Aquarium of the Bay San Francisco

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Location: Pier 39

Aquarium of the Bay, constructed in 1996, is dedicated to educating the general public about the marine life that’s abundant in the San Francisco Bay and the surrounding waters and hopes to inspire visitors to assist in preserving this wonderful natural resource and others like it. Located at Pier 39, this 48,000 square foot, 3-story building is home to about 23,000 aquatic animals from 235 species indigenous to the San Francisco Bay.

Children can learn why tropical fish don’t live in the bay, what kind of aquatic life lives in the deep waters surrounding the bay, and what species of San Francisco Bay marine life are in danger of becoming extinct. In the “Touch the Bay” exhibit, guests can get personal with bat rays, leopard sharks, and small tide pool animals.

Fascinating behind-the-scenes tours are offered at Aquarium of the Bay and adults might enjoy a lecture by one of the aquarium’s staff members or naturalists. Don’t forget to make a stop by the gift shop, where proceeds benefit various San Francisco Bay conservation projects.