2020 marks the 30th anniversary of the sea lions permanently residing at Pier 39! I was out there near the end of the Before Times, and they had a series of statues set up: sea lions painted like other sea creatures.
I also walked by a claw game and saw a Superman plush that’s only become more relatable:
Anyway: for a little taste of a more tolerable part of Pier 39, check out the sea lion webcam. They’re out in good number lately and as unfazed as I’ve ever seen them. Helpfully, you can control the exact angle of the camera to frame your perfect sea lion shot!