Pier 39 Sea Lions
Pier 39 is admittedly touristy. But one attraction that has appeal for both visitors and locals lies just outside the shopping arcade, on the marina docks: the Pier 39 sea lions.
The sea lions moved in and took over in the early 1990s (shortly after the Loma Prieta earthquake). They are protected by law, and remain as a boisterous and entertaining group of residents of the Pier.
Marine Mammal Center of Sausalito
The Marine Mammal Center -- a marine mammal rescue facility in Marin County -- maintains a kiosk and also a shop nearby. The kiosk is open on weekends with information about sea lions. The shop has Marine Mammal Center materials and souvenirs as well. California sea lions are a protected species with habitat ranging from Vancouver, Canada to Baja, Mexico.