Aquarium of the Bay: Tickets

Immerse yourself in the life found in San Francisco Bay without entering its chilly waters. Right off the coast of the “City by the Bay” fish large and small, sea anemones, eels, sea stars, rays, and sharks make their home. With Aquarium of the Bay tickets, experience the unseen world right next to San Francisco.

Here's all you need to know about Aquarium of the Bay, one of the most exciting theme parks in San Francisco.

What are the prices of Aquarium of the Bay tickets?

General admission prices depend on the day of your visit.

• Adult tickets: US$30 per person to US$35 per person
• Youth tickets (ages 4-12): US$20 per person to US$25 per person
• Senior tickets (age 62+): US$25 per person to US$30 per person
• Children 0-3: free

Are there are discounted tickets?

Active and retired military personnel are eligible for discounted tickets, available only for pre-purchase at Beale Air Force Base or Travis Air Force Base.

Should I book in advance?

There is no need to book tickets for Aquarium of the Bay in advance. Tickets are unlikely to sell out, although weekend and school holiday crowds can make visits less enjoyable. Arrive early to avoid long lines.

What are the best Aquarium of the Bay tours?

Wander through the Aquarium of the Bay at your own pace or book a VIP tour that takes you behind the scenes without crowds. General tours are self-guided with access for the full day.

VIP tickets invite you to the aquarium before it opens to the public. See the inner workings of the aquarium, watch how staff prepare the animals for the day and ask all the questions you like.

The recommended visit time is about 90 minutes, but people touring with children may want to spend more time at interactive exhibits like “Touch the Bay.”

Can I combine Aquarium of the Bay tickets with other attractions?

Muir Woods plus Aquarium of the Bay tickets

Fill a day with exploration among the thousand-year-old trees of Muir Woods, followed by a glimpse beneath the surface of the Pacific at the Aquarium by the Bay.

Grand City Bus Tour plus Aquarium of the Bay tickets

Tour the highlights of San Francisco and the Aquarium of the Bay in one day. Hop on a tour bus to the city’s top destinations. Then take in the marvels of the aquarium at your own pace.

Yosemite, Alcatraz night tour plus Aquarium of the Bay tickets

Two-day tour packages that hit some of northern California’s most famous spots are a great way to combine tours, tickets and transportation into one price. Visit the aquarium and Alcatraz on day one and Yosemite on day two.  

Muir Woods, Napa and Sonoma, Alcatraz night tour plus Aquarium of the Bay tickets

A tour package that bundles the most desirable attractions in and around San Francisco is a convenient way to make the most of a short stay in the city. On the first day, check out the aquarium and tour Alcatraz. On day two, head north to the Napa and Sonoma Valleys, where you can sample local wines.

What will you see inside?

While there are larger aquariums in northern California, what sets the Aquarium of the Bay apart is that it focuses solely on the animals of the San Francisco Bay Area. Witness how the natural environment has been cleverly replicated to shelter over 20,000 local animals living here.

Discover the Bay

Get to know the ecosystem of the San Francisco Bay. This vast exhibit displays seven habitats showing how marine animals dwell in the bay. Gaze at the “Beauties of the Bay,” the region’s most colorful fish and the massive shimmering swirls of anchovies. Don’t miss the “Bay Babies”, a chance to observe recently hatched skates and perch discovering their new surroundings.

Under the Bay

Delve deeper into the bay waters with transparent tunnels and floor-to-ceiling tanks teeming with sharks, jellies, octopi and more. View the bay’s largest predator, the seven-gill shark, as well as leopard sharks, dogfish and sturgeon.

Go with the Flow

“Go with the Flow” is a darkened chamber lined with glowing tanks filled with dancing jellies. Watch their mesmerizing movements as colorful lights enable you to notice the interior of these translucent creatures. Spy moon jellies and sea nettles interacting in over 5,000 liters of habitat.

Touch the Bay (Bay Lab)

Spark your curiosity at “Touch the Bay” and the Bay Lab, a hands-on space that affords you up close views of shallow-water animals. Reach out and touch rays, sharks, anemones and sea cucumbers. Located in the same area is the Bay Lab, an educational center featuring land dwelling animals. Here, take in facts about how animals’ wild homes are being affected by climate change.

River Otters

Check out the four playful river otters who are the aquarium’s “watershed ambassadors.” Observe while Ryer, Baxter, Tahoe and Shasta romp through pools, over rocks and over each other.

Sea Lion Center

Just outside the doors of the aquarium reside the sea lions of Pier 39. After the earthquake that hit northern California in 1989, scores of sea lions inexplicably took up residence at the pier. The aquarium’s expert staff have crafted a learning center at the pier that provides free presentations to educate the pier’s many guests about these fascinating pinnipeds.

Where is the Aquarium of the Bay?

The Aquarium of the Bay is located at Pier 39 on the Embarcadero, a 4-minute walk east from Fisherman’s Wharf. There is public parking at Pier 27, just west of the aquarium. It is a 10-minute walk from the parking lot.

What are the opening times?

The aquarium is open from 11 AM to 6 PM daily, with the last entry at 5:30 PM. Visit the aquarium any day of the year except December 25.

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

The best time to tour the Aquarium of the Bay are weekday mornings. Long lines tend to form after 12PM. An additional perk of an early visit is that the animals in the touch pools are more energetic during the aquarium’s early hours. The aquarium is busiest on weekends and school holidays.

Which other theme parks can be visited in San Francisco?

• San Francisco Zoo

Travel tips

• There is no parking at the aquarium, but several public parking lots and garages are within a few minutes’ walk.
• Check the official aquarium website before your visit to confirm opening hours for the day and whether there will be feeding demonstrations.
• The aquarium is rather large and requires a lot of walking, so make sure you wear comfortable shoes.