San Francisco: PIER 39 2 Flying Theater & 7D Ride Combo

If you’re looking for a quick thrill and a stunning way to see San Francisco’s iconic sights, this combo at PIER 39 offers just that. For $21, you get access to two immersive attractions: The Flyer—a breathtaking flying theater showcasing the city’s landmarks—and a 7D Ride Experience where you can battle zombies, cowboys, or werewolves. The entire experience lasts about a day, making it a perfect addition to a busy itinerary.

What makes this combo particularly appealing? First, the visual spectacle of soaring above the city’s most famous sights like the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz from The Flyer. Second, the interactive thrill ride adds a fun, competitive element—perfect for gamers and families alike. A small but notable downside is that some visitors find the rides too short, but the excitement packed into each makes up for it. This blend of sightseeing and adventure suits travelers who want a lively, memorable experience without spending a fortune, especially families, groups of friends, or even solo thrill-seekers.

Key Points

• Affordable value at only $21 for two attractions
• Stunning aerial views of San Francisco’s most famous landmarks
• Interactive 7D Ride, perfect for gamers and competitive spirits
• Short but intense rides that deliver quick bursts of fun
• Accessible for most visitors, with some restrictions for health or weight
• Flexible booking with free cancellation and pay later options

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Exciting Way to View San Francisco from Above

When we first arrive at Pier 39, the atmosphere buzzes with street performers, seagulls, and the scent of fresh seafood. The Flyer offers a chance to see the city from a vantage point that’s both exhilarating and surprisingly educational. As you strap into your seat, you might notice the state-of-the-art presentation—think motion effects and special effects synchronized perfectly with the stunning visuals.

From the Golden Gate Bridge to Chinatown and even Muir Woods, the virtual tour takes you over places you’d normally need a full day to explore. The guide (if you have one) or the audio narration, if available, helps point out the landmarks, making this a sightseeing experience for those who don’t want to spend hours wandering and waiting in lines.

Many reviewers highlight how breathtaking and well-executed the flight is. One traveler from Germany, Marc, noted, “It was great, but too short both times!” indicating how engaging the visuals are—though he wished it lasted a bit longer.

The 7D Ride Experience: Action and Competition

After soaring above the city, you’ll step into the 7D Ride—a mixed reality of a fast-paced video game and a motion ride. You’ll hold a blaster and compete against up to 19 other players, battling zombies, robots, or werewolves on a giant screen with motion seats. This section is where adrenaline and laughter collide, especially if you’re competitive or enjoy video games.

Multiple reviews point out how fun and engaging this part is. One user from Austria mentioned it was simply a “good” experience, while others from Germany and the U.S. praised it as “super” and “great fun.” The real-time scoring adds a layer of friendly rivalry, which is especially appealing to younger visitors or those who love games.

The interactive element makes this attraction more than just a ride—it’s a social experience. Expect to get a little messy with blaster ammo, and be prepared for some quick reactions, as the pace is fast and the targets are moving.

Practical Details: What You Need to Know

The ticket includes access to both attractions, but there’s no mention of souvenir photos, so if you’re hoping to capture your victory (or defeat), you might want to bring your own device. You can pick up your voucher either at the 7D Experience or at the Flyer, both conveniently located within Pier 39.

The tour is wheelchair accessible, and you don’t need to worry about missing anything if you have mobility concerns. Keep in mind, guests should be over 40 inches tall and under 300 pounds—these restrictions aim to keep everyone safe and comfortable. It’s also not recommended for pregnant women or those with neck or back problems.

The duration is roughly one day, but the attractions themselves are quite quick—each ride lasts only a few minutes, but the overall experience—including waiting time—can add up.

Booking is flexible: you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund or reserve now and pay later, which is handy if your plans are still shifting.

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

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The Flying Theater: A Visual Masterpiece

The highlight of this package is undeniably The Flyer, which uses advanced visuals and motion effects to make you feel like you’re flying over San Francisco. As we sat down, the staff explained how the experience combines special effects with panoramic views, giving even those afraid of heights a sense of thrill without real danger.

The views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, Chinatown, and Muir Woods are impressive, especially considering the short duration—just a few minutes—but packed with detail. We loved the way the experience managed to blend entertainment and sightseeing, making it a smart choice for those who want a quick but memorable overview of the city.

The 7D Ride: Action-Packed and Friendly

Once you’ve had your fill of aerial views, the 7D Ride offers a thrilling, interactive challenge. The seats tilt and vibrate, synchronized with the fast-paced video on the big screen, creating an immersive environment. The gun in your hand is responsive, and the scoring system adds a competitive edge that keeps everyone engaged.

This attraction is especially popular among families and gamers. For many visitors, it’s the highlight of the visit. One reviewer expressed that it was “super,” capturing the general sentiment of enjoyment. The speed and variety of targets keep the adrenaline flowing, and the social aspect of competing against friends or strangers adds to the fun.

Combining Sightseeing with Action

What we appreciated most was how seamlessly the two attractions complement each other. The flying theater offers a calm, awe-inspiring view of San Francisco, great for a relaxing moment to take in the city’s beauty. The 7D Ride, on the other hand, injects heart-racing excitement and is perfect for those who want a quick burst of fun.

Booking both together at a discounted rate makes this combo a cost-effective way to add some variety to your day. Since the rides are relatively short, you can easily fit them into a broader itinerary, perhaps alongside other attractions like Alcatraz or a bay cruise.

What the Reviews Say

Reviewers consistently mention the quality of the visuals and the exciting nature of the rides. One traveler from Germany said, “It was great, but too short both times!” indicating that while the rides are brief, they’re packed with excitement.

Others noted the friendly staff and the ease of booking, especially appreciating the flexibility of free cancellation and pay-later options, which make planning simpler.

Who Should Consider This Experience?

This combo is ideal for families seeking fun, group of friends wanting some friendly competition, or solo travelers looking for a quick, engaging activity. It’s perfect for those who want to see San Francisco from above without a lengthy tour or for gamers eager to test their skills.

However, it may not be suitable for pregnant women, people with back or neck issues, or those over 300 pounds. The rides are short but intense, so if you’re looking for a deep sightseeing experience or a lengthy tour, you might want to supplement this with more traditional sightseeing options.

Final Thoughts

This Pier 39 combo offers a fun, affordable way to experience some of San Francisco’s best views and thrills. It balances visual spectacle with interactive excitement, making it a great choice for visitors of all ages. The price point is reasonable, especially considering the quality of the attractions and the convenience of location at Pier 39.

While some might find the rides too brief, the overall value and entertainment more than make up for it. For those who love stunning sights, interactive challenges, and want to squeeze a day of fun into their trip, this combo delivers a memorable experience that’s worth considering.

FAQ

How long does each attraction last?
Each ride is relatively brief, lasting a few minutes, but you should factor in waiting times, especially during peak hours.

Is this experience suitable for children?
Yes, children over 40 inches tall can participate, and it’s fun for families. Just ensure younger children are comfortable with fast-paced rides.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is the experience wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the attractions are wheelchair accessible.

Where do I redeem my voucher?
You can redeem it at either the 7D Experience or at The Flyer located at Pier 39.

Are souvenirs available?
No, souvenirs or photos are not included, so plan to bring your own if you want to capture the moment.

Is there a dress code or special attire needed?
No special attire is necessary, but comfortable clothing and shoes are recommended.

What is the best time to visit?
Morning or early afternoon are ideal to avoid crowds and maximize your experience.

This combination of soaring views and interactive fun at Pier 39 offers an engaging way to see San Francisco from new angles—perfect for thrill-seekers and sightseers alike.

You can check availability for your dates here: