When it comes to exploring marine life, aquariums are a great place to start. The San Francisco Bay Area is home to two of the most popular aquariums in California: Aquarium of the Bay and Monterey Bay Aquarium. Both offer an incredible experience, but which one is the best for you?
Location and Accessibility
Aquarium of the Bay is located in the heart of San Francisco, at Pier 39. It's easily accessible by public transportation, including BART, Muni, and cable cars. Monterey Bay Aquarium, on the other hand, is located in Monterey, which is about two hours south of San Francisco by car. While both locations are beautiful, Aquarium of the Bay is more convenient for visitors staying in San Francisco.
Exhibits and Attractions
Aquarium of the Bay is home to more than 20,000 marine animals, including sharks, rays, and sea stars. One of the most popular exhibits is the underwater tunnel, where visitors can walk through a glass tunnel surrounded by sharks and other sea creatures. There are also touch pools where visitors can get up close and personal with starfish, sea cucumbers, and other creatures.Monterey Bay Aquarium is known for its impressive kelp forest exhibit, which features a variety of fish, sharks, and sea otters. Visitors can also explore the open sea exhibit, where they can see tuna, sharks, and other large fish. One of the highlights of the aquarium is the sea otter exhibit, where visitors can watch these adorable creatures play and swim.
Educational Programs
Both aquariums offer educational programs for visitors of all ages. Aquarium of the Bay offers guided tours, school programs, and special events throughout the year. Monterey Bay Aquarium offers a variety of educational programs, including summer camps, sleepovers, and field trips.
Cost and Hours
Admission to Aquarium of the Bay is $29.95 for adults and $19.95 for children. The aquarium is open daily from 10am to 6pm. Monterey Bay Aquarium is slightly more expensive, with adult tickets priced at $49.95 and children's tickets at $29.95. The aquarium is open daily from 10am to 5pm, with extended hours during the summer months.
Conclusion
Both Aquarium of the Bay and Monterey Bay Aquarium offer an incredible experience for visitors. If you're looking for a convenient location and an opportunity to see sharks up close, Aquarium of the Bay is the way to go. If you're willing to make the drive and want to see sea otters in action, Monterey Bay Aquarium is the better choice. Regardless of which aquarium you choose, you're sure to have a memorable experience.
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