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 Card
Check this one out. if you’re planning to visit more than one SF attraction. This custom combo attraction pass is now even great for locals because you can choose as few as two attractions (or as many as you want from a list of 27) and you’re guaranteed to save around 20 percent or more.
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 up the card. Print at home or show on your smart phone.
4. San Francisco CityPASS
This discount pass includes Aquarium of the Bay along with other top Bay Area attractions, plus extras. 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 combo passes here.
Hotels Nearby
Staying over in San Francisco? Check out hotel rates & reviews for rooms near the Embarcadero area and the Aquarium.
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
That’s Troy in the Aquarium Bubble
A writer based in Half Moon Bay, California, and publisher of SavvyCalifornia.com, Kat's beat is the best of California day trips, nightlife, and savvy living on the left coast living {
Aronda Morris says
I have been working with children for 30 years. For the past two years We experience many hardships. I work with many under privileged children. I’m trying to map out affordable trips for the summer do they have any deals for a small group approximately 15 children
Kathy Summers says
Aronda — You probably won’t find a better deal anywhere. I don’t see any “group” rates published by Aquarium of the Bay on their website either. You could always call them to ask if they have unpublished group rates. But I’m guessing deal 1 above (while they last) is your best choice.
Sanju Prasad says
What is the code for the 26% off deal?
Kathy Summers says
The coupon code for Aquarium of the Bay (Deal 1) is SFAQ1. You’ll need to follow the link to that source for the code to work. (Each of the deals is from a different ticket source.) If you have trouble with the code, let me know and I will check on it for you.
yolanda says
Yolanda Ramos says
9-16-2013 at 11:06 a.m.
On September 28 my daughter will be turn 7 years old and she wants, as a gift, to go to the San Francisco aquarium. I wonder if I could get the 50% discount tickets for my family and I. I have not the economic resources to bring the whole family. We are three adults and a girl.
Thank you
Kathy Summers says
Yolanda — Happy Birthday to your daughter! It looks like the half off deal source is out of tickets for Aquarium of the Bay, unfortunately for now. They often get more, though, so keep checking. Deal 1 is also good at 26% off, and they have lots of tickets.