Museums & Learning

Aquarium of the Bay

🏆Staff Pick🌧️Rainy Day Hero🧒Best for Toddlers
Embarcadero
Aquarium of the Bay - Photo 1
Aquarium of the Bay - Photo 2
Aquarium of the Bay - Photo 3

About This Spot

A touch-friendly aquarium at Pier 39 with walk-through tunnels where sharks and rays swim overhead. The touch pools let kids handle sea stars, sea urchins, and bat rays. Smaller and more manageable than the Cal Academy aquarium — less overwhelming for young kids.

What to Expect

💳Paid Activity
🏠Indoor Space
🧒Toddler Safe

Planning Notes

💡

Go in the morning for smaller crowds. The touch pools are the highlight — staff are great about helping kids hold the animals. Combined ticket with Blue & Gold Fleet ferry is a good deal. About 1 hour total.

More Planning Notes

•Visit in morning (10-11 AM) for smallest crowds and most active animals
•Touch pools are the main event - staff are excellent with nervous kids
•Combined tickets with Blue & Gold Fleet ferries save money if you're also taking a boat
•Much smaller and less overwhelming than California Academy aquarium
•Pier 39 has tons of family activities to combine with your visit
•Bring quarters for the penny press machines kids love

Quick Info

Hours

10:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily

Neighborhood

Embarcadero

Category

Museums & Learning

Phone

(415) 623-5300

Hours, prices, and access can change. Check the official website before you go.

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