7 ways to Save with Aquarium of the Bay Discounts (see how)
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.
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).
SAVVY TIPS:
- Sea Lions — 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.
- Where to Park — Public parking is available at Pier 35 or across from the main entrance at the Pier 39 garage. The Aquarium doesn’t validate parking, but many Pier 39 restaurants do.
That’s Troy in the Aquarium Bubble
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
7 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. {Best Price + Coupon Code} Aquarium Of The Bay Discount Tickets — Get 27% Off ($6 Off). Use coupon code SFAQ1 (ending with a one not the letter I) at checkout. 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 Discount Tickets — Get $5 Off. This offer from our travel pages is easy — just print and go any day you choose, now through March 2016. You don’t need to select your day in advance, so if you change your mind, you can go later. Print and Go tickets.
3. Build Your Own San Francisco Discount Pass {best price for 2+ attractions} — This custom discount card is best 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. You also have 30 days (from first use) to use it. 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.
4. Go San Francisco Card — For the real tourist experience, check this one out. The Go City cards are provided by Smart Destinations, the same company as the Build Your Own Pass (above). For this one you’ll save more but you’ll need to visit more museums and attractions from a choice of 27. Aquarium Of The Bay is a popular choice. You have 30 days to use up the card. Combo passes and cards like Go City and CityPASS are best when you’re planning to visit more than one attraction during a short period of time, like when you’re on vacation. Print at home or show on your smart phone.
5. San Francisco CityPASS — This discount pass includes Aquarium of the Bay (or Monterrey Bay Aquarium) in it’s packet of 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.
6. Military Discount — They don’t say what the discount is, but this page on the Aquarium website says, 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.
7. 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
- Website: Browse the official Aquarium of the Bay website at aquariumofthebay.org.
- 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.
- 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
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
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.
What is the code for the 26% off deal?
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 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
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.