Aquarium of the Bay
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
Parent Tips
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.
Local Insider Tips
Family Reviews
"Perfect size for toddlers - not overwhelming like bigger aquariums. The touch pools are incredible!"
— Embarcadero parent
"Staff helped my shy 4-year-old actually touch a ray. The walk-through tunnels with sharks overhead are amazing."
— SF parent
"One hour is perfect timing for young attention spans. Easy to combine with Pier 39 fun."
— Tourist parent
Quick Info
10:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily
Embarcadero
Museums & Learning
(415) 623-5300
Nearby in Embarcadero
A world-class hands-on science museum on the Embarcadero. Over 650 interactive e...
Family sailing trips on the Bay on a catamaran. Departs from Pier 39, goes under...
Free, always entertaining, and kids never get bored of watching sea lions bark a...