Aquarium of the Bay – Plan Your Visit

Plan Your Visit to Aquarium of the Bay

Organizing your visit to Aquarium of the Bay will help you fully appreciate the diverse marine life native to San Francisco Bay and enhance your overall experience. Below is essential information designed to guide your trip smoothly.

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.

While the aquarium accommodates various special events such as seasonal programs and workshops, specific activities like the Cocoa & Crafts with Santa Ollie event may have designated times that differ from regular visiting hours; visitors are encouraged to check event details when planning attendance.

The venue includes a café on site, which serves refreshments and light meals to enhance your visit. Although exact café hours are not specified here, it typically aligns with the aquarium’s operating hours to offer convenient dining options during your visit.

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.

Aquarium of the Bay

Highlights

Explore over 20,000 native sea creatures in immersive habitats.

Walk through a 300-foot underwater tunnel featuring fish, sharks, and other sea life.

Enjoy interactive experiences where visitors can touch live animals like sea stars and rays.

Attend naturalist presentations and witness feedings to learn about local ecosystems.

Includes additional access to the Sea Lion Center, Bay Area Model in Sausalito, and the Eco Center at Heron’s Head.

Go City San Francisco: Explorer Pass

Highlights

Choose between 2, 3, 4, or 5 top San Francisco attractions to visit.

Enjoy exclusive savings of up to 50% compared to buying individual tickets.

Access a complimentary mobile app compatible with iOS and Android for convenience.

Explore iconic venues such as the Aquarium of the Bay and the California Academy of Sciences.

Use the pass within 30 days after activating it on first use.

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. CityPASS holders can enter without a reservation by showing their pass in person.

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.