1 / 2San Francisco Carousel & Bay Plunge at Pier 39
📍 Fisherman's Wharf, CA
The hand-painted Italian carousel features two levels of animals and local landmark artwork. The Bay Plunge lifts riders ~40 ft for bay views before a fast drop.
The carousel at Pier 39 was such a hit with the family! It’s a beautiful, classic ride that really added to the magic of my wife and daughters' first trip to the USA. It was wonderful watching them enjoy it—my wife sat with Iyana while Ivana had a blast on her own horse ride. The bright lights and music made for a perfect family moment. A simple, joyful experience that’s a must-do if you’re visiting the pier with kids!
🏆 Family Action Verdict
The carousel works well for ages 2 and up — toddlers under 43" ride with a paid adult. The Bay Plunge is best for kids 38" and taller, and more confident for kids 42"+ who can ride solo. A strong fit for families with mixed-age children who want quick, memorable rides with bay views.
ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go
💬 What Families Are Saying
View all reviews →834 Google reviews
Dr. Shaunak Das
“The carousel at Pier 39 was such a hit with the family! It’s a beautiful, classic ride that really added to the magic of my wife and daughters' first trip to the USA. It was wonderful watching them enjoy it—my wife sat with Iyana while Ivana had a blast on her own horse ride. The bright lights and music made for a perfect family moment. A simple, joyful experience that’s a must-do if you’re visiting the pier with kids!”
HavoK
“If you are visiting with kids, do not miss the two story carousel. It is a very unique attraction and my children had a blast. The pricing is fair and the staff kept the line moving quickly. We appreciated that the ride length was generous despite the fast moving line. This was a highlight for our family.”
Stephen sC
“A nice place to wander round and see the shows”
Reviews from Google
Overview
The San Francisco Carousel is hand-painted in Italy and stands out as a two-story ride — unusual for a classic carousel — with colorful animals and waterfront-themed artwork. Families report generous ride lengths and fast-moving queues. The adjacent Bay Plunge rotates riders up approximately 40 feet for sweeping views of San Francisco Bay before dropping them down in a rush. Both rides sit steps from the waterfront at Pier 39, making them an easy add-on to a day at the pier.
