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.
🏆 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
G Reviews from Google
Dr. Shaunak Das
6 months ago
“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
7 months ago
“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
7 months ago
“A nice place to wander round and see the shows”
💬 What parents mention
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.
