San Francisco, California story
Bay Life Under Glass
At the edge of Pier 39, the Aquarium of the Bay brings the local wilderness indoors. Instead of tropical reefs, this aquarium focuses on the animals from the San Francisco Bay and…
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At the edge of Pier 39, the Aquarium of the Bay brings the local wilderness indoors. Instead of tropical reefs, this aquarium focuses on the animals from the San Francisco Bay and the surrounding watersheds, reaching as far as the Sierra Mountains. With over 770,000 gallons of salt water, it's home to more than 24,000 animals, including sleek sharks, rays, and hypnotic jellyfish.
It's not just a display; the aquarium is a non-profit dedicated to protecting and restoring the bay. It's a chance to see the hidden, aquatic side of the city's own backyard.
Updated June 2026