
San Francisco/Steinhart Aquarium Top Hotel Picks
Select your travel dates to find the best prices and availability

Select your travel dates to find the best prices and availability
Steinhart Aquarium isn’t just an exhibit—it’s a portal to the deep. Dive into a world where sharks glide silently past glass, seahorses dance like underwater ballerinas, and mysterious deep-sea creatures glow under dim lights. That moment when a massive white shark passes right before your eyes? Pure awe. Bring the kids here, and watch their wonder grow—one shimmering fish at a time.

This legendary luxury hotel in downtown San Francisco seamlessly blends historic architecture with modern elegance. Enjoy exceptional service including a professional concierge, valet parking, and a state-of-the-art fitness center with a glass-enclosed heated pool. The beautifully decorated rooms offer in-room dining with stunning city views. The hotel features two award-winning restaurants with unique ambiance. Its prime location is steps away from Union Square, cable cars, and Chinatown, making it perfect for exploring the city. Whether for business or leisure, this hotel promises an unforgettable stay.

This hotel is perfect for both families and business travelers! Located in the heart of San Francisco, it offers easy access to the city’s attractions. With over 1,500 rooms and suites, you’ll find the perfect stay. Traveling with kids? Enjoy childcare services and kids’ meals, or unwind at the fitness center and yoga classes. Business guests can take advantage of the meeting rooms and business center. For relaxation, try the spa treatments or hit the golf course. Plus, Chinese-friendly services make you feel right at home.













Everything you need to know about Steinhart Aquarium
Stay at Marriott San Francisco Fisherman's Wharf, just a 5-minute walk from Steinhart Aquarium. The hotel features bay-view rooms with panoramic sights of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco Bay. Family amenities include a children’s pool, ocean-themed activities, and proximity to museums and restaurants. Easy access via light rail or on foot makes it ideal for exploring the waterfront district seamlessly.
After your visit, head to Pier 39’s Sea Lion Plaza to witness wild sea lions lounging on rocks—a favorite local spectacle. Then take a Bay Ferry ride from the pier across the bay, offering stunning views of Lombard Street, Angel Island, and migrating seabirds. This journey blends urban charm with natural beauty, perfect for travelers seeking both history and ecological wonder.
Staying at Hyatt Regency San Francisco or The West Coast Inn gives you quick access to the Muni Metro at Embarcadero Station, connecting directly to Union Square, Chinatown, and Palace of Fine Arts. Free sightseeing shuttles also run daily to major sites like Golden Gate Park and Lombard Street. Use a Clipper Card for seamless transfers and discounts across transit systems, ensuring hassle-free travel throughout the city.
Beyond the aquarium’s underwater tunnel and coral reef exhibit, visit Pier 39’s Blue Houses and colorful sailboat sculptures—popular Instagram backdrops created by local artists. For a breathtaking shot, stand at the northern overlook point near the bridge entrance, capturing the aquarium and Golden Gate Bridge in one frame. Bring a tripod and visit during golden hour for dreamy lighting, perfect for photography enthusiasts.
Try The Fisherman’s Wharf Restaurant at Pier 39, featuring outdoor seating with views of the bay and moored sailboats, serving fresh seafood and Californian cuisine. For a more upscale evening, visit Bar None on Montgomery Street, known for inventive cocktails and a glass-domed rooftop lounge with harbor views. It’s one of San Francisco’s most stylish nightspots, blending fine drinks with vibrant ambiance.
Yes, Steinhart Aquarium provides guided educational tours, including marine biology lectures and touch tank experiences, ideal for families and school groups. The immersive 360-degree underwater projection simulates deep-sea environments, making visitors feel surrounded by whales and jellyfish. Weekly night explorations feature nocturnal animals like octopuses and starfish, plus conservation workshops—offering both fun and meaningful learning opportunities.
See what other travelers say about Steinhart Aquarium

Staying at the Palace Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel in San Francisco was an absolute highlight of my trip. The location couldn't be better—just a short walk from Union Square, making it easy to explore shopping, dining, and local attractions. The hotel exudes old-world elegance with its grand European palace-inspired design, creating a truly luxurious atmosphere from the moment you step inside. The rooms are spacious, beautifully furnished, and incredibly comfortable, with high-quality bedding that made for a restful night's sleep. Staff were attentive and friendly without being overbearing, always ready to help. It’s clear this hotel takes pride in delivering exceptional service and attention to detail. For anyone visiting San Francisco, this is not just a place to stay—it’s an experience worth every penny.

Staying at the San Francisco Marriott Marquis was a fantastic experience, especially for business travelers. The hotel is perfectly located in the heart of downtown, making it super convenient for meetings and exploring the city on foot. The facilities are top-notch—well-maintained, modern, and thoughtfully designed. I loved how clean and well-kept the rooms and common areas were; it really added to the comfort and peace of mind. One of the highlights? The variety of dining options right downstairs—whether you're craving a quick bite or a more relaxed meal, there's something for everyone. The only thing to note is the additional tax, but considering the prime location, excellent service, and overall quality, it’s absolutely worth it. If you're looking for a reliable, high-end hotel in a vibrant urban setting, this one delivers every single time.

Staying at Timbri Hotel San Francisco was an absolute delight from start to finish. The modern design is sleek and inviting, with rooms that are both stylish and incredibly comfortable—perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring the city. The rooftop restaurant is truly exceptional: fantastic food, creative cocktails, and panoramic views of downtown SF that make every meal feel special. The staff go above and beyond with their warm hospitality—friendly, attentive, and always ready to help. Don’t let a few negative reviews about the neighborhood worry you; it’s a temporary situation, and the hotel itself is secure and well-maintained. Plus, being steps away from all transportation options—including Muni, BART, and ride-share zones—makes getting around the city effortless. This place offers such great value and charm, I’d highly recommend it to anyone visiting San Francisco.

My stay at The Jay was absolutely outstanding. From the moment I arrived, the staff went above and beyond—friendly, attentive, and genuinely professional. I’m particular about cleanliness and bed comfort, and this hotel completely surpassed my expectations on both fronts. Waking up to that breathtaking view from the room was an instant mood booster. Getting around town was a breeze—whether walking through the vibrant neighborhoods or hopping on Waymo for a quick ride, everything felt seamless. The whole experience was elevated by the hotel’s modern elegance and thoughtful touches. It’s rare to find such a perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and charm. I’ll definitely be back.

Staying at The Clancy, Autograph Collection was an absolute highlight of my trip to San Francisco. The room was spacious and incredibly comfortable, with stunning views of the city skyline right from the window—especially magical at sunset. Located in the heart of downtown, it’s just a short walk or quick subway ride away from Fisherman’s Wharf, making exploration easy and convenient. The breakfast buffet was outstanding—fresh fruit, local pastries, hot dishes, and coffee that kept me energized all morning. Every detail felt thoughtfully curated, from the elegant design to the friendly staff. It’s not just a place to stay—it’s a true experience. I’d highly recommend this hotel to anyone visiting San Francisco.

Staying at Axiom Hotel was an absolute delight! Right outside the door is the trolley bus terminal and subway station, making transportation to anywhere in San Francisco incredibly convenient. The hotel itself is spotlessly clean with a fresh, modern vibe. I was especially impressed by the spacious bathroom—so much room compared to other hotels I've stayed in. One standout feature is the water dispensers on every floor; you can refill your bottle anytime instead of relying on bottled water. It's eco-friendly, cost-effective, and super practical. For travelers who value convenience, cleanliness, and thoughtful touches like this, Axiom Hotel is a top-tier choice. I’d stay here again without hesitation.

Staying at Hyatt Regency San Francisco Downtown Soma was an absolute delight. The room was spacious, impeccably clean, and incredibly comfortable—especially the bed, which made it easy to fall asleep and hard to get up in the morning. Noise insulation was excellent, so I wasn’t disturbed by hallway sounds at night. The staff went above and beyond with their friendly and professional service—whether helping with recommendations or handling requests, they were always prompt and courteous. The hotel’s location is perfect for exploring downtown: it’s just steps from the BART station, making it super easy to reach Union Square, the Financial District, and other key attractions. For the quality, comfort, and convenience, this hotel offers outstanding value. I’ll definitely be returning next time I visit San Francisco.

Staying at The Clift Royal Sonesta San Francisco was an absolute delight. The room was spotless, comfortably furnished, and recently renovated—everything felt fresh and modern. Located right in the heart of downtown, it's incredibly convenient for exploring the city on foot. I loved how close it was to shops, restaurants, and attractions. The breakfast spread was excellent—diverse options with great quality, from fresh pastries to hearty continental fare. The on-site bar is a real gem: stylish, cozy, and perfect for unwinding after a long day. Plus, having complimentary bottled water available throughout the stay was a thoughtful touch. Every detail felt well-considered, making this hotel a standout choice. If you're visiting San Francisco, this is definitely one to consider.

Staying at the San Francisco Marriott Fisherman's Wharf was a fantastic experience. The room was spacious and well-appointed, offering plenty of comfort after a day exploring the city. Its location couldn’t be better—just a short walk from Fisherman’s Wharf, making it super convenient for dining, shopping, and enjoying the waterfront views. The only minor downside is the lack of luggage storage, but the staff were very helpful—they assisted with transferring our bags to the car and allowed us to retrieve them later, which worked out smoothly. Overall, this hotel delivers excellent value and convenience, especially for travelers who want to be right in the heart of the action. I’d definitely stay here again.

Staying at Hotel Fusion was an absolute breeze—just a short walk to the subway station and the starting point of the trolley line, making getting around San Francisco super convenient. The location is unbeatable: right in the heart of everything—great dining options, shopping spots, and must-see attractions are all within walking distance. I loved how easy it was to explore the city without relying on taxis or rideshares. The room was clean, modern, and well-appointed, with thoughtful touches that made the stay feel special. Staff were friendly and helpful throughout. This place truly delivers on comfort, convenience, and value. I’d definitely book here again and recommend it to anyone visiting San Francisco.

I stayed here solo while my apartment was being cleaned, and it turned out to be the perfect little retreat after a long flight. The location couldn’t be better—right in the heart of San Francisco, making it super easy to explore everything on foot or by public transit. The room is small but incredibly clean and thoughtfully designed with simple, modern touches that make it feel cozy and fresh. As a solo traveler, I appreciated the quiet, no-frills vibe and how secure and welcoming it felt. It’s not flashy, but it delivers exactly what I needed: comfort, cleanliness, and convenience. Definitely recommend this gem for anyone visiting SF who values practicality and a peaceful stay.

The Lombard Inn is a solid choice if you're looking for a no-frills stay in San Francisco. The rooms are clean and the beds are surprisingly comfortable—perfect for a good night's rest. While the decor and furnishings feel a bit dated, they’re still functional and adequately maintained. One thing worth mentioning is that the hallways had a slight musty odor, likely due to the carpets needing a deep clean. That said, it’s an easy fix and doesn’t detract much from the overall experience. I’d recommend this hotel for travelers who prioritize comfort and convenience over modern design. It’s a reliable option with great value, especially if you're on a budget.
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