Dive into the Wonders of the Aquarium of the Bay
Explore the depths of the San Francisco Bay at the Aquarium of the Bay, a captivating underwater adventure for all ages.
A brief summary to Aquarium of the Bay
- PIER 39 The Embarcadero &, Beach St, San Francisco, Fisherman's Wharf, CA, 94133, US
- +1415-623-5300
- Visit website
- Monday 11 am-6 pm
- Tuesday 11 am-6 pm
- Wednesday 11 am-6 pm
- Thursday 11 am-6 pm
- Friday 11 am-6 pm
- Saturday 11 am-6 pm
- Sunday 11 am-6 pm
Nestled on the iconic Pier 39 in San Francisco, the Aquarium of the Bay offers an enchanting journey beneath the waves, showcasing the stunning diversity of marine life native to the San Francisco Bay. With over 20,000 aquatic animals on display, visitors can marvel at fascinating species such as playful river otters, graceful rays, and colorful jellyfish. The aquarium's immersive exhibits allow guests to walk through tunnels surrounded by shimmering schools of fish, creating a unique and unforgettable experience. Beyond just admiration, the Aquarium of the Bay emphasizes education and conservation, with informative displays that engage visitors on the significance of preserving our oceans and aquatic ecosystems. Interactive touch pools invite young and old alike to get up close and personal with various marine creatures, making it a perfect destination for families. The daily shows and feedings provide additional opportunities to learn about the animals' behaviors and habitats. As you explore, don't forget to visit the gift shop for unique souvenirs and educational materials that help support ocean conservation efforts. The aquarium is conveniently located near other attractions at Pier 39, such as restaurants, shops, and street performances, making it easy to spend a whole day experiencing the vibrant atmosphere of the waterfront. With its commitment to education, conservation, and community engagement, the Aquarium of the Bay is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to explore the wonders of marine life in San Francisco.
Local tips
- Arrive early to avoid crowds, especially on weekends and holidays.
- Check the daily schedule for animal feedings and educational talks for a richer experience.
- Consider purchasing a combo ticket for discounts on other nearby attractions.
- Bring a camera to capture the stunning underwater views and unique marine life.
Getting There
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Walking
From North Beach, head south on Columbus Avenue. Continue walking until you reach the intersection with Beach Street. Turn left onto Beach Street and walk straight until you reach Pier 39. The Aquarium of the Bay is located at the intersection of The Embarcadero and Beach Street, directly on Pier 39. This walk should take about 15-20 minutes.
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Public Transit (Muni Bus)
From North Beach, walk to the nearest bus stop at Columbus Ave & Bay St. Board the Muni Bus 47 towards the Embarcadero. Ride for about 5 stops and get off at the stop at Beach St & The Embarcadero. From there, walk straight towards Pier 39, and you will find the Aquarium of the Bay. A single ride on Muni costs $3.00.
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Cable Car
Walk to the Powell-Hyde Cable Car line at Powell and Bay Street. Take the cable car towards Hyde Street and ride it until you reach the stop at Beach Street. From the cable car stop, walk down Beach Street towards Pier 39. The Aquarium of the Bay is located at the end of the pier. A ride on the cable car costs $8.00.
Attractions Nearby to Aquarium of the Bay
- PIER 39
- Magowan's Infinite Mirror Maze
- Musical Stairs
- San Francisco Carousel at Pier 39
- Sea Lions
- Sea Lion Viewing Area
- Pier 33
- The Escape Game San Francisco (Fisherman's Wharf)
- Madame Tussauds San Francisco
- Ripley's Marvelous Mirror Maze
- Ripley's Believe It or Not!
- Fishermans Wharf
- Fisherman’s Wharf Sign
- Musée Mécanique
- USS Pampanito Museum and Memorial
Landmarks nearby to Aquarium of the Bay
- Pier 43 Ferry Arch
- Fisherman's Wharf
- Muir Woods Shuttles and Tours
- 1890 San Francisco Bay Ark
- California Historical Landmark 236: First Ship into San Francisco Bay
- Northeast Waterfront Historic District
- Sentinel Building
- Chinatown Hero's Mural
- Shortest Street in California
- California Historical Landmark 192: Site of the Jenny Lind Theatre and San Francisco City Hall
- Chinatown Flags Street
- Chinese Historical Society of America Museum
- California Historical Landmark 81: Landing Place of Captain J. B. Montgomery
- San Francisco Historical Society
- California Historical Landmark 87: Site of First United States Mint in California