, aside from being delicious, he had quite some fun cracking it open. I went with the Filet Mignon. Man, oh man, was it good! The girls loved their meals and we all devoured the dessert. The waiter (who provided excellent service) even brought out a gluten-free crème brûlée for Frans.

Lunch time with some famous Dungeness Crab. Appropriate eating attire included with meal. #FunAtPier39 #sanfrancisco #ad

A photo posted by TerriAnn van Gosliga (@cookiesandclogs) on

More Family-Friendly Activities at PIER 39

After all that yummy goodness settled, we headed over to RocketBoat. The ride is so ridiculously fun and, even though we got totally drenched, all of us had such a blast! The giant speedboat raced across the San Francisco Bay for a solid 20 minutes with some wild turns thrown in here and there. If you would like to enjoy a slower ride with amazing photo ops, the hour-long Bay Cruise on Blue & Gold Fleet would be a better option. However, if you have tweens, teens, or young adults with you, RocketBoat is awesome!

Back at The PIER, we did some window shopping and the girls took a ride on the carousel. Did you know that there is a Sea Lion Center on the second floor with pelts to feel and docent-led presentations throughout the day? I sure didn’t! Turns out that all of the sea lions are completely wild and that, after discovering the vacant dock in PIER 39’s Marina back in the 90’s, decided to stay. They are such lively animals to watch and listen to!

Travel | There are so many things to do with kids (or without) at Pier 39 in San Francisco, CA. Check out the aquarium, RocketBoat, sea lions, and get the Local Advantage discount here.

7D Experience actually houses two activities. The Dark Ride takes place in a theater with two rows of brightly colored chairs. After you strap yourself in and put on your 3D glasses, you join the adventure on the screen and shoot lasers at the targets. The laser maze was one small room with light beams that you either have to avoid or break, depending on the gameplay you choose. Both are interesting options if you’re looking to entertain older teens or young adults.

If your crew is into shopping, eating, and having fun, there’s plenty more to do and see at PIER 39. Look for discount offers on your parking ticket (from the PIER 39 Parking Garage across the street) or in brochures found at nearby hotels. The brochures generally have an offer inside which can be redeemed at the California Welcome Center at PIER 39 for a Savings Fun Pack full of coupons. Or, you can just click here.

Travel | Spend a whole day at PIER 39 in San Francisco with these buy one get one free (BOGO) Local Advantage coupons. See how my family enjoyed the RocketBoat, sea lions, Aquarium by the Bay, and more.

PIER 39 Local Advantage Program

Northern California residents can take advantage of PIER 39’s Local Advantage program. By signing up for Local Advantage, “locals only” discounts will be delivered to your inbox to print and save. Buy one get one free deals are happening now until October 31, 2015. Here are just a few of the BOGO coupons:

  • 7D Experience – Buy One DarkRide Admission, Get One DarkRide or LaZer Challenge Admission Free
  • Aunt Fanny’s Hot Pretzels – Buy One Pretzel or Hot Dog, Get One Pretzel or Hot Dog Free
  • Blue & Gold Fleet – Buy One Adult or Child Bay Cruise Ticket, Get One Adult or Child Bay Cruise Ticket Free
  • Hana Zen – Buy One Adult Entree, Get One Kid’s Entree Free
  • PIER 39 NFL/College Shop – Buy One 2-Pack of NBA, MLB or NFL Jazz Pens, Get One 2-Pack of Jazz Pens Free
  • RocketBoat – Buy One Adult or Child RocketBoat Ticket, Get One Adult or Child RocketBoat Ticket Free
  • Shell Cellar – Buy One Alphonso Jelly Plant, Get One Alphonso Jelly Plant Free
  • Shirtique Buy – One Barking Sea Lion, Get One Barking Sea Lion Free
  • Vitality – Buy One Aqua Massage or Oxygen Session, Get One Aqua Massage or Oxygen Session Free
  • Waffle Cone Shop – Buy One Scoop, Get One Scoop Free
  • ++ Restrictions apply – please see website for all details

Travel | Spend a whole day at PIER 39 in San Francisco with these buy one get one free (BOGO) Local Advantage coupons. See how my family enjoyed the RocketBoat, sea lions, Aquarium by the Bay, and more.

After Buy One, Get One Free ends in October, keep an eye out for upcoming Local Advantage promotions like Holiday Half-Off and Kids Eat & Play Free. You will definitely want to take advantage of these! How can I be so sure? That was the reason for our trip to San Francisco! I had to test out some of featured attractions to share the experience with you! So sign up for Local Advantage and start planning your next day out in the city! Don’t forget to “like” PIER 39 on Facebook to get the latest news and offers too!

Travel | There are so many things to do with kids (or without) at Pier 39 in San Francisco, CA. Check out the aquarium, RocketBoat, sea lions, and get the Local Advantage discount here.

As an added perk, PIER 39 is generously offering one of our readers a family four-pack to enjoy some of the complimentary activities we did, including a 6-hour parking validation for the PIER 39 Parking Garage. The PIER 39 Prize Pack is valued at about $250 and includes four (4) Premier Passes, each redeemable for one (1) complimentary admission to Aquarium of the Bay, one (1) ride on the San Francisco Carousel, one (1) admission to 7D Experience and one (1) Bay Cruise Adventure or RocketBoat ride. Enter below.

Travel | There are so many things to do with kids (or without) at Pier 39 in San Francisco, CA. Check out the aquarium, RocketBoat, sea lions, and get the Local Advantage discount here.

What do you want to see or try at PIER 39?

This blog post is part of a paid SocialMoms and PIER 39 blogging program. The opinions and ideas expressed here are my own.

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31 comments

Stephanie Porter September 9, 2015 - 12:01 pm

I would love to do the Rocket Boat ride. My husband has been, but to share it as a family would rule! CHEERS!

Erin M September 9, 2015 - 12:18 pm

Pier 39 was one of the first places our family went when we moved here, but it has been a long time since we were last there, so it would be great to return. We enjoyed the aquarium the first time and love sea creatures just as much today so I know we’d enjoy that. And the rocket boat sounds perfectly fun for my thrill loving family. I might have to stay on dry land though, :). Thanks for the chance at the giveaway.

Sherri September 9, 2015 - 1:09 pm

I have always loved Pier 39 but have never done the rocket boat!

Lynda @MommyPowers aka: Sandy Gram September 9, 2015 - 1:14 pm

Blue & Gold Fleet!!!

maryanne @ mama smiles September 9, 2015 - 1:59 pm

The bay cruise looks pretty amazing.

Ty @ Mama of 3 Munchkins September 9, 2015 - 1:59 pm

The 7D Experience! My kids love it and cant wait to experience it again!

Maya September 9, 2015 - 2:16 pm

I have always wanted to try the RocketBoat!

Ashley C September 10, 2015 - 11:52 am

I love that they have the buy one get one 7D experience!

Stephanie V. September 10, 2015 - 4:48 pm

Blue & Gold Fleet
tvollowitz at aol dot com

Kathy (Kangaroo Mama ) September 10, 2015 - 9:56 pm

I love the Rocket Boat and 7D experience deals!

Danielle Marie September 11, 2015 - 4:00 am

i have to go with the rocket boat. it looks like fun!

Vicky September 11, 2015 - 12:12 pm

My kids would love the rocket boat!

Jennifer Morse September 11, 2015 - 5:57 pm

The bay cruise looks like so much fun!

Christine September 11, 2015 - 6:13 pm

would love the blue and gold fleet cruise

Gina H. September 11, 2015 - 9:00 pm

I like the Blue & Gold Fleet deal.

Tina J September 12, 2015 - 2:56 pm

Rocket Boat!!! Sounds so fun!!!

Jen A September 14, 2015 - 9:45 am

The 7D experience sounds so cool!

Kristen September 15, 2015 - 11:16 am

I’m most excited about the Bay Cruise.

Leslie September 15, 2015 - 4:02 pm

I’m most interest in the Rocket Boat, but my kids say ice cream! 😉

Brandi September 15, 2015 - 5:14 pm

We’re visiting in Nov. Can’t wait to see the sea lions! The aquarium looks like fun too!

JESSICA C September 18, 2015 - 7:37 am

The rocket boat look cool. I bet my husband and son would love that.

Kristi Kellberg September 18, 2015 - 12:07 pm

I would love the Rocket boat because it wasn’t available the last time I was in San Francisco. I also love the aquarium and all the sea life. But my favorite free attraction is listening to the seals just off Pier 39. They are really amazing!

Bridgette Kolesarwilliams September 21, 2015 - 11:19 am

I love Pier 39…But I never tried the Rocket Boat. Sure it would be fun!

Randy September 22, 2015 - 6:24 am

The Blue and Gold fleet would be my favorite!

Denise W September 27, 2015 - 8:18 am

It would have to be the ZD Experience. I have never experienced it and would love to give it a try!

Cindy H September 27, 2015 - 11:51 am

I would love to do The 7D Experience, dark ride!! The bogo for that is awesome! Thanks so much for posting these deals!

Linda September 27, 2015 - 12:17 pm

I just love Pier 39. So relaxing and always something new to experience. I would love the Rocket Boat. I have not done that…yet 😉

Donna W. September 27, 2015 - 1:08 pm

It’s been many years since I’ve been to Pier 39. I had no idea it had so many things to do. Definitely want to try the rocket boats.

Kristina Wilson September 27, 2015 - 1:19 pm

I am excited about the Buy One Adult Entree, Get One Kid’s Entree Free* for the sushi place (Hana Zen)

Shelbie Johnston September 27, 2015 - 3:38 pm

Blue & Gold Fleet
Buy One Adult or Child Bay Cruise Ticket, Get One Adult or Child Bay Cruise Ticket Free*

Lily Kwan September 28, 2015 - 12:26 am

I’m most excited about the Dreyer’s Grand Ice Cream Shop deal!

Comments are closed.