The only nature center in San Francisco focusing on local bay marine animals, the Aquarium of the Bay offers the closest view of the San Francisco Bay aquatic life possible without getting wet. The 65,000-square-foot aquarium features 300 feet of acrylic tunnels that cut through 700,000 gallons of filtered bay water; overall, it is home to more than 20,000 aquatic animals.
Visitors can explore the tunnels to see a near-shore exhibit of anchovies, giant sea bass and colorful sea stars, traveling on to encounter the grotto-like home of the Giant Pacific octopus, then later the habitat of Sevengill sharks and giant skates. Visitors can even touch blue-tongued skinks, California king snakes, leopard sharks and bat rays.
Private rentals for up to 550 people are available throughout the aquarium tunnels and in the Farralon Room. The Aquarium of the Bay is open daily during the summer from 9 AM to 8 PM and during the winter Monday through Thursday from 10 AM to 6 PM and Friday through Sunday from 10 AM to 7 PM. Admission is $8 for children ages 3-11 and $15.95 for adults. Admission for children under 3 is free. For more information: 888-732-3483
