The 5 Best Zoos & Aquariums in San Francisco, California (CA)

July 9, 2021 Margarita Chappel

Every neighborhood in San Francisco has its own personality, from the hippie chic of the Upper Haight to the hipster grit of the Mission. The Marina district boasts trendy bistros and postcard-perfect views of the Golden Gate Bridge, while Noe Valley offers quaint and quiet boutiques. Wave hello to the sea lions at Pier 39, and sample local cheese and charcuterie at the Ferry Building. Sit in on a yoga session in Dolores Park or marvel at the Dutch Windmill across from Ocean Beach.
Restaurants in San Francisco

1. Parrots Of Telegraph Hill

Montgomery Street & Greenwich Steps, San Francisco, CA 94133 http://www.atlasobscura.com/places/parrots-telegraph-hill
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1 reviews

Parrots Of Telegraph Hill

2. Steinhart Aquarium

55 Music Concourse Dr, San Francisco, CA 94118-4503 +1 415-379-8000 http://www.calacademy.org/academy/exhibits/aquarium/
Excellent
48%
Good
42%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
3%
Terrible
5%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 60 reviews

Steinhart Aquarium

The California Academy of Sciences is the home of Steinhart aquarium.

Reviewed By AnjanManda - Hyderabad, India

It houses a collection of living animals and marine creatures like African penguins,sharks,stingrays,electric eels.Main attraction being white Albino alligator.There are displays about vast diversity of plants and creatures & also land scapes around the world.Dont miss coral reef gallery,California coast gallery, water plant gallery, rain forest and swamp gallery.

3. Sea Lion Center

The Embarcadero at Beach Street c/o Aquarium of the Bay, San Francisco, CA 94133 +1 415-262-4734 http://www.sealioncenter.org/
Excellent
63%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 455 reviews

Sea Lion Center

Operated and managed by Aquarium of the Bay, the Sea Lion Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that offers free interpretive programs to complement one of San Francisco's most popular attractions. More than six million annual visitors will have the opportunity to learn all about California sea lions and their history at PIER 39, as well as what everyone can do to help these charismatic mammals survive in their threatened habitat. The Sea Lion Center includes a classroom and exhibit space located directly above the sea lions' regular hangout on PIER 39's K-Dock. Hours of operation: Sunday through Thursday 10am–4pm Friday, Saturday 10am–5pm Please check website for early closure notifications.

Reviewed By Paradice06 - Seattle, United States

Sea lions are so cute! My wife and I spent over 30 minutes taking photos and videos of these beautiful creatures. They are a must see when in the bay area.

4. San Francisco Zoo

Sloat Boulevard at 45th Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94132 +1 415-753-7080 [email protected] http://www.sfzoo.org/
Excellent
38%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
18%
Poor
5%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 852 reviews

San Francisco Zoo

Nestled against the Pacific Ocean, the San Francisco Zoo is an urban oasis. It is home to over 1,000 exotic, endangered and rescued animals representing more than 250 species and lovely peaceful gardens full of native and foreign plants.

Reviewed By nycbos8 - San Francisco, United States

A true wildlife oasis in the middle of San Francisco. From penguins to giraffes to koala bears to Komodo dragons, the San Fransisco Zoo has it all. And it's just a short ride away from downtown SF on the Muni. The zoo has reopened since Covid shelter in place and they're doing a great job ensuring everyone's safety. Everyone needs to wear a mask and observe social distancing while inside the park. Purell hand sanitizer stations can be found everywhere throughout the grounds. Only outdoor exhibits are open. All indoor experiences like the rainforest and insect zoo are closed due to the pandemic. To visit, you need to book tickets online in attendance. Pro tip: SF residents get a discounted rate!

5. Aquarium of the Bay

Embarcadero & Beach St Pier 39, San Francisco, CA 94133 +1 415-623-5300 [email protected] http://www.aquariumofthebay.org
Excellent
23%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
33%
Poor
10%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

3.5 based on 1,647 reviews

Aquarium of the Bay

Discover the beauty and diversity of Northern California aquatic life at Aquarium of the Bay. Located on the historic San Francisco waterfront at PIER 39, the Aquarium is home to more than 20,000 marine animals including sleek sharks and rays, secretive octopus, hypnotic jellyfish, sparkling anchovies, frolicking river otters, and many more.

Reviewed By lindasask48 - Saskatoon, Canada

Went late in the day unfortunately missing the scheduled talks. Ran into a guide in the walk through tunnel who was very informative. The small displays of different varieties of jellyfish were just beautiful and the antics of the sea otters could be watched for a longtime. Since they close at 6 PM, I would suggest you plan to go for at least 2-3 hours. All very fascinating especially for those of us who do not live near an ocean.

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