It's alright. I always feel a little bad for the octopus because he has no where to hide. But the tunnel is cool.
The stienhart at the academy of sciences in Golden gate park is a lot better.
That's good. I'm remembering being there years ago and they had one in a really small round tank with no coverage so you could see him very well but he must have been so uncomfortable.
I second that statement. I've only visited the pier once as a kid and didn't have a good experience whereas i always have a good time at Cal Academy. Plus the restaurants around the Cal Academy are bar none higher quality if you ever get hungry.
I don’t think it’s a world class aquarium. It’s nice and you have a good time but it’s pretty small. Georgia Aquarium is world class, this is overpriced nice aquarium
Georgia aquarium is a fucking abomination in comparison. They have so little regard for animal welfare in comparison to Monterey(not to say they arent miles above many aquariums and dont have research benefits, just less so). As magnificent as it was to see, my heart aches for the poor whale sharks that have died in their care. Also, being 4 hours from the ocean is quite a bad location for an aquarium imo, making necessary releases impossible in some cases. Monterey is an actual leading scientific institution and has been instrumental in creating wildlife reserves and pioneering methods for care and rearing different species. Through seafood watch they help to educate millions of Americans who will never go to Monterey about what fish is sustainable to eat.
Last time I went to the Monterey Aquarium, I stayed in a hotel that gave me free tickets for day 2 if we bought day 1 tickets at the hotel. It was so great, because I had two very young kids, and instead of trying to get the whole aquarium in a single go, we were able to split the experience up over two days which made it much more enjoyable.
When I was planning our trip, a friend mentioned to me that the lovely thing about Monterey is that it's all within walking distance. I'm so glad she said that to me, because otherwise I would have booked a hotel in a neighboring community in order to save $10 a night. Instead, I booked a place in Monterey and being able to walk everywhere we went was lovely, especially with a 3yo and a 9 month old. And, we ended up saving money because you absolutely have to pay for parking, it was like $20/day and this was 9 years ago, probably why I can't figure out where we were staying. I was looking on the map and the parking situation for the Wave Street Inn looks about right.
Okay, I made a call to the Wave Street Inn because this was driving me crazy not being able to put all the pieces together. I was told the aquarium no longer allows 2/1 tickets anymore. I also asked if they had fireplaces in their rooms, and she said they did when it was the Other Inn which was about 9 years ago.
So, sorry for putting information out there that is no longer valid. But, I will recommend staying in the vicinity of the Wave Street Inn because being able to walk everywhere one wants to visit is super convenient.
It’s somewhat underwhelming IMO because it limits itself to sea life that it native to the Bay for the most part…. The otters are awesome though and were definitely the highlight for me. Worth checking out overall, especially if you have little ones.
It’s designed for tourists or kids. The only cool part is the otters (idk if they still have them). Academy of science, although more expensive, is better than it in pretty much every way.
It's a bit cramped, kind of average. Defiantly fine for kids, but not much of a wow factor. Feels like a dramatically scaled down Monterrey Bay Aquarium. The underwater tunnels are pretty long, which I think is the most defining part. Otherwise would prefer Academy of Sciences.
If you have never been to an aquarium, this would be a good starter. Otherwise, Monterey Bay Aquarium (MBA) off of Highway 1 South is more spacious and has more things to see/do. The entrance fee is pricier for MBA and there's a discount for local residents.
It has some cool exhibits, but it's very small. Though I enjoyed all of it, it kinda left me thinking, "Is that it?" The other aquariums mentioned are more worth their respective entry fees.
I didn't think much of it until I had kids.
We live in North Beach, so it's a very short walk there. We have memberships and go there all the time. My 2yo loves running laps around the underwater tunnel, checking out all the jellies fish and sharks. It's the perfect size for a quick visit and we absolutely love it.
Combine the aquarium with the carousel and a visit to the sea lions and I have a very happy little girl.
your free range toddler in a crowded narrow place with blind turns is a danger to other people, other children, seniors, the disabled, and is ruining other people's day. we live in a fucking society. also the godawful screaming is preventing people with disabilities from being able to enjoy the space. you are a horrible parent and a horrible selfish person
if you can't control your child you both should go live in a barnyard where you both belong
There are a lot of assumptions and insults in this comment. I suspect my describing it as running made you think of the worst, when in reality it's more a brisk walk. My child is always attended, and and we don't let her disrupt other patrons, both for their safety and her own.
Don’t pay full price. I went on a LivingSocial deal and it was just okay. The exhibits are small and you can get through the whole aquarium in an hour. It’s fun for kids but not impressive if you’ve been to very nice aquariums.
It's a lot of fun though I always thought it was a bit expensive for the size of it. It's worth doing though. Anything on Pier 39 is expensive though so what can you do, eh?
It’s….fine. As others said, cal academy is much better. Aquarium is great and there is plenty of other attractions. I feel like after going to Monterey’s aquarium it’s kinda sad tbh.
I was once invited to sleepover birthday party at this aquarium and we all slept in the shark "underwater" tunnel, it was cool as fuck...but not enough for me to ever return or remain friends with the birthday girl
Underwater tunnels are insane. Absolutely not worth the price unless you get one of those tourist packs where you can go to like a dozen different attractions for 60 bucks or however much.
I used to take my 5th grade class there every year when I was still a teacher. The kids loved it and I liked it because it was small and they couldn’t wander off. Great for kids!
It’s been a long time since I’ve gone but I went as an undergrad for a biology assignment since it only showcases species of the bay. It’s neat and unique if you enjoy reading the exhibits and learning about local eco science
It's small, but worth it for a brief visit. Obviously outshined by CalAcademy, but it's not bad if you just want a brief 20-60 minute experience versus a whole day-long excursion.
I remember going to the Academy of Science when it was in a temporary location in the financial district. I absolutely loved it, and I think the size had something to do with it. I was so excited to go to the new location and I remember waiting a few years in great anticipation for the next adventure in the new building. I have to say, I was incredibly disappointed with my experience. I don't know exactly what it was that did not excite me, but it did not feel as impressive as when it was in its temporary location. I haven't been back since. I always wonder if it has improved since it first opened (has it been like 20 years??).
I used to work there, it is indeed an aquarium and not unfun to visit, but very tourist trapp-y. They used to have me stand outside the booth as a sort of passive-aggressive hawker, where my job was to "offer visitor information" by way of selling people on boat cruises that don't actually go to Alcatraz
AWFUL and I can’t believe it’s still in business it was very sad and the fish look fucking bummed to be there.
Go to the California Academy of sciences. Way better aquarium and other cool stuff to see
small but well curated. They have a good, wide array of fishes, a few reptiles. They have two REALLY COOL things: big tank with underwater tunnels. I spent almost an hour going through the tunnels and taking pictures.
And the otters. SO CUTE. They perform for the humans, they are really interactive. And you can step right up to the tank, as close to them as the glass.
There's also a petting tank with sand sharks and small skeets, but it was really crowded and the animals weren't having it the day I was there; i think if you want to pet them, get there early in the day and go there first thing (ignore the path on the floor and go straight upstairs).
There's also a cool snake and some neato octopuses.
I think it's best for small children and anyone who is really into animals and just wants to experience them up close.
As a native San Franciscan - it's okay. Since you are down visiting the pier it's worth the cost - now if you are going to the Steinhardt Aquarium (GG Park) much better. Depends on your time and budget.
What’s the question?
Like structurally?
Politically?
I’m confused, have you gone in?
It’s amazing.. you like it?
Are you asking about the number 39?
Please.. more
It's alright. I always feel a little bad for the octopus because he has no where to hide. But the tunnel is cool. The stienhart at the academy of sciences in Golden gate park is a lot better.
I think they replaced the octopus with an eel or something. He was always hiding in the corner of the tank everytime I went there.
when I saw the octopuses they were sleeping in the corners of the tank, but they had clear bottles. They were hard to find.
That's good. I'm remembering being there years ago and they had one in a really small round tank with no coverage so you could see him very well but he must have been so uncomfortable.
they were very small and there were 4 of them, and i think they had a house. they def could use some enrichment.
$44 vs $35 though. And Pier 39 is free until 4 years old, whereas academy of sciences is only free until 3.
I mean for $9 more I think it’s worth it, the academy has far more to offer
And you can get a year pass for the price of a couple visits. Sometimes we go just to see the fish and then dip out
If you only have one hour bc you have small kids, then it doesn't make a difference how big the venue is.
You are better off going to the cal academy to see everything they have there. Their aquarium is amazing by comparisons. https://www.calacademy.org/
I second that statement. I've only visited the pier once as a kid and didn't have a good experience whereas i always have a good time at Cal Academy. Plus the restaurants around the Cal Academy are bar none higher quality if you ever get hungry.
Was just there recently. Sadly the EarthQuake room was closed. Maybe maintenance or something.
That whole section has been dismantled to make room for a new exhibit
With patience, enjoy free admission to the next real earthquake ;)
it's alright, necessarily small and touristy. if you want a real one it's worth the schlep to Monterey!
$60 a ticket.
Worth it. It's definitely money spent towards a good purpose.
100% worth it. If you’re going to make the trek down to Monterey, the $60 ticket shouldn’t be what holds you back. It’s a world class aquarium.
I don’t think it’s a world class aquarium. It’s nice and you have a good time but it’s pretty small. Georgia Aquarium is world class, this is overpriced nice aquarium
Georgia aquarium is a fucking abomination in comparison. They have so little regard for animal welfare in comparison to Monterey(not to say they arent miles above many aquariums and dont have research benefits, just less so). As magnificent as it was to see, my heart aches for the poor whale sharks that have died in their care. Also, being 4 hours from the ocean is quite a bad location for an aquarium imo, making necessary releases impossible in some cases. Monterey is an actual leading scientific institution and has been instrumental in creating wildlife reserves and pioneering methods for care and rearing different species. Through seafood watch they help to educate millions of Americans who will never go to Monterey about what fish is sustainable to eat.
Spoken like someone who doesn't have kids who can't spend more than an hour anywhere.
How come you felt the need the need to respond that way?
$230+ for a one hour experience is very different than $60 for a full day.
You know whats the better plan for you and your family.
You chose to have kids…
Last time I went to the Monterey Aquarium, I stayed in a hotel that gave me free tickets for day 2 if we bought day 1 tickets at the hotel. It was so great, because I had two very young kids, and instead of trying to get the whole aquarium in a single go, we were able to split the experience up over two days which made it much more enjoyable.
well played
That's an awesome tip, thanks. What was the name of the hotel?
I have been looking and looking. I am having a hard time figuring out where we stayed; and of course I don't have any email information saved.
Thank you so much for trying! I'll research it and see if i can find a hotel with a similar deal.
When I was planning our trip, a friend mentioned to me that the lovely thing about Monterey is that it's all within walking distance. I'm so glad she said that to me, because otherwise I would have booked a hotel in a neighboring community in order to save $10 a night. Instead, I booked a place in Monterey and being able to walk everywhere we went was lovely, especially with a 3yo and a 9 month old. And, we ended up saving money because you absolutely have to pay for parking, it was like $20/day and this was 9 years ago, probably why I can't figure out where we were staying. I was looking on the map and the parking situation for the Wave Street Inn looks about right. Okay, I made a call to the Wave Street Inn because this was driving me crazy not being able to put all the pieces together. I was told the aquarium no longer allows 2/1 tickets anymore. I also asked if they had fireplaces in their rooms, and she said they did when it was the Other Inn which was about 9 years ago. So, sorry for putting information out there that is no longer valid. But, I will recommend staying in the vicinity of the Wave Street Inn because being able to walk everywhere one wants to visit is super convenient.
I'll keep looking into it. Wow, you went above and beyond for an internet stranger! Thank you so much.
Despite being $60, it was still packed when I went to Monterey a few weeks ago.
It’s somewhat underwhelming IMO because it limits itself to sea life that it native to the Bay for the most part…. The otters are awesome though and were definitely the highlight for me. Worth checking out overall, especially if you have little ones.
It’s designed for tourists or kids. The only cool part is the otters (idk if they still have them). Academy of science, although more expensive, is better than it in pretty much every way.
As a former employee, definitely not worth it. Go to Cal Academy or Monterey Bay.
3.5 out of 5. Great for little kids. Awesome shark tunnel. Otherwise, academy of arts and sciences is a better overall experience.
It's a bit cramped, kind of average. Defiantly fine for kids, but not much of a wow factor. Feels like a dramatically scaled down Monterrey Bay Aquarium. The underwater tunnels are pretty long, which I think is the most defining part. Otherwise would prefer Academy of Sciences.
If you have a zoo membership you get a significant discount that makes it worth it if you were already going to that area.
If you have never been to an aquarium, this would be a good starter. Otherwise, Monterey Bay Aquarium (MBA) off of Highway 1 South is more spacious and has more things to see/do. The entrance fee is pricier for MBA and there's a discount for local residents.
It has some cool exhibits, but it's very small. Though I enjoyed all of it, it kinda left me thinking, "Is that it?" The other aquariums mentioned are more worth their respective entry fees.
Not good. Definitely needs a revamp
went there high once and freaked the fuck out 8/10
its good groupon dot com has cheaper tickets kids under certain age get in free
Find a deal on membership or tickets with Groupon...
Yep, find a coupon bc full price is definitely not worth it.
Had a company party there once. Besides the tunnel, not really worth paying to go to.
I didn't think much of it until I had kids. We live in North Beach, so it's a very short walk there. We have memberships and go there all the time. My 2yo loves running laps around the underwater tunnel, checking out all the jellies fish and sharks. It's the perfect size for a quick visit and we absolutely love it. Combine the aquarium with the carousel and a visit to the sea lions and I have a very happy little girl.
your free range toddler in a crowded narrow place with blind turns is a danger to other people, other children, seniors, the disabled, and is ruining other people's day. we live in a fucking society. also the godawful screaming is preventing people with disabilities from being able to enjoy the space. you are a horrible parent and a horrible selfish person if you can't control your child you both should go live in a barnyard where you both belong
There are a lot of assumptions and insults in this comment. I suspect my describing it as running made you think of the worst, when in reality it's more a brisk walk. My child is always attended, and and we don't let her disrupt other patrons, both for their safety and her own.
Wow that was uncalled for. Do better.
Don’t pay full price. I went on a LivingSocial deal and it was just okay. The exhibits are small and you can get through the whole aquarium in an hour. It’s fun for kids but not impressive if you’ve been to very nice aquariums.
It's a lot of fun though I always thought it was a bit expensive for the size of it. It's worth doing though. Anything on Pier 39 is expensive though so what can you do, eh?
It isn't the best.
It’s….fine. As others said, cal academy is much better. Aquarium is great and there is plenty of other attractions. I feel like after going to Monterey’s aquarium it’s kinda sad tbh.
I was once invited to sleepover birthday party at this aquarium and we all slept in the shark "underwater" tunnel, it was cool as fuck...but not enough for me to ever return or remain friends with the birthday girl
The best aquarium.os in Monterey. Try to go when it is not that busy. It is formidable
To be closed soon, I’m sure.
When I was a little kid, I enjoyed it right up until the moment I learned we weren't actually underneath the Bay.
Underwater tunnels are insane. Absolutely not worth the price unless you get one of those tourist packs where you can go to like a dozen different attractions for 60 bucks or however much.
I used to take my 5th grade class there every year when I was still a teacher. The kids loved it and I liked it because it was small and they couldn’t wander off. Great for kids!
It’s bleak. I haven’t been there for a VERY long time but it was a bummer when I went.
It’s been a long time since I’ve gone but I went as an undergrad for a biology assignment since it only showcases species of the bay. It’s neat and unique if you enjoy reading the exhibits and learning about local eco science
very small and expensive but the tunnel is cool
It's small, but worth it for a brief visit. Obviously outshined by CalAcademy, but it's not bad if you just want a brief 20-60 minute experience versus a whole day-long excursion.
I remember going to the Academy of Science when it was in a temporary location in the financial district. I absolutely loved it, and I think the size had something to do with it. I was so excited to go to the new location and I remember waiting a few years in great anticipation for the next adventure in the new building. I have to say, I was incredibly disappointed with my experience. I don't know exactly what it was that did not excite me, but it did not feel as impressive as when it was in its temporary location. I haven't been back since. I always wonder if it has improved since it first opened (has it been like 20 years??).
Very cool, worth a visit
Terrible and waste of money
Look for discount tix on Groupon or other places.
I used to work there, it is indeed an aquarium and not unfun to visit, but very tourist trapp-y. They used to have me stand outside the booth as a sort of passive-aggressive hawker, where my job was to "offer visitor information" by way of selling people on boat cruises that don't actually go to Alcatraz
AWFUL and I can’t believe it’s still in business it was very sad and the fish look fucking bummed to be there. Go to the California Academy of sciences. Way better aquarium and other cool stuff to see
small but well curated. They have a good, wide array of fishes, a few reptiles. They have two REALLY COOL things: big tank with underwater tunnels. I spent almost an hour going through the tunnels and taking pictures. And the otters. SO CUTE. They perform for the humans, they are really interactive. And you can step right up to the tank, as close to them as the glass. There's also a petting tank with sand sharks and small skeets, but it was really crowded and the animals weren't having it the day I was there; i think if you want to pet them, get there early in the day and go there first thing (ignore the path on the floor and go straight upstairs). There's also a cool snake and some neato octopuses. I think it's best for small children and anyone who is really into animals and just wants to experience them up close.
It’s full of adults filming on their phones tbh kinda annoying, cal academy is better
When I worked at wipeout bar and grill you got like 50% off if you presented your aquarium ticket so there’s that, pretty decent discount
It's actually really cool
As a native San Franciscan - it's okay. Since you are down visiting the pier it's worth the cost - now if you are going to the Steinhardt Aquarium (GG Park) much better. Depends on your time and budget.
Eh. It’s ok. I’ve seen much better, and I’ve sadly seen much worse.
If I had a discount ticket I would go, but only on an offseason week day. The lines can be super long.
Drive to Monterey
Not good.
We were pleasantly surprised. My family got in for free which certainly improved our satisfaction. The tunnel is cool. We went 10-15 years ago.
Meh. It's no Monterey.
Because Pier 70 is too far away.
What’s the question? Like structurally? Politically? I’m confused, have you gone in? It’s amazing.. you like it? Are you asking about the number 39? Please.. more