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Aquarium of the Bay in San Francisco, CA

PIER 39 Embarcadero & Beach St. • San Francisco, CA 94133

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An underwater tunnel in an aquarium with fish, sharks, and rays swimming above and around the glass-enclosed walkway.

The exterior of Aquarium of the Bay shows stairs leading to the entrance, marine animal murals, flags, and a U.S. flag on the roof under a clear blue sky.

Interior of an aquarium exhibit room with cylindrical tanks containing fish and aquatic plants, informational signs on the walls, and overhead lighting.

People walk through an underwater tunnel in an aquarium, viewing fish and kelp through large curved glass walls.

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Aquarium of the Bay Ticket Options & Availability

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About Aquarium of the Bay

Overview

From adorable river otters to green moray eels, explore the marine life below San Francisco Bay at Aquarium of the Bay. Dive deep into the bay (without the diving, of course) to see over 20,000 aquatic animal species including octopuses, jellyfish, and sharks. Get up close and personal with several types of sea animals at the touch pools. And more…

up to 1.5 hrs 1 or more people

Good To Know

Plan to spend about an hour and a half to see all exhibits.
Walk through two acrylic tunnels (Near Shore and Sharks of Alcatraz) for a fully immersive experience that allows you to truly explore the Bay.
Aquarium of the Bay is located on the iconic waterfront at PIER 39.
Exhibits feature thousands of aquatic animals and plants.
Interactive exhibits provide visitors with hands-on learning opportunities.
Last entry is 30 minutes prior to closing time.
Aquarium of the Bay does not validate parking.
The aquarium is closed on Christmas Day.

Promotional Images (47)

A large, detailed, three-dimensional model of a waterway is displayed indoors, surrounded by informational exhibits and visitors.

Crowd of people observing sea lions lounging on floating docks at a waterfront center with mountains visible in the background.

A person walks through an underwater tunnel in an aquarium, surrounded by fish swimming above and around the transparent tunnel walls.

A boy reaches into a large water model featuring miniature landmarks, including signs for “Golden Gate Bridge” and “Presidio,” inside an indoor facility.

Two scuba divers swim underwater near the surface, with sunlight streaming through the water and some fish visible in the scene.

Customer Photos (107)

Aquarium of the Bay photo submitted by Vladimir German

Aquarium of the Bay photo submitted by Vanessa Gonzales

Aquarium of the Bay photo submitted by Emma Wingate

Aquarium of the Bay photo submitted by Jael Raymond

Description

Exploration begins at Discover the Bay, a curated gallery featuring seven distinct habitats that serve as the gateway to the local ecosystem. Here, you’ll marvel at the brilliant orange Garibaldi (California’s state marine fish), slithering green moray eels, and shimmering schools of anchovies. As you transition to Go with the Flow, the atmosphere shifts into a hypnotic display of bioluminescence. In this gallery, ambient lighting highlights massive cylindrical tanks filled with translucent Moon Jellies and wall-mounted exhibits of the elegant Pacific Sea Nettles.

The centerpiece of your visit is the Under the Bay experience, featuring 300 feet of crystal-clear acrylic tunnels. As you walk through these underwater passages, you’ll be surrounded by Leopard Sharks, Bat Rays, and the Bay’s apex predators—the eight-foot-seven-gill sharks. For those seeking a hands-on adventure, Touch the Bay offers the chance to feel the unique textures of sea stars, sea cucumbers, and even small sharks. Finally, meet the North American River Otters, the aquarium’s playful "Watershed Ambassadors," as they romp through waterfalls and pools, teaching a vital importance of a healthy, sustainable environment.

Your Aquarium of the Bay tickets also include admission to the Sea Lion Center – PIER 39, Eco Center at Heron Park – South end of San Francisco and the Bay Model – in Sausalito. At the Sea Lion Center on PIER 39, engage with naturalists and get hands-on with authentic artifacts like sea lion pelts and skeletons. Venture to the EcoCenter at Heron’s Head Park to witness a "living building" in action, featuring solar power and sustainable water systems. Finally, see the Bay Model, a massive, functional hydraulic map that replicates the powerful tides and currents of the entire Bay-Delta system.

Note: Bay Lab Station is temporarily closed until further notice

Aquarium of the Bay is located at PIER 39 Embarcadero & Beach St. • San Francisco, CA 94133

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Frequently Asked Questions about Aquarium of the Bay

How long does Aquarium of the Bay take to go through?

Generally walking through at an average pace, seeing all exhibits, it takes about 90 minutes. Scheduled presentations can extend 10-20 minutes.

Is there parking for Aquarium of the Bay?

Aquarium of the Bay does not have a parking lot, but public parking and paid metered street parking is available. Parking facilities are available at Pier 35 or across from the aquarium's main entrance at the PIER 39 Garage (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?

Aquarium of the Bay is located on the iconic waterfront at PIER 39. Utilizing public transportation is highly recommended. If you are using your own transportation, driving directions to the Aquarium from various destinations are listed below for your convenience: (1) Oakland/East Bay via Bay Bridge – TOLL ROAD: I-80 West, take Exit 2B Harrison St/Embarcadero, Right turn onto Harrison, Left onto Embarcadero (2) Marin/North Bay via Golden Gate Bridge – TOLL ROAD: HWY 101 South, Exit Marina Blvd/Girard Rd, left onto Girard Rd/Marina Blvd, Left onto Bay Street, Left onto Mason Street, Right onto North Point, Left onto Grant Avenue (3) San Jose/South Bay/Peninsula: EITHER VIA 101 North, Exit Fourth Street, Merge onto Bryant Street, Left onto Embarcadero OR VIA 280 North, Exit King Street/Embarcadero (4) VIA BART or MUNI: Get off train at Embarcadero Station, go to ground level exiting tunnel toward Drumm Street or Spear Street @ street level. Walk to Market Street & Main Street and transfer to the MUNI F-Market Street Car.

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.

Does Aquarium of the Bay allow food and drinks in the aquarium?

Closed lid drinks are allowed, food is not allowed.

Can I bring my dog?

Unfortunately, animals are not allowed on PIER 39, with the exception of Service Animals.

Is the Aquarium wheelchair accessible?

The Aquarium is mostly accessible. Behind the Scenes and Feed the Sharks Experiences: Accommodations can be made for standard-size wheelchairs. (Must check with Aquarium Operations prior to arrival by calling the number on your e-ticket.) The Aquarium has wheelchairs to use during your visit on a first come first serve basis, photo ID is held during the use of the wheelchair.