Aquarium of the Bay

Things to do at Aquarium of the Bay

Discover the Bay

Jump into the amazing world of the San Francisco Bay at the Discover the Bay gallery. Here, you can explore seven different animal habitats, each one showing off its unique environment. See incredible creatures like the bright orange Garibaldi, green Moray Eels, marine state fish, and colorful rockfish.

Go with the Flow

Get ready to be amazed by the beautiful jellyfish in the Go with the Flow gallery. You'll see Moon Jellies gently pulsing in a huge 725-gallon tank. Don't miss the amazing Pacific Sea Nettles in another big tank that holds 740 gallons. You'll learn many interesting facts about these creatures, like how they're 95% water and have no heart or brain, and how climate change is affecting them.

Under the Bay

Under the Bay gallery is an iconic exhibit area. As you walk through 300 feet of clear tunnels, you'll be surrounded by groups of anchovies, graceful bay rays, playful skates, and mighty sharks. In the Near Shore Tunnel, you can see the lively, shallow parts of the bay, while the Draper Startup Shark Tunnel lets you dive deeper into the world of sevengill sharks and gentle rays.

Touch the Bay

Get ready for a hands-on experience at the Touch the Bay gallery. Feel the skin of bat rays, leopard sharks, and tidepool creatures like sea stars and sea cucumbers. These touch pools let you connect with the bay's diverse sea life. You can also visit the Bay Lab to learn about land animals like chinchillas and tortoises and how they help with climate resilience.

Popular attractions near Aquarium of the Bay

Pier 39

Just a short walk from the Aquarium of the Bay, Pier 39 is a lively place full of shops, restaurants, and entertainment. Don't forget to see the famous sea lions basking in the sun. You can also watch fun street performances or take a ride on the colorful San Francisco carousel.

Fisherman's Wharf

Visit the world-famous Fisherman's Wharf, close by the aquarium. This vibrant area is known for its delicious seafood, busy shops, and lively atmosphere. Try the famous clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl or take a scenic boat ride around the bay.

Alcatraz Island

Just a ferry ride away, Alcatraz Island invites you to explore its historic former prison. This famous site can be seen from the pier and offers a unique look into its amazing past.