San Francisco Zoo or Aquarium?

Question

My family and I are going to San Francisco, but we are going to either go to the Zoo or Aquarium. For those who know which do you prefer and why?

Answer 1

The aquarium's relatively small and really designed for tourists who visit pier 39. I think your whole family would appreciate the zoo more, but if you are planning on going to pier 39 anyway, the aquarium would be much more convenient.

Answer 2

I've lived in San Francisco 5 years and have an annual pass to the zoo but have never been to the aquarium. The zoo is farther away from downtown and so it's a commute to get to (a direct light rail from downtown - 20 - 30 minutes.) But it is on the beach so you can see the ocean the same day. It has been newly remodeled and although not San Diego, still very nice. I have a toddler and the zoo has a children's petty zoo which she loves. The aquarium is at Fisherman's Warf, the tourist-trap area of the city. Never heard anything good about it, but I've heard the Monterrey Bay Aquarium (1 1/2 hours south) is much better. One thing to keep in mind is probably where you are coming from, the zoo is a typical zoo, could probably see the animals anywhere, but the aquarium is indicative of being on an ocean, so if you're from the Midwest or something land locked, the aquarium would probably be nice.

Answer 3

I'd go with the zoo.

The California Academy of Sciences used to have an excellent aquarium. Unfortunately, the CAS' Golden Gate Park digs are currently being renovated and won't re-open to the public until late 2008. The CAS' temporary site on Howard Street is small.

San Francisco's other aquarium, the Aquarium By The Bay at Pier 39, is basically a tourist trap.

Answer 4

Well it depends which Aquarium you are talking about. There are two, and the best one (the aquarium in Golden Gate Park) has been under construction for like two years. It's gonna be great, but I don't think it's finished yet! The other aquarium down at the Pier isn't all that exciting, but the surrounding area is a lot of fun (very touristy with a lot of funny little shops, Ripley's Believe it or Not Museum, wax museum, chocolate shops, etc.)
I'd go to the zoo, especially because it is free on wednesdays. It's big, with a lot of cool animals and fun exhibits. It kind of depends on how old your kids are... If they are young I would say the zoo definetly but if they are older like 12+ they will be able to appreciate the quirky, eclectic attractions of the Pier and the second-best aquarium. Have fun! = )

Answer 5

the zoo. the aquarium is for tourists only, it's not that good. There is an awesome aquarium over in monterey, but that's like 3 hours away.

Answer 6

it all depends on what you like those hairy animals or sea creature..............