Aquarium of the Bay San Francisco
Discover the marine life of San Francisco Bay, from sharks to otters, in this engaging aquarium at Pier 39.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Aquarium of the Bay San Francisco
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the marine life of San Francisco Bay, from sharks to otters, in this engaging aquarium at Pier 39.
"A must-visit for families and aquarium enthusiasts, offering a captivating glimpse into local marine wonders."
🚗 Park Smart
Use SpotHero for cheaper parking or pre-book Pier 39 garage. Avoid leaving anything in your car!
💰 Discount Tickets
Check Groupon, library programs, or zoo memberships for savings. Don't pay full price!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Shark Tunnel
NearShore Tunnel
Walk through a mesmerizing tunnel surrounded by sharks and other marine life. A truly immersive experience!
River Otters
Otter Exhibit
Watch playful river otters frolic and interact. They're a crowd favorite and a highlight for many visitors.
Touch Pools
Various Locations
Get hands-on with marine life like stingrays and other creatures in interactive touch pools.
Jellyfish Exhibits
Jellyfish Gallery
Marvel at the ethereal beauty of various jellyfish species, from moon jellies to Japanese sea nettles.
Planning Your Visit
Beware of Car Break-ins
Ticket Savings & Timing
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Park Smart
Use SpotHero for cheaper parking or pre-book Pier 39 garage. Avoid leaving anything in your car! +1
💰 Discount Tickets
Check Groupon, library programs, or zoo memberships for savings. Don't pay full price!
🦦 Otter Exhibit Fun
The river otters are a must-see! They can be quite active and entertaining.
🤝 Friendly Staff
Staff are welcoming and knowledgeable, enhancing the visitor experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Park Smart
Use SpotHero for cheaper parking or pre-book Pier 39 garage. Avoid leaving anything in your car! +1
💰 Discount Tickets
Check Groupon, library programs, or zoo memberships for savings. Don't pay full price!
🦦 Otter Exhibit Fun
The river otters are a must-see! They can be quite active and entertaining.
🤝 Friendly Staff
Staff are welcoming and knowledgeable, enhancing the visitor experience.
📱 Use Parking Apps
Apps like SpotHero can significantly reduce parking costs.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors often find the Aquarium of the Bay to be a charming and educational experience, particularly for families. Highlights include the immersive shark tunnel and playful otters. However, some note its relatively small size and recommend seeking out discounts to make it more worthwhile.
"A 10/10 experience.
I went here on Labor Day, which is 1st of September. I wasn’t actually excited about it but to my surprise what an experience.
Be it kids, adults/ elderly people. Couples or singles. It’s all worth it.
It’s something I recommend everyone to go once, if you’re in fisherman’s warf or in San Francisco barely, add this to your check-list.
I’d list the prices below for you to see.
They have family package too or even single adult prices with kids.
Their staff is very welcoming and 10/10 on hospitality.
Special mention Melissa, she’s so knowledgeable.
I’ll tell you how, so we visited and they had a “Back-to-School scavenger hunt” some questionnaire thing. If you are able to answer all the 15 questions and u get a 100% you get a souvenir which is like a shark or fish tooth, nice & fun right? Something to look forward to after the experience. There a bowl in which there are small envelopes having shark/fish tooth and the representative there to check us in helped me in knowing what shark or fish tooth I got.
I think it’s divided in 2 sections.
One has the fishes/ jelly fishes. (NearShore tunnel)
The other is where the Shark tunnel lies.
I got a chance to see river otters, jelly fish, moon jellies ( they’re so cute ) Big skate, Japanese sea nettle, pacific spiny lumpsucker ( she’s a tiny fish ) and many more which I don’t frankly remember.
They have a pressed penny collectible thing, which is $1 for 1 and $4 for 4, unfortunately it wasn’t working when we were there as in it was out of order.
They even have a gift shop where u can get your kids (soft toys of the sea animals) or even yourself a souvenir as a memorial of this aquarium (like a fridge magnet, tee, bottle & even accessories)
They even have a restroom before you start your tour. Fairly clean. Although I did see someone cleaning it at regular intervals. Plus points on that.
They even let the kids ( I too ) touch the fishes at the end, which is an experience.
Tip- public parking is $12 per hour. And maximum is $60.
I actually had fun.
I 100% recommended this."
Bareen Husain Naqvi
"Small bit nice aquarium with two large tanks you take tunnels through. Nice jellyfish and otter section as well. A couple of hands on pools. At less than half the price of the Monterey aquarium I can see aquarium of the bay becoming more popular."
Douglas Aberdeen
"To be honest, this place is more suited for kids. The aquarium is quite small — it took us about 30 minutes to go through the entire exhibit, even with kids. Unless you’re already nearby and have children with you, I wouldn’t go out of the way to visit. This was my first time visiting any aquarium, so this was pretty underwhelming.
The main highlight here is definitely the walk-in tunnel — as expected. There were a few interesting fish and sea creatures, but overall, nothing that really wowed us or stood out as unique."
Sai Datta Mikkilineni
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Aquarium of the Bay is located at Pier 39. You can reach it by public transportation, including Muni buses and streetcars. If driving, be aware of parking challenges and costs.
The most convenient parking is the Pier 39 garage across the street, but it can be expensive. Consider using parking apps like SpotHero for potential discounts or exploring metered street parking a few blocks away. +1
Unfortunately, car break-ins are common in this area. It is crucial to never leave anything visible in your car.
Yes, taking a ferry to Pier 39 offers scenic views of the city and is an affordable option, especially at night.
Yes, several Muni bus lines and the historic F-line streetcar stop near Pier 39, making it easily accessible via public transit.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices can vary, but general admission is around $29 for adults. Look for discounts through memberships, online deals, or special event packages.
Yes, discounts are often available through Groupon, library programs (Discover & Go), or by showing memberships from other zoos like the SF Zoo or Oakland Zoo.
Hours can vary seasonally and for special events. It's best to check the official Aquarium of the Bay website for the most up-to-date operating hours before your visit.
Yes, you can typically purchase tickets at the door, but buying online in advance might save you time and potentially money, especially if you find a discount.
Yes, they host events like 'Night Waves,' an 18+ nightlife event with a DJ and bar, and seasonal activities like 'River Otter Snow Days.' Check their website for upcoming events. 
🎫 🐠 Onsite Experience
Key attractions include the immersive shark tunnel, the playful river otter exhibit, various jellyfish displays, and interactive touch pools.
Yes, it's generally considered good for kids, especially younger ones who enjoy interactive exhibits and seeing marine animals up close.
Most visitors spend about 30 minutes to an hour exploring the aquarium, as it's relatively compact.
You can see a variety of local marine life, including sharks, rays, jellyfish, sea otters, and numerous fish species native to the San Francisco Bay.
Yes, the aquarium features touch pools where visitors can interact with certain marine animals, offering a hands-on experience.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The aquarium itself doesn't have extensive dining options, but there are many restaurants and food stalls on Pier 39.
Bubba Gump Shrimp and Amici's on Pier 39 are recommended as kid-friendly options.
Yes, dining at Pier 39 restaurants may offer parking validation for one hour of free parking.
While Pier 39 can be touristy, some options like Amici's offer more budget-friendly choices. Exploring a few blocks away might yield more affordable finds.
Outside food and drinks are generally not permitted inside the aquarium. It's best to dine before or after your visit.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed, but be mindful of flash photography, as it can disturb the marine life. Check for any specific signage.
The shark tunnel offers dramatic photo opportunities. The jellyfish exhibits and the playful otters also make for great shots.
The exterior of the aquarium at Pier 39 offers views of the bay and the iconic pier itself, which can be great for wider San Francisco shots.
Avoid using flash, especially in darker exhibits, as it can stress the animals. Tripods might also be restricted during peak times.
The aquarium is indoors, so lighting is consistent. However, visiting during less crowded times will allow for unobstructed shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Look for ways to save on tickets, such as checking Groupon or utilizing library discount programs.
💰 Budget Travelers
Parking is a significant expense in this area. Utilize parking apps like SpotHero to find cheaper rates, or consider parking a few blocks away from Pier 39. On Sundays, street parking can be free.
couples
Consider attending one of their 'Night Waves' events, an 18+ after-hours gathering with a DJ and bar, for a unique date night. +1Combine your visit with a stroll along the Embarcadero, enjoy the street performers at Pier 39, or take a scenic ferry ride for stunning city views.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating San Francisco's Tourist Hubs
To mitigate parking costs and hassle, consider using parking apps like SpotHero to pre-book spots or look for metered street parking a few blocks away. Some Redditors suggest that street parking can be free on Sundays. Alternatively, public transportation, including Muni buses and streetcars, is a viable and often less stressful way to reach Pier 39.
Maximizing Your Visit & Budget
For those looking for a unique evening experience, the Aquarium of the Bay hosts 'Night Waves,' an 18+ event featuring a DJ and bar, offering after-hours access to the exhibits.
+1 Seasonal events like 'River Otter Snow Days' also add extra fun, especially for families. Planning your visit for weekdays, particularly in the morning, can help you avoid the largest crowds and enjoy a more relaxed exploration of the exhibits. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit