Aquarium of the Bay

Located on San Franciscos bustling Pier 39 waterfront, Aquarium of the Bay showcases local marine life through walk-through tunnels, interactive exhibits, and up-close encounters with sharks, rays, and playful river otters. The area is one of the citys busiest tourist hubs, with constant activity from Fishermans Wharf, nearby cruises, and waterfront attractions, so traffic on The Embarcadero and surrounding streets is often heavy, especially on weekends and holidays.

Because the aquarium sits inside the larger Pier 39 complex, most visitors rely on nearby garages and lots, with limited metered street parking that fills quickly, has time limits, and requires careful attention to posted regulations and enforcement. Planning parking near Aquarium of the Bay in advance helps you avoid circling for a spot, manage higher waterfront parking rates, and focus on enjoying your visit rather than navigating congestion. Always review the latest city and Pier 39 parking rules and check official, up-to-date sources before you travel, as policies and availability can change.