We'll be in both places and not sure it's worth seeing two aquariums in one trip. Which is better?

Thanks!

We love the Monterey Bay Aquarium! ***kim***

Been to both and the one in Monterey is by far better. I have been there 3 times and will go back in two weeks.

Monterey Bay

The SF aquarium is being totally rebuilt and will reopen in late Sept. It should be fantastic. I'd give it a try, since its other things too besides an Aquarium. So plan on doing both, IMO

The whole academy of sciences should be great - we have been eagerly awaiting the opening

In SF, there is also the aquarium at Pier 39 (not sure if that is the one the OP is asking about rather than the one at the academy). The Pier 39 aquarium is ok, but pretty small and nothing compared to Monterey.

I was actually inquiring about the aquarium at Pier 39, though having read the other post it doesn't sound exciting anymore. Does anyone know about the Golden Gate Railroad Museum? My 3 year old is very into trains. What is this museum like- can we get on the trains? Ride them? I checked out the web site and didn't get a clear picture of what there is to do there.

Thanks!

Definitely go to the aquarium in Monterey. There is a two story high glass wall with a giant waving bed of kelp, and my two year old was mesmerized by it.

Your son will probably love the cable cars in S.F., and there is a cable car museum, and everywhere you go there are little collectible cable cars.

Monterey has the Dennis the Menace Park, which is special when you are three and need to run off energy. Apparently there is a locomotive there.

With regards to an interest in trains...If you have time for a side trip to indulge your son's interest in trains, this place might be sort of fun.

http://www.roaringcamp.com/index.html

It is in the Santa Cruz Mountains between San Francisco and Santa Cruz. It has been years since I've been there, but every year a group from our school goes and the kids seem to love it.

I second the recommendation for roaring camp for any kid who is into trains

There were fires near Santa Cruz several weeks ago. You should research the train route in relation to the burned areas.

Niles Canyon (Golden Gate) trains are great, but it will be out of the way for you. In Santa Cruz the train takes off from the boardwalk area, much easier for you.

I am pretty sure that the area where the trains go wasn't affected by the fires. The summit fire was further up the mountain, the fire around Bonny Doon was further north. None were that close to Santa Cruz itself.

Thanks, glad to know the train route wasn't affected by the fires.

Monterey Bay Acquarium is worth a 6 to 8 hour visit, while San Francisco at Pier 39 is only worth 1 hour of your time. Also the Monterey Bay Acquarium restaurant has a great Chef. However, at Pier 39 there is a Cable Car 2 hour tour with an English speaking guide. We live in SF and we even learned some "new" history on the tour. In coming years, the Exploritorium is going to move to Pier 15-17. Now it is near the entrance to Crissy Fields and children love its hands on activities.