Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do when my group arrives?
Arrival: It is a good idea to arrive 10-15 minutes before your scheduled tour or class time. This will give you time to check-in and help us stay on schedule. If you arrive more than 15 minutes late, we may not be able to accommodate your group at your reserved time.
Checking-In: Come to the main Aquarium entrance on the second floor - up the main staircase right in front of the Aquarium. Please bring your confirmation letter with you. It is important that you know the correct number of students and chaperones when you check in (for every 5 students, 1 chaperone enters free). Any additional adults need to pay at this time ($10.00 per person). Any chaperones arriving separately may not receive the group rate.
Late Arrivals: If you arrive more than 15 minutes late, we may not be able to accommodate your group at your reserved time. If you group is running late, please call our Education Department at (415) 623-5342.
How does my group get to the Aquarium and where do we park?
Directions and car parking: Please visit our Directions page.
Bus Parking: Busses may only pick-up and drop-off in the PIER 39 passenger and taxi-loading zone on a space available basis. This loading zone runs directly in front of the Aquarium. Busses in the loading zone are restricted from idling for more than 5 minutes for loading and un-loading within the city of San Francisco. Short-term bus parking near the Aquarium is permitted for up to 2 hours in the following areas:
- The west side of Mason Street between Beach and North Point Streets
- The north side of North Point Street between Mason and Taylor Streets
- The east side of Hyde Street between Jefferson and Beach Streets
- The east side of Jones Street just north of Beach Street.
What kind of weather should we dress for?
When visiting the aquarium, dress for cool weather. The San Francisco waterfront is almost always cool and breezy (even if it is hot where you are coming from!). Your students will have to wait outside the building while you are checking-in, so please be prepared for variable weather. Note: Classes may also take place outside.
Where can my class purchase lunch?
Aquarium of the Bay does not sell food or drinks. There are many eateries at PIER 39, but if you are not interested in this option, your group can bring bag lunches on their field trip. There is a lawn/park area with benches located along the waterfront immediately east of the Aquarium.
PLEASE NOTE: Aquarium of the Bay does not have a facility for eating or storing lunches. Please have students store their lunches in their backpacks or leave them in the car or bus and have a group of parents retrieve them a few minutes before your scheduled lunch break.
Will restrooms be easily accessible for my group?
During your class, restrooms will be easily accessible for your school group. Once the Aquarium tour begins, though, it is difficult to make rest stops. Restrooms are located between Aquarium of the Bay and Pier 39. Please have your students use these restrooms before the scheduled start time.
What else is there to see and do at PIER 39?
PIER 39 is one of San Francisco’s top destinations, with more than 110 stores, 11 full service restaurants, numerous entertainment attractions, and beautiful Bay views. For more information, phone 415-705-5500 or visit www.pier39.com.
Sea Lions at PIER 39: The infamous PIER 39 sea lions can be found on the west side of PIER 39 on the K-Dock. Your class can use self-guided observation in viewing the sea lions and there is no fee.
The Marine Mammal Center: Sea Lions at PIER 39 Education Programs
- One hour educational programs;
- Phone 415-289-7330;
- 10:00am-4:00pm Tues-Sat 35 max, by reservation only, $70/group;
- A Marine Mammal Center Instructor guides your group in observing the sea lions, teaches sea lion natural history, gives students a chance to view and touch marine mammal artifacts, and learn about the interrelationship between humans and marine mammals.
The Marine Mammal Store and Interpretive Center:
The Marine Mammal Store and Interpretive Center has a variety of interactive and photographic displays depicting marine mammals of the Pacific Ocean and the work done at The Marine Mammal Center, a world-renowned rehabilitation hospital for marine mammals, located in the Marin Headlands. Open: 10:30am-8:30pm, no fee. For more information, phone (415) 289-7373, or for groups of more than ten (415) 289-7330
Blue and Gold Fleet: at Pier 41:
Ferry service for Angel Island, Bay Cruise, Sausalito, Tiburon, Alameda/Oakland, and Vallejo. (415) 705-8200
Hyde Street Pier (National Park Service):
- Hyde Street @ Jefferson Street
- Historic Ships available 10:00am-5:00pm;
- Reservations required, phone 415-556-3002
- Students will have the opportunity to observe historical ships that have graced the waterfront throughout history. This trip is outdoors, and not appropriate during the rainy season.
Maritime Museum: 900 Beach Street @ Polk Street
- 10:00am-5:00pm;
- Reservations required two weeks in advance, phone 415-556-3002
- The history of the Pacific Coast, San Francisco Bay, and the whaling industry are depicted in this wonderful museum. Students can enjoy the beach afterward at Aquatic Park, located behind the museum.
- Information at: www.nps.gov/safr/local/mus.html.
Submarine Pompanito: at Pier 45
- 9:00am-6:00pm;
- Reservations required, phone 415-775-1943
- The USS Pompanito is a retired submarine docked at Pier 45. Students explore the submarine's intricate interior on this guided tour.
Ghirardelli Square: 900 North Point
Historic Ghirardelli Square features specialty shops, award-winning restaurants, live entertainment, and the chocolate factory. For more information, phone 415-775-5500, or visit www.ghirardellisq.com.
The Cannery: 2801 Leavenworth
Once the largest peach cannery in the world, The Cannery is home to distinctive stores, restaurants, cafes, and entertainment. For more information, phone 415-771-3112 or visit www.thecannery.com.