Aquarium of the Bay - Plan Your Visit

Below is all the essential information you need to organize your visit to Aquarium of the Bay and fully appreciate the diverse marine life native to San Francisco Bay.

Aquarium of the Bay - Visitor Guidelines

Entry Requirements: All visitors must present a valid ticket or CityPASS® for entry. Capacity control measures may be in effect to ensure a comfortable and safe experience.

Accessibility: The aquarium maintains accommodations for visitors with mobility challenges. Please note that the exterior elevator of the aquarium is temporarily out of service. Guests should use Pier 39’s internal elevator, exit on level 2, and proceed through the aquarium’s gift shop to reach the main entrance.

Animal Interaction: Interactive exhibits, such as Touch the Bay, allow visitors to gently engage with certain marine life under supervision. For the wellbeing of the animals, handling is limited to designated areas and times.

Safety Policies: For health and safety, outside food and drinks are not permitted inside the aquarium. Smoking is prohibited throughout the facility.

Aquarium of the Bay - Ticket Information

Purchase Options: Tickets are available for advance purchase online, which is recommended to guarantee entry and access to specific ticket types.

Ticket Types: Visitors can choose from Skip The Line
tickets, Membership vouchers, Explorer Passes, & All-Inclusive Passes based on their preferences and amount of time they have to explore the venue and San Francisco.

Aquarium of the Bay - Amenities

Dining and Refreshments: While the aquarium does not feature an on-site café, numerous dining establishments are located nearby at Pier 39, offering diverse culinary options.

Aquarium of the Bay - Accessibility

The aquarium is committed to welcoming all visitors and provides accessible pathways, restrooms, and services primarily through Pier 39’s infrastructure. Although the aquarium’s own external elevator is closed temporarily, the internal route ensures access to all exhibit areas. Assistance for visitors with disabilities is readily available upon request.

Aquarium of the Bay - Plan Ahead

Reservation Recommendations: Advance online ticket purchase is advised, especially for popular ticket types and seasonal promotions.

Seasonal Highlights: The aquarium celebrates local marine life with unique events throughout the year; check event availability in advance to coordinate your visit accordingly.

Transportation and Parking: The aquarium is located at Pier 39 on San Francisco’s historic waterfront, easily accessible via public transit. Visitors are encouraged to utilize public transportation or parking options at nearby facilities, including overflow parking at Levi’s Plaza.

Aquarium of the Bay - Location

Aquarium of the Bay is located at The Embarcadero and Beach Street, situated at the edge of Pier 39 in San Francisco, California.

This prime waterfront location places it within a vibrant area renowned for shopping, dining, and entertainment, with close proximity to popular landmarks such as the famous Pier 39 attractions and the historic San Francisco Bay waterfront.

Aquarium of the Bay - Opening Hours

Aquarium of the Bay is open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, providing visitors with ample opportunity to explore its extensive exhibits and underwater tunnels throughout the week. These standard hours apply to general admission and most onsite experiences.

The aquarium also hosts seasonal events, such as River Otter Snow Days in winter, that may have designated times different from regular visiting hours; visitors are encouraged to check event details when planning attendance.

The aquarium does not have an on-site café, but a variety of dining options are available a short walk away at Pier 39, during and after the aquarium’s operating hours.

Guests should also be aware of current accessibility arrangements: the exterior elevator remains temporarily out of service, so visitors are advised to use the public elevator within Pier 39 and access the aquarium via the gift shop entrance on level 2. This ensures a smooth entry during your visit within the operating hours.

Good to Know Before Your Visit to Aquarium of the Bay

Aquarium of the Bay offers a range of visitor amenities designed for comfort and an engaging experience. Guests can explore interactive touch pools, where touching juvenile bat rays, sharks, and sea stars is encouraged.

The venue includes accessible restrooms, a gift shop featuring marine-themed souvenirs, and designated areas for private events such as birthday parties.

For convenience, note that the aquarium provides in-house educational programs and presentations, including live feedings at the river otter exhibit. While the exterior elevator is temporarily out of service, alternative access through Pier 39’s elevators ensures smooth entry for all guests.

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Aquarium of the Bay

Highlights

Underwater Tunnels: Stroll through 300 feet of crystal-clear tunnels, surrounded by sharks, rays, and schools of fish.

Interactive Touch Pools: Engage with marine life up close by touching sea stars, rays, and even sharks in the “Touch the Bay” exhibit.

River Otter Habitat: Observe the playful antics of North American river otters in their naturalistic setting.

Jellyfish Exhibits: Marvel at the mesmerizing movements of moon jellies and other species in specially designed tanks.

Eco-Center: Learn about local conservation efforts and the importance of preserving the Bay’s ecosystem.

Go City San Francisco: Explorer Pass

Highlights

Flexible Choices: Pick 2, 3, 4, or 5 attractions from a curated list of over 25, including the Aquarium of the Bay, California Academy of Sciences, SFMOMA, and more.

Significant Savings: Enjoy discounts of up to 50% compared to purchasing individual tickets.

Easy Access: Use your smartphone to gain entry – no need to print tickets.

30-Day Validity: Activate your pass within one year of purchase and it will remain valid for 30 days from when activated.

No Pre-Selection Required: Choose your attractions as you go; no need to decide in advance.

FAQs About Visiting Aquarium of the Bay

What are the Aquarium of the Bay's opening hours?

The aquarium is open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM.

Where is the Aquarium of the Bay located?

It is situated at Pier 39 on The Embarcadero and Beach Street in San Francisco, California.

Do I need to make a reservation or can I buy tickets at the door?

Tickets can be purchased online in advance or at the entrance, and CityPASS® is also accepted for admission.

What types of tickets are available?

Options include General Admission, discounted seasonal passes, CityPASS bundles, VIP experiences, guided tours, and event-specific tickets.

Are there any animal interaction opportunities?

Yes, the "Touch the Bay" exhibit lets visitors gently touch juvenile rays, sharks, sea stars, and other marine species.

Can I bring children to the aquarium?

Absolutely, the aquarium offers family-friendly exhibits and educational programs suitable for all ages.