Going to San Fran...Aquarium of the Bay, Steinhart, or both?

lakwriter · #1 01/07/2008, 11:22 PM

I'm going to San Francisco for work next week for 10 days. I'll be staying very near the Wharf. I'm going to have a little sight-seeing time and of course, I want to check out the TWO ...count 'em two...public aquariums. What should I know about these? I know Steinhart is in a temp location...is it still worth it?

roxy · #2 01/07/2008, 11:34 PM

Carve out an afternoon, rent a car, and take the drive down to Monterey. The aquarium is amazing and well worth the trip. I've not been to the others you listed.

zhenjw · #3 01/07/2008, 11:45 PM

Both the aquariums in the SF Bay Area are not worth it. Go to Monterey LOL.

Mouse · #4 01/08/2008, 12:19 AM

Of the 2, Id say Steinhart, however they are in the process of a move and Im not sure what all is going on.

Monterey is a great aquarium however, in fact thinking of taking a drive down there this weekend.
If you do go to Monterey, buy tickets online, that way you dont have to wait in line =)

xtm · #5 01/08/2008, 02:51 AM

IMO, the Aquarium of the Bay is dissapointing, with not much to see. I agree with the above posts that you should take a drive to Monterey Bay Aquarium.

lakwriter · #6 01/08/2008, 08:56 PM

how difficult is the driving/traffic from san fran to Monterey?

mdt178 · #7 01/08/2008, 09:01 PM

Take Highway 1. It will be a wonderful drive.

not_sponsored · #8 01/08/2008, 09:16 PM

Stienhart was pretty neat, they have some monster fresh water fishes and a nice reef display, but more of a zoo than a marine aquarium.

roxy · #9 01/08/2008, 10:42 PM

and pay the extra few dollars for a convertible too.

sundancer · #10 01/08/2008, 10:45 PM

Montery does not at the monent have a tropical reef display, or any tropical display at all. All they have now are local(cold pacific water) displays but they are amazing nonetheless. Their kelp forest display is said to be 250,000 gallons and the tuna and mahimahi display is easily double that. Easy drive is down HWY 101 then cut over to HWY 1 when you get close. Scenic route is HWY 1 all the way but twice as long and windy too. There is no lines to worry about this time of year. Well worth a visit as long as you don't expect to see schools of tangs or coral fields. Or you can come see my tank. There's no lines here either. Haha.