18 must-see attractions in San Francisco

An important feature of Pier 39 is its sea lion colony. Groups of California sea lions gather on the floating platform beside the pier all year round to bask in the sun and play, becoming a popular spot for tourists to take photos and watch. In addition, there is a large aquarium on the pier, the Aquarium of the Bay, which displays a rich variety of marine life and ecosystems.

The pier also offers a variety of entertainment and attractions, including carousels, street performances and boat tours. Visitors can take a boat tour of San Francisco Bay and enjoy the magnificent views of famous landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island.

5. Aquarium of the Bay

Located at Pier 39 in San Francisco, California, the Aquarium of the Bay is a fascinating marine life exhibition center that focuses on the diverse ecosystems of San Francisco Bay and surrounding waters. The aquarium’s exhibitions are rich and varied, suitable for visitors of all ages.

One of the main highlights of the aquarium is its 300-foot-long transparent walkway tunnel, where visitors can walk through it as if they were in the depths of the ocean and watch sharks, rays and other marine life swimming overhead up close. This unique experience makes people feel like they have entered a magical underwater world.

In addition to the walking tunnel, the aquarium also has a touch pool where visitors can touch starfish, sea urchins and other marine life, adding to the interactive fun. The exhibition area displays a rich variety of local marine life, such as a variety of fish and invertebrates that live along the California coast.

6. California Academy of Sciences

The California Academy of Sciences is a science museum located in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco. It is a combination of an aquarium, a natural history museum, a planetarium and a rainforest exhibit, providing visitors with a unique place that combines multiple scientific experiences.

When you enter the museum, the first thing that greets you is the huge four-story tropical rainforest dome, which is home to colorful birds, butterflies and exotic plants. Walking through it, you feel like you are in a tropical jungle, with birdsong and the sound of waterfalls lingering in your ears.

Continuing your adventure, you will come to the Steinhart Aquarium, which has a breathtaking giant coral reef aquarium and all kinds of wonderful marine life, from seahorses to sharks. The nearby Alban Planetarium takes you into the universe, with a state-of-the-art digital projection system that displays the magnificent scenes of the universe, making people feel like they are in the Milky Way.