The Bay's Hidden Neighbors

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Imagine a world beneath the waves, right here at the edge of Pier 39. At the Aquarium of the Bay, the focus isn't on tropical reefs, but on the local residents of the San Francisco Bay and neighboring watersheds, reaching as far as the Sierra Mountains. Inside, over 770,000 gallons of salt water provide a home for more than 24,000 marine animals.

You can wander through walk-through tunnels and encounter sleek sharks, rays, and secretive octopus. There are hypnotic jellyfish, sparkling anchovies, and even frolicking river otters. Since 2005, the aquarium has dedicated its mission to ocean conservation and climate action, protecting the delicate balance of the local ecosystem from the Sierra to the Sea.

It's a vivid reminder that while we walk the city streets, a diverse wild world is thriving just beyond the seawall.

Updated June 2026