Aquarium of the Bay in San Francisco, CA

Embarcadero at Beach Street • San Francisco, CA 94133
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Aquarium of the Bay in San Francisco, California
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Overview

From adorable river otters to green moray eels, you’ll discover the natural wonders of marine life at Aquarium of the Bay. With over 1000 aquatic animal species to see and learn about, this aquarium is ideal for all ages. Dive deep into the bay (without the diving, of course) to see the octopus, jellyfish, and more. A touch exhibit is available but remember to respect the marine life!

Good To Know

from Ashley, one of our San Francisco Travel Experts
  • The aquarium is closed on Christmas Day.
  • Aquarium of the Bay does not validate parking.
  • Exhibits feature thousands of aquatic animals and plants.
  • Interactive exhibits provide visitors with hands-on learning opportunities.
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Description

from Aquarium of the Bay
Explore the magic, beauty, and wonder of San Francisco Bay at Aquarium of the Bay. Your visit will take you through three main habitat areas that display the amazing riches that lie beneath the surface of the San Francisco Bay and surrounding waters.

DISCOVER THE BAY
Your exploration begins in Discover the Bay, which features eight exhibits holding over 1,000 aquatic animals. Exhibit highlights include the bright orange Garibaldi (the California State Marine Fish), green moray eels, rockfish, swirling schools of anchovies and newly hatched skates, baby perch, and other fish.

UNDER THE BAY
Continue your journey and see mesmerizing jellies before entering our two tunnels with leopard shark, giant sea bass, bat rays, giant Pacific octopuses, eight-foot seven-gill sharks San Francisco's Bay’s largest predators, and five other locals species of sharks.

TOUCH THE BAY
Get ready for an unforgettable experience with the change to touch bay rays, sharks, sea stars, sea cucumbers and more.

At the interactive PG&E Bay Lab, learn from our naturalist how climate change is affecting the Bay’s animals on land in the water.

NORTH AMERICAN RIVER OTTERS: WATERSHED AMBASSADORS
These active and engaging wildlife ambassadors help to teach us how important it is to have a healthy environment to live and swim in. Watch their antics as they romp, wrestle and tumble around in cascading waterfalls, two pools, and naturalistic climbing logs.

Your ticket also includes admission to the Sea Lion Center – PIER 39, Eco Center at Heron Park – South end of San Francisco and the Bay Model – in Sausalito. The Sea Lion Center features interactive displays, educational videos, fascinating presentations, and one-on-one interactions with Naturalists. Visitors can touch real sea lion artifacts, including pelts and skulls, or size themselves up next to a life-sized sea lion skeleton.

The EcoCenter at Heron’s Head Park is an education community center that uses sustainable on-site power, water, and wastewater systems. Nearly every feature of this facility is designed to educating the public about
renewable energy, pollution and greenhouse gas reduction, wastewater treatment, sustainable building materials, rainwater harvesting, and the green economy. Features Solar Photovoltaic Energy System, Living Roof, and Native Only Landscaping.

The Bay Model shows the effect of the water flow of the San Francisco Bay and the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. This allows scientists, educations, and visitors the chance to view the complete bay-delta system complete with working tides and currents.

Closed on Christmas Day.


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Promotional Images (47)
Under The Bay - Aquarium of the Bay in San Francisco, California Aquarium of the Bay in San Francisco, California Discover the Bay - Aquarium of the Bay in San Francisco, California Near Shore Tunnel Bay Model Alliance Visitor Center - Aquarium of the Bay in San Francisco, California
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Tripster Customer Reviews

166 Reviews
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Sibi s.
Pleasanton, CA
1 Review
Verified Traveler
"A wonderful experience"
January 2020 NEW
I should definitely thanks Tripster for giving tickets at a really great price. I have been comparing many websites for cheaper ticket prices ,but I got the best deal with tripster.
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Kayla Chelman
Tracy, CA
1 Review
Verified Traveler
"Took our son for the first time"
January 2020 NEW
My son is 1, and he loved seeing all the fish swimming! Just wish it were bigger
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Vladimir German
Sacramento , CA
1 Review
Verified Traveler
"Amazing Experience!"
January 2020 NEW
One of the most interesting places to visit on Pier 39! The staff here is very kind and energetic. They gave us specific directions on how we could touch the stingrays, and also explained everything you would want to know about jellyfish. Personally, my favorite was walking through the two long tunnels and seeing all the different species of animals swim overhead!
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Tip: Kids will love seeing the marine life at this aquarium!

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Duvan Castano
1 Review
"visit"
December 2019
Animals should be free
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Tip: No

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Ashley Jones
Sonoma, CA
1 Review
Verified Traveler
"Not worth the money"
November 2019
It’s very small and crowded. For the prices they are asking for, this was not worth it at all. It took only 40 minutes to go through it and that was us taking our time. You’re better off going to the Monterey Bay Aquarium.
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Vanessa G.
Vacaville , CA
1 Review
Verified Traveler
"EASY, MONEY SAVER, AWESOME!!"
September 2019
My fiancé and I were in San Francisco for the day. We had absolutely no plans and came up with the idea of heading to the aquarium.
Not only did we save $20, the purchase was so quick and so easy!!!
We will definitely be using this again!
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Tip: FAST, MONEY SAVER

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Tripster Customer
Brentwood , CA
2 Reviews
Verified Traveler
"Flippin’ Fantastic"
July 2019
This Aquarium is wonderful! The exhibits are fun and well taken care of. They had the cutest baby bat rays that were very social in the touch pool. They had the largest freshwater fish in North America. They also make a point to express the need for conservation and care of our oceans and those who live there. Fantastic, Thanks!
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Tip: It is on pier 39, and they stamp your hand so you can be exploring other places, and come back for shows and feedings!

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Jael Raymond
Midland , MI
1 Review
Verified Traveler
"Small but nice"
June 2019
There was some really cool areas in the aquarium like the tunnels that has sea life surrounding you. Just wish it was a little bigger.
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TripAdvisor Reviews
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Sanjaya_Wijeyekoon
Bournemouth, United Kingdom
"very expensive for what there is"
TripAdvisor user rating 4 out of 5
Reviewed January 06, 2020 NEW
It was a slightly rainy day so we ducked for cover in the aquarium with our 6yr old. The entry ticket price was eye wateringly high but we bit the bullet. It came with a 'free' pass to madame Tussauds a few blocks away. The exhibits were OK although I was expecting more for the price. I think if you made your way specifically to see this you would be disappointed. However, in conjunction with the madame Tussauds ticket which was good fun it was worth it.
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mini
Fremont, California
"Fun Times at Aquarium of the Bay"
TripAdvisor user rating 4 out of 5
Reviewed January 03, 2020 NEW
I had a fun time at the Aquarium of the Bay. Its at Pier 39 in San Francisco. There are three floors. The shark tank walk through is fun. The sea otters were so cute to watch; they were incredibly active when we were there. There are turtles, fish, sharks, and more to see. There is a touch pool. I got the package that included the aquarium and Madame Tussad's Wax Museum. Its a good aquarium for San Francisco. There are other aquariums such as Monterey Bay which is better.
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ShelahF_12
Gig Harbor, Washington
"Excellent attractions"
TripAdvisor user rating 5 out of 5
Reviewed December 09, 2019
This Aquarium is a great place for kids and ADA accessible. The walkways under and through the aquariums was a great way to see so many shark species. There were two big walkways through two exhibits. The Octopus exhibit was great and the Docent was informative.
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Sara T
DC area
"the most pathetic excuse for an aquarium i have ever been to!"
TripAdvisor user rating 1 out of 5
Reviewed November 12, 2019
nothing worth seeing there. better to spend your time watching the seals basking at pier 39!! have nothing to say about the place to fill the required length for this reiview nothing worth seeing there. better to spend your time watching the seals basking at pier 39!! nothing worth seeing there. better to spend your time watching the seals basking at pier 39!! nothing worth seeing there. better to spend your time watching the seals basking at pier 39!!
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Alfredo8074
San Juan, Puerto Rico
"Must see"
TripAdvisor user rating 5 out of 5
Reviewed October 29, 2019
This aquarium is fun to visit. They have plenty of sea creatures in their pond for you to walk around and see the fish all around you. They have good explanations of the sea around the San Francisco Bay and trained guides are all over so that you can ask questions. They are eager to offer explanations and educate the visitors. Good to do.
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Aquarium of the Bay is located at Embarcadero at Beach Street • San Francisco, CA 94133
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Frequently Asked Questions about Aquarium of the Bay

Is parking available?
Parking facilities are available at Pier 35 or across from the main entrance at the PIER 39 garage. The garage is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Aquarium of the Bay does not validate parking, but many PIER 39 restaurants do.

What is the best way to get to Aquarium of the Bay?
Utilizing public transportation is highly recommended. Present a valid Bay Area public transportation pass and receive $2 off adult admission, and $1 off child/senior admission (cannot be combined with any other offer).

What programs are available to ticket holders?
Aquarium of the Bay hosts several daily programs for guests, including Shark Station, Sharks of Alcatraz, Meet Our Otters, California touch pools, and many “up close and personal” opportunities with several animals.

Can I bring my service dog?
Yes. Guests may bring service dogs into the aquarium.

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