Aquarium of the Bay: SF Sea Life up Close

7 ways to Save with Aquarium of the Bay Discounts

The Aquarium caters to kids quite well, but we went kidless and found it a savvy choice for a foggy afternoon date spot. Our recent visit to San Francisco’s Aquarium of the Bay reminded me how much fun this place, no matter how young you are.

Not as large as some other bay aquariums, but big enough to leave our fish fantasies fulfilled. The ocean comes alive in a delightfully well-organized way. Props for their goal of improving sea life in the San Francisco Bay.

From walking through the tunnel of fish and jellyfish areas, to watching the otters play up close, to touching the squishy slimy sea life at the hands on exhibits, this popular local attraction has a little bit of everything without seeming overwhelming.

What we like best of all is that Aquarium of the Bay is located in a great section of town, right on the Embarcadero.

After a visit to the aquarium you can saving time to enjoy some of San Francisco’s most popular sites, all within walking distance. Pier 39, Fisherman’s Wharf, the Ferry Building (great lunch spot), the Sea Lions, and more are all right there.

San Francisco’s Aquarium of the Bay is one of the most popular attractions in the Bay area all year long, and a great place to spend a few hours with friends and family, rain or shine. With more than 20,000 local marine animals, there’s a lot to see.

SAVVY TIP: When you go, check out the new Sea Lion Center operated by Aquarium of the Bay. You’l find it toward the back of PIER 39 on the upper level facing the Golden Gate Bridge.

The deals for this attraction come and go. Currently the best discount is for 50 percent off (see below).  If the deal you want sells out, check the others. They also offer a Bay Area locals discount, but the price is not a good as some of the deals.

Your tickets are valid for general admission, with access to all the amazing marine eco-systems. Aquarium of the Bay recently added the 270-seat theater called the Bay Theater. (Theater tickets cost an extra $8 at the Aquarium).

6 Aquarium of the Bay Discount Tickets

The Aquarium of the Bay discount tickets below are all from different ticket sources we trust. Follow the links to find out more and to get tickets.

1. Aquarium Of The Bay Discount Tickets

{Best Price + Coupon Code} Get 27% Off with coupon code SFAQ1 (ending with a number one, not the letter I) at checkout.

They post a $5 off deal, but you get an extra $1 off when you use the code. No fees added. You can print your tickets and use them now or any day you want up to six months from date of purchase.

2. Aquarium Of The Bay Online Tickets

 Get Tickets. This online offer is easy and has Print and Go tickets. If for some reason deal 1 above doesn’t work for you (blackout days or sold out), try this one.

3. Go San Francisco Pass

if you’re planning to visit more than one SF attraction, you can get 20% off or more with the Go San Francisco pass. This combo attraction pass is now a good choice even for locals because you can choose as few as two attractions (or as many as you want from a list of many) and you’re guaranteed to save.

So, for example, you can choose just the Aquarium of the Bay and Exploratorium, or the Aquarium and California Academy of Sciences, you’ll save 20% on both. Choose more and you’ll save more.

You have 30 days to use it. Print at home or show on your smart phone.

4. San Francisco CityPASS

This discount card includes Aquarium of the Bay along a few top Bay Area attractions,. You also get to skip the ticket line and head straight for the entrance. This is the most popular attraction pass for San Francisco visitors.

You have nine days to see all the attractions, which include: California Academy of Sciences, Blue & Gold Fleet Bay Cruise, Exploratorium or De Young Museum, and a MUNI and Cable Car 7-day Passport. You have nine days to see them all.

5. Military Discount

They don’t say what the discount is, but, you can purchase tickets at a discounted rate from the following facilities: Beale Air Force Base; Defense Depot, San Joaquin; Naval Postgraduate School; Travis Air Force Base; U.S. Coast Guard, Alameda County.

6. Locals Discount 

Not as good as the discounts above, but if you live in San Francisco County, you qualify for slightly cheaper Locals discount tickets (adults $18, seniors/kids ages 4-12 $10) at the door. You’ll need to show your driver’s license or other ID when you go. Discount will apply to all family members.

Aquarium of the Bay: Know Before You Go

Where to get Discount Tickets Online

Coupon code SFAQ1 here. Or save with attraction combo passes here.

Address

Aquarium of the Bay — Pier 39, 2 Beach St, San Francisco, CA 94133. (415) 623-5300.

Parking

You can park at Pier 35 or across from the main entrance at the Pier 39 garage.

Savvy Tip: Although Aquarium of the Bay doesn’t validate parking, many Pier 39 restaurants do.

Hours

Open every day except December 25. Here are the open times (but check their website for updates):

• Spring: Mar 1 – May 28 — Mon-Thurs 10am – 7pm; Fri-Sun 10am-8pm
• Summer: May 29-Sept 6 — Daily 9am-8pm
• Fall: Sept 7-Oct 3 1– Mon-Thurs 10am -7pm; Fri-Sun 10am-8pm
• Winter: Nov 1-Feb 28 — Mon-Thurs: 10am-6pm; Fri-Sun: 10am- pm

Official Info

Browse the official Aquarium of the Bay website at aquariumofthebay.org.

Your visit to the Aquarium will bring you face-to-face with the Bay’s amazing marine animals — from regal Sevengill Sharks and the Giant Pacific Octopus, to graceful jellies and colorful sea stars. The new Bay Lab features land animals as ambassadors for protecting their habitats. –Aquarium Of The Bay