San Francisco Tickets

Aquarium of the Bay Tickets

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Woman admiring marine life in an underwater tunnel at Aquarium of the Bay
Alcatraz Island with San Francisco skyline, Muir Woods, and Sausalito tour view.
Ferry approaching Alcatraz Island with San Francisco skyline in the background.
Wooden pier extending into the bay with sailboats and San Francisco skyline in the background, Sausalito, CA.
Alcatraz Island with San Francisco skyline, Muir Woods, and Sausalito in the background.
Guests observing marine life in the Aquarium of the Bay tunnel, San Francisco, CA.
Redwood trees in Muir Woods National Monument near San Francisco, California, USA.
Visitors walking among towering redwoods at Muir Woods National Monument near San Francisco, California.
Alcatraz prison cell block interior during San Francisco Bay cruise tour.
Alcatraz Prison cell interior with barred windows on Alcatraz Island, San Francisco, California.
Sausalito Bay Area with sailboats and San Francisco skyline in the background.
Day Trips

From San Francisco: Alcatraz, Muir Woods, & Sausalito Day Trip

Witness majestic redwoods, scenic ferry views, and Alcatraz's history, with convenient pickup from San Francisco!

  • Wander through the majestic coastal redwoods at Muir Woods National Monument, with plenty of free time to hike among these ancient giants.
  • Enjoy the convenience of hotel pickup from Hilton Union Square, making your journey hassle-free and allowing you to focus on the adventure ahead.
  • Enjoy a scenic ferry ride from Sausalito to San Francisco, soaking in breathtaking views of the Golden Gate Bridge.
  • Experience Alcatraz Island with a self-guided audio tour, uncovering fascinating stories from former inmates and guards.
  • Your tour also includes tickets to Aquarium of the Bay, where you can explore local marine life through interactive exhibits.


Check availability
Mobile ticket
Flexible duration
Audio guide
Transfers included
Hotel pickup

Witness majestic redwoods, scenic ferry views, and Alcatraz's history, with convenient pickup from San Francisco!

  • Wander through the majestic coastal redwoods at Muir Woods National Monument, with plenty of free time to hike among these ancient giants.
  • Enjoy the convenience of hotel pickup from Hilton Union Square, making your journey hassle-free and allowing you to focus on the adventure ahead.
  • Enjoy a scenic ferry ride from Sausalito to San Francisco, soaking in breathtaking views of the Golden Gate Bridge.
  • Experience Alcatraz Island with a self-guided audio tour, uncovering fascinating stories from former inmates and guards.
  • Your tour also includes tickets to Aquarium of the Bay, where you can explore local marine life through interactive exhibits.

Inclusions

  • 1 or 2-day trip around San Francisco (as per option selected)

  • Daytime or nighttime Alcatraz tour (as per option selected)

  • Hotel pick-up from Hilton Union Square

  • Round-trip ferry transfer to Alcatraz Island

  • Tickets to Muir Woods National Monument, Alcatraz Island, and a ferry ride back from Sausalito

  • Alcatraz prison audio guide in English, Spanish, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Dutch, Mandarin, Portuguese, and Korean

  • Aquarium of the Bay tickets

Exclusions

  • Meals (can be purchased at stops)
  • Transfer to Pier 33 for the Alcatraz excursion

  • Transfer to Pier 39 for the Aquarium of the Bay

  • Guide gratuity

  • Tip: Wear comfortable shoes to explore the trails in Muir Woods and stroll through Sausalito without any discomfort.
  • These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Ferry approaching Alcatraz Island with San Francisco skyline in the background.
Alcatraz Island recreation yard with historic prison walls, San Francisco, USA.
Family with infant enjoying view of Yosemite Valley, California, with El Capitan and Half Dome in background.
Young woman photographing Yosemite Valley from Tunnel View, Yosemite National Park, USA.
Visitors observing marine life at Aquarium of the Bay, San Francisco, California.
Guests observing marine life in the Aquarium of the Bay tunnel, San Francisco, CA.
The library inside Alcatraz, San Francisco, with app-guided tour experience.
Alcatraz prison cells with iron bars on Alcatraz Island, California.
Yosemite Falls cascading from cliffs, viewed from Yosemite Valley Meadows, California, USA.
Alcatraz Island view with San Francisco skyline, part of 2-day tour including Aquarium of the Bay and Yosemite.
Day Trips

From San Francisco: Alcatraz, Aquarium of the Bay & Yosemite 2-Day Trip

Explore San Francisco and beyond with one ticket—marine life, dramatic granite cliffs, and gripping prison tales.

  • Everything you get at Alcatraz Island: Take a round-trip ferry to Alcatraz and explore the island at your own pace. Use the included multilingual audio tour to hear stories from former inmates and guards as you walk through the cell blocks and prison grounds.
  • Everything you get at Aquarium of the Bay: Visit the Aquarium’s multiple galleries and walk through glass tunnels filled with sharks, rays, and native fish.
  • Everything you get at Yosemite National Park: Ride in a guided coach from San Francisco with hotel pickup and drop-off included. See major sights like Tunnel View and Yosemite Falls on a narrated tour, then spend three hours in the valley to hike, bike, or explore on your own.
  • Why choose this: With tickets, transport, and guiding included, you’ll avoid the hassle of organizing logistics across multiple locations. It’s perfect for travellers short on time who want to cover key California highlights with comfort and ease.
  • Upgrades: Choose between a day tour or a night tour of Alcatraz Island. The night tour offers exclusive access to restricted areas and includes special ranger-led programs, paired with your visits to the Aquarium of the Bay and Yosemite National Park.


Check availability
Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
14 hr.
Audio guide
Guided tour
Transfers included

Explore San Francisco and beyond with one ticket—marine life, dramatic granite cliffs, and gripping prison tales.

  • Everything you get at Alcatraz Island: Take a round-trip ferry to Alcatraz and explore the island at your own pace. Use the included multilingual audio tour to hear stories from former inmates and guards as you walk through the cell blocks and prison grounds.
  • Everything you get at Aquarium of the Bay: Visit the Aquarium’s multiple galleries and walk through glass tunnels filled with sharks, rays, and native fish.
  • Everything you get at Yosemite National Park: Ride in a guided coach from San Francisco with hotel pickup and drop-off included. See major sights like Tunnel View and Yosemite Falls on a narrated tour, then spend three hours in the valley to hike, bike, or explore on your own.
  • Why choose this: With tickets, transport, and guiding included, you’ll avoid the hassle of organizing logistics across multiple locations. It’s perfect for travellers short on time who want to cover key California highlights with comfort and ease.
  • Upgrades: Choose between a day tour or a night tour of Alcatraz Island. The night tour offers exclusive access to restricted areas and includes special ranger-led programs, paired with your visits to the Aquarium of the Bay and Yosemite National Park.

Inclusions

  • Round-trip ferry rides to Alcatraz Island

  • Admission to Alcatraz ($45)

  • Multilingual audio guide in English, Spanish, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Dutch, Mandarin, Portuguese, and Korean

  • Entry to the Aquarium of the Bay

  • Expert English-speaking guide

  • Complimentary pickup/drop-off from select San Francisco hotels

  • In-coach narrative of Yosemite

  • Entry to Yosemite National Park

  • 3 hours of free time in Yosemite

  • Round-trip transfers to Yosemite in a mini-coach

Exclusions

  • Live guide at Alcatraz Island and the Aquarium of the Bay
  • Food and beverages (available for purchase)

  • Gratuities

  • Day 1 (Alcatraz + Aquarium of the Bay) is a self-guided tour that does not include transportation. The only transfers included in this tour are the ferries to and from Alcatraz Island.
  • Day 2 (Yosemite National Park) is a guided tour, and you'll enjoy comfortable transportation aboard a mini-coach.

Alcatraz Island:

  • The ferry and the island are wheelchair accessible.
  • You can explore the island for as long as you like.
  • Dress in layers—the weather can be unpredictable.
  • Wear comfortable shoes—there is an uphill climb that is equivalent to a 13-story building.

Aquarium of the Bay:

  • Luggage and large backpacks are not allowed.
  • Outside food and beverages are not allowed.
  • It is accessible; wheelchairs are available for rent on a first-come, first-served basis.

Yosemite National Park:

  • It is largely accessible, with marked trails for wheelchairs.
  • Hotel pick-ups and drop-offs are available from multiple locations in the city on day 2 of the tour.
  • Cellular service is limited.
  • Do not approach or feed wildlife.
  • Do not carry weapons or sharp objects on you.
  • Practice Leave No Trace principles.
  • These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Alcatraz Island with historic prison buildings in San Francisco Bay, California.
Alcatraz prison cells with iron bars on Alcatraz Island, California.
Guests observing marine life in the Aquarium of the Bay tunnel, San Francisco, CA.
Child observing marine life at Aquarium of the Bay, San Francisco.
from san francisco: alcatraz, aquarium of the bay, & napa/sonoma wine country 2-day trip-5
from san francisco: alcatraz, aquarium of the bay, & napa/sonoma wine country 2-day trip-6
from san francisco: alcatraz, aquarium of the bay, & napa/sonoma wine country 2-day trip-7
Guests exploring  Muir Woods
Woman observing marine life at Aquarium of the Bay, San Francisco.
Visitors observing marine life at Aquarium of the Bay, San Francisco, California.
Multi-Day Tours

From San Francisco: Alcatraz, Aquarium of the Bay, & Napa/Sonoma Wine Country 2-Day Trip

A curated 2-day journey through San Francisco’s top sights and wine country—covered end to end with one easy ticket.

  • Ferry start point: Pier 33
  • Everything you get at Alcatraz Island: Take a round-trip ferry from Pier 33 to Alcatraz. Explore the infamous prison island at your own pace with a self-guided Cellhouse audio tour featuring real inmate and guard stories.
  • Everything you get at Aquarium of the Bay: Visit the aquarium at the bustling Pier 39 with general admission included. Walk through glass tunnels surrounded by native marine life like sharks and stingrays.
  • Everything you get at the Napa/Sonoma Valleys: Begin with hotel pickup from San Francisco and drive through scenic countryside with an expert guide. Visit three boutique wineries across Sonoma and Napa for curated tastings. Enjoy a lunch break in historic Sonoma Town Square and soak in panoramic vineyard views throughout the day.
  • Why choose this: This 2-day experience gives you the freedom to choose, the ease of guided travel, and just the right amount of downtime—all without worrying about logistics or nitty-gritty planning.
  • Upgrades: Choose how you want to experience Alcatraz: go during the day for open-bay views and a flexible visit, or opt for the exclusive night tour for a more atmospheric, less crowded experience.


Check availability
Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
48 hr.
Audio guide
Transfers included

A curated 2-day journey through San Francisco’s top sights and wine country—covered end to end with one easy ticket.

  • Ferry start point: Pier 33
  • Everything you get at Alcatraz Island: Take a round-trip ferry from Pier 33 to Alcatraz. Explore the infamous prison island at your own pace with a self-guided Cellhouse audio tour featuring real inmate and guard stories.
  • Everything you get at Aquarium of the Bay: Visit the aquarium at the bustling Pier 39 with general admission included. Walk through glass tunnels surrounded by native marine life like sharks and stingrays.
  • Everything you get at the Napa/Sonoma Valleys: Begin with hotel pickup from San Francisco and drive through scenic countryside with an expert guide. Visit three boutique wineries across Sonoma and Napa for curated tastings. Enjoy a lunch break in historic Sonoma Town Square and soak in panoramic vineyard views throughout the day.
  • Why choose this: This 2-day experience gives you the freedom to choose, the ease of guided travel, and just the right amount of downtime—all without worrying about logistics or nitty-gritty planning.
  • Upgrades: Choose how you want to experience Alcatraz: go during the day for open-bay views and a flexible visit, or opt for the exclusive night tour for a more atmospheric, less crowded experience.

Inclusions

  • Round-trip ferry to Alcatraz Island

  • Admission to Alcatraz ($45)

  • Multilingual audio guide in English, Spanish, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Dutch, Mandarin, Portuguese, and Korean

  • Aquarium of the Bay entry ticket

  • Round-trip transfers to Napa/Sonoma wine country

  • Professional guide

  • 3 flights of wine tasting in the Napa and Sonoma Valleys

  • Free time to explore Sonoma Plaza

Exclusions

  • Food and beverages (available for purchase)
  • Gratuities

  • Additional tastings

  • Day 1 (Alcatraz + Aquarium of the Bay) is a self-guided tour that does not include transportation. The only transfers included in this tour are the ferries to and from Alcatraz Island.
  • Day 2 (Muir Woods with Napa & Sonoma Wine Country) is a guided tour, and you'll enjoy comfortable transportation aboard a mini-coach.

Alcatraz Island:

  • The ferry and the island are wheelchair accessible.
  • You can explore the island for as long as you like.
  • Dress in layers—the weather can be unpredictable.
  • Wear comfortable shoes—there is an uphill climb that is equivalent to a 13-story building.

Aquarium of the Bay:

  • Luggage and large backpacks are not allowed.
  • Outside food and beverages are not allowed.
  • It is accessible; wheelchairs are available for rent on a first-come, first-served basis.

Napa/Sonoma Valley:

  • Carry a valid ID proof.
  • Dress in layers.
  • Avoid wearing cologne/perfume to the winery as it can mask the aroma of the wine.
  • Avoid wearing light colored clothes in case of spillage.
  • These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
View of the Alcatraz Island
Big Bus at Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco, with tourists boarding for hop-on hop-off tour.
Alcatraz prison cell block interior during San Francisco Bay cruise tour.
Inside view of the Alcatraz Prison during Alcatraz Tour with San Francisco Bay Cruise
San Francisco hop-on hop-off tour bus near Alcatraz Island with city skyline in background.
San Francisco City Hall dome and Civic Center Plaza, California.
San Francisco HOHO tour bus near Alcatraz Island with city skyline in background.
Sea lions resting on docks at Pier 39, Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco, California.
San Francisco Big Bus tour with view of Alcatraz Island in the background.
Palace of Fine Arts rotunda with reflection in lagoon, San Francisco, California.
Hop-on Hop-off Tours San Francisco

Combo: Alcatraz Tour + San Francisco Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

Explore top sights in San Francisco from two unique perspectives, from land and sea.

Start points: The HOHO bus tour starts from Big Bus Tours Visitors' Center (flexibility to board from a stop of your choice); the ferry ride is from Pier 33.

Everything you get: Ride through San Francisco on a 48-hour hop-on, hop-off open-top bus tour with engaging audio commentary. Pass iconic landmarks, then take a scenic ferry ride to Alcatraz Island. Walk through eerie corridors and cell blocks and learn about the prison’s history through a gripping audio guide narrated by former inmates and guards.

Why choose this: Enjoy the flexibility to hop on and off the bus at your convenience and gain access to the infamous Alcatraz Island—all in a single, convenient pass you won’t want to miss.



Check availability
Mobile ticket
Flexible duration
Audio guide
reviewer
MichaelMay, 2025
3/5

..............................

reviewer
ValerieMay, 2025
5/5

Convenient, no lines. Very interesting, worthwhile tour.

reviewer
LarryJun, 2025
4/5
reviewer
DesireeApr, 2025
1/5

I had issues w the website and was pushed to purchase a ticket for the following week not the one I needed! Never got to do Alcatraz and was forced to pay again for the on off bus tour

reviewer
EngyeApr, 2025
5/5

Wonderful experience. Everything on time

reviewer
juanOct, 2024
3/5

Mucho tiempo de espera para el ferry a Alcatraz, se compro con mucho tiempo de antelación

Explore top sights in San Francisco from two unique perspectives, from land and sea.

Start points: The HOHO bus tour starts from Big Bus Tours Visitors' Center (flexibility to board from a stop of your choice); the ferry ride is from Pier 33.

Everything you get: Ride through San Francisco on a 48-hour hop-on, hop-off open-top bus tour with engaging audio commentary. Pass iconic landmarks, then take a scenic ferry ride to Alcatraz Island. Walk through eerie corridors and cell blocks and learn about the prison’s history through a gripping audio guide narrated by former inmates and guards.

Why choose this: Enjoy the flexibility to hop on and off the bus at your convenience and gain access to the infamous Alcatraz Island—all in a single, convenient pass you won’t want to miss.

Inclusions HOHO pass:

  • 48-hour unlimited hop-on hop-off tour
  • Access to Red Route
  • 1-hour Chinatown digital walking tour
  • 60-min sunset tour
  • Bike rental offer: book 1 hour, get 1 free
  • Audio guide in English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese & Korean (on the bus)
  • Audio guide English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, German, Italian, Russian, Korean, Japanese, and Chinese (on the walking tour)
  • Complimentary headphones
  • Mobile app with a detailed map and live bus tracking

Alcatraz Island:

  • Round-trip ferry ride to Alcatraz Island
  • Admission to Alcatraz ($45)
  • Multilingual audio guide

Exclusions

  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off
    • Food and beverages
    • Tips

Please click here for the detailed route map and boarding points.

You can join a tour at any stop and hop on and off for the duration of your ticket.

Red Route

  • First bus: 10am from stop #1 (Big Bus Tours Visitors' Center)
  • Last bus: 6pm from stop #1 (Big Bus Tours Visitors' Center)
  • Frequency: Every 15 mins
  • Popular stops: Chinatown, Golden Gate Park, Pier 39

Sunset tour

  • Departure: 6:30pm from stop #1 (Big Bus Tours Visitors' Center)
  • Frequency: Once every evening
  • Duration: 60 mins

Digital walking tour

  • Departure: Scan the QR Code at Stop 1 (Big Bus Tours Visitors' Center) and head to Stop 3 (North Beach / Chinatown) for departure
  • Duration: 1-hour
  • Languages: English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, German, Italian, Russian, Korean, Japanese, and Chinese

HOHO pass:

  • Luggage, food, and beverages are not permitted.
  • The hop-on hop-off pass is flexible, and you can start the bus tour at any time.
  • The pre-recorded audio commentary is available in English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, and Portuguese.
  • Not all buses are wheelchair accessible. If you require it, contact the company at least 48 hours in advance of your tour.
  • No pets are allowed on board the bus except service animals.

Alcatraz Island:

  • The ferry and the island are wheelchair accessible.
  • You can explore the island for as long as you like.
  • Dress in layers—the weather can be unpredictable.
  • Wear comfortable shoes—there is an uphill climb that is equivalent to a 13-story building.
  • These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

Top things to do in San Francisco

Aquarium of the Bay: San Francisco’s best marine experience

Get acquainted with the underwater residents of San Francisco Bay at PIER 39, right along the bustling San Francisco waterfront. At the Aquarium of the Bay, you will come across over 24,000 marine animals from more than 200 species, all native to the region! Stay on this page to see the jellyfish, bat rays, river otters, and other sea creatures you will encounter at the aquarium!

Why visit Aquarium of the Bay

A sea otter at an aquarium
Visitors exploring underwater tunnel at Aquarium of the Bay, San Francisco.
Starfish at Aquarium of the Bay
Sea lions basking on wooden docks at Pier 39, San Francisco, with Alcatraz Island in the background.
Visitors exploring marine life exhibits at Aquarium of the Bay, San Francisco.
1/5

Deep dive into local marine life

From the sevengill shark to playful river otters, bat rays, and majestic white sturgeons, the marine life at Aquarium of the Bay is exclusively curated to provide an authentic glimpse into the local marine life of the San Francisco Bay area.

Walk beneath the waves

At the aquarium, you get to walk through a 300-foot-long acrylic tunnel where sharks, rays, and schools of fish glide above and around you, creating the sensation of walking through an ocean full of life.

Don’t just see, touch the animals

Get up close and personal with starfish, sea cucumbers, and other marine creatures in the aquarium's touch pools, allowing hands-on interaction with the fascinating marine life.

Perfect location

Nestled at PIER 39, the aquarium is an exciting attraction and a part of San Francisco's iconic waterfront, surrounded by dining, shopping, and gorgeous views of the Golden Gate Bridge.

Family-friendly activities

From watching the playful antics of river otters to learning about the Bay's diverse ecosystem, the aquarium offers fun and educational experiences for visitors of all ages, making it a perfect outing for families.

Things to know before booking your tickets

  • Your tickets are not timed and you can enter the aquarium at any time within operating hours.
  • Tickets are one time use only and you cannot re-enter the aquarium with the same ticket.
  • Minors below the age of 16 can only enter the aquarium with someone 18 years of age or above.
  • While service animals are more than welcome to accompany you, remember that you cannot bring along pets.
  • Make use of the fact that the aquarium is conveniently located on Pier 39 and club your aquarium visit with a day of shopping, sailing and sea food experiences on this popular pier.

Here are the highlights of your aquatic adventure

Under the Bay Tunnel - Aquarium of the Bay

Under the Bay Tunnel

Walk through clear glass tunnels that put you in the center of the marine action where you can watch schools of fish, rays, and sharks glide over and around you.

Touch the Bay - Aquarium of the Bay
River Otter exhibit Aquarium of the Bay
Bay Lab Aquarium of the Bay
Jellies Aquarium of the Bay

Plan your visit

Aquarium of the Bay

Open hours: Monday to Sunday from 10am to 5pm

Special hours: 10am to 3pm on November 23 and December 24
Closed: December 25

Address: PIER 39 The Embarcadero &, Beach St, San Francisco, CA 94133, United States |​ Find on Maps

Nearby landmark: Hard Rock Cafe (​39 feet)

  • By bus: Muni Bus 8, Muni Bus 39, and Muni Bus 47 all connect to stops near PIER 39.
  • Nearest stop: The Embarcadero & Stockton St (1 minute walk to the aquarium) 
  • By rail: Take the F Line streetcar, which stops right across from the aquarium's entrance at PIER 39. 
  • Nearest stop: The Embarcadero & Stockton St  (1 minute walk to the aquarium)
  • By car: Take The Embarcadero along San Francisco’s eastern shoreline to PIER 39 where you can find the aquarium.
  • Parking: There is paid public parking in the PIER 39 Garage.
Aquarium of the Bay
  • Wheelchair accessible: Most parts of the aquarium are accessible for wheelchair users. 
  • Elevator access: Elevators are available to navigate between different levels of the aquarium.
  • Strollers allowed: You are welcome to bring strollers into the aquarium.
  • Service animals: Service animals are permitted inside the aquarium for assistance.
  • Wheelchairs available: A limited number of complimentary wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Mobility vehicles: The aquarium accommodates mobility vehicles to ensure easy navigation for all guests.
Aquarium of the Bay
  • Toilets: Restrooms are available throughout the aquarium.
  • Paid parking: Paid parking is available at the PIER 39 garage.
  • First aid: First aid services are available on-site for any medical emergencies or needs.
  • Souvenir shop: A souvenir shop is located within the aquarium at the end of your aquarium route.
Aquarium of the Bay
  • Outside food and drinks are not allowed inside the aquarium, except closed-top water bottles.
  • Smoking cigarettes and e-cigarettes is not permitted anywhere within the aquarium premises.
  • Do not carry or use laser pointers since they can disturb the animals.
  • Umbrellas, scissors, knives, aerosol sprays, glass bottles, tripods, and selfie sticks are not permitted inside to ensure visitor safety.
  • While you can take pictures inside, flash photography is not allowed as it disturbs marine life.
  • While you cannot bring pets along, service animals are allowed into the aquarium.
  • Drones are prohibited from flying over or near the aquarium premises.
Aquarium of the Bay

Stop over for a quick meal at one of these dining outlets in PIER 39 before or after your visit to the Aquarium of the Bay.

  • Hard Rock Cafe: Head to Hard Rock Cafe for a dining experience filled with rock-n-roll memorabilia and a menu featuring classic American dishes like their Original Legendary Burger, BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich, and Baby Back Ribs.
  • The Hook: If you’re in the mood for seafood, The Hook is a great option with fresh, locally sourced produce in dishes such as fish and chips, clam chowder, fried shrimp, and crab cakes.
  • Taco Cantina: Taco Cantina offers Mexican fare with bay views. Enjoy a variety of dishes, including puffy tacos filled with carne asada, chicken fajitas, carnitas, and grilled lobster, along with options like nachos, ceviche, and flavorful margaritas.
Aquarium of the Bay

Take home something from the Aquarium of the Bay to remember your marine exploration. A jellyfish plush toy or a book about the sharks you find at the San Francisco Bay are a great gift for your little ones. Buy yourself some marine-themed apparel like t-shirts and hats that have ocean-themed graphics. You can also opt for eco-friendly products like reusable straws and bags.

Beyond Aquarium of the Bay

Aquarium of the Bay

Exploratorium

From marine life, move on to the wonders of science and technology at the Exploratorium down the road from the Aquarium of the Bay. With over 1,000 interactive exhibits designed to enchant and engage your senses, this is definitely a must-visit attraction in the area.

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Aquarium of the Bay

San Francisco Zoo

The San Francisco Zoo spans 100 acres and is home to over 2,000 animals, including endangered species and rescued wildlife. Enjoy unique experiences here such as feeding giraffes and watching grizzly bears during breakfast time, along with various engaging exhibits like the Gorilla Preserve and the Lemur Forest.

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Aquarium of the Bay

Alcatraz Island

Formerly a maximum-security federal prison, Alcatraz Island is famously known as "The Rock”. Take a day trip to this historical island that has housed infamous criminals like Al Capone and George "Machine Gun" Kelly.

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Frequently asked questions about Aquarium of the Bay tickets

What is included in my ticket?

Your Aquarium of the Bay ticket grants admission to the aquarium and access to exhibits such as underwater tunnels and touch pools.

What can I expect to see at the Aquarium of the Bay?

You’ll find a variety of exhibits at the museum that put the spotlight on local marine life, including sharks, jellyfish, and rays. Don’t miss the stunning underwater tunnels and interactive touch pools.

Are there any special events or seasonal exhibits?

Yes, the aquarium occasionally hosts special events and themed exhibits like the River Otter Snow Days, Breakfast with Ollie the Otter, and Yoga Under the Sea. Keep an eye on their ​event calendar for unique experiences.

Are there guided tours available at the aquarium?

Currently, the Aquarium of the Bay primarily offers self-guided experiences. However, you can find staff members throughout the experience to answer questions and share insights.

Are there discounts available for tickets?

If you live in one of the nine San Francisco Bay area counties or are a military personnel, you are eligible for discounted tickets.

How long should I plan to spend at the aquarium?

Keep aside around 1.5 to 2 hours to explore the aquarium. However, you can take your time to enjoy the displays at your own pace.

How long are Aquarium of the Bay tickets valid for?

Your tickets are valid for the entire day on the selected date of your visit. Be sure to verify your date when booking.

What is the best time to visit the Aquarium of the Bay?

Visit during weekdays or early in the morning to avoid peak crowds. The aquarium and PIER 39 tend to be busier during weekends and holidays.

Is there an age limit for visitors?

The aquarium is family-friendly and suitable for all ages. Children, especially, will love the interactive exhibits and touch pools.

Can I take photos inside the Aquarium?

The aquarium is a great place to take pictures of marine animals from the Bay area. But remember to keep your flash off.

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