California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco, CA

55 Music Concourse Drive • San Francisco, CA 94118
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California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco, California
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INSTANT CONFIRMATION

In response to the evolving COVID-19 situation, the California Academy of Sciences will require proof of full vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of a scheduled visit for all Academy visitors ages 12 and over. This does not apply to youth ages 11 years and younger who are not currently eligible for vaccination. 


The California Academy of Science's top priority has always been the health and safety of our guests, staff, animals, and community. Since our closure, we’ve developed a reopening plan informed by local, state, and CDC public health guidelines, internal science expertise, and the latest COVID-19 research. Learn more about how the Academy is keeping guests safe. 

 

  • Stay home if you're feeling sick! We'll help you reschedule your visit for another day—just email us at info@calacademy.org.

  • Review the health questionnaire. If anyone in your party can answer "yes" to any of the questions in our health questionnaire located at https://www.calacademy.org/reopening-screening, please reschedule your visit.

  • Mask up, even if you’re vaccinated! At this time, all guests ages 2 and up must continue to wear a mask indoors except when actively eating or drinking in the Academy Café.  


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Overview

Located in Golden Gate Park, the California Academy of Sciences offers a museum experience unlike any other in the world. Where else can you find an aquarium, planetarium, and natural history museum all in the same building? When inside, guests can explore a 4-story rainforest, waddle with penguins, learn about space, engage with interactive exhibits, and so much more.

Good To Know

from Ashley, one of our San Francisco Travel Experts
  • Appropriate for all ages.
  • Face coverings are required.
  • Please avoid arriving early to minimize crowding at the main entrance.
  • No re-entry after exiting.
  • The average guest stays for about three hours.
  • The Academy Café is open 9 am-4 pm daily.
  • Proof of full vaccination or a negative COVID test taken within 72 hours.
  • Masks will be required for all visitors ages 2 and over while visiting the Academy in all indoor spaces.
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Description

from California Academy of Sciences
In response to the evolving COVID-19 situation, the California Academy of Sciences will require proof of full vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of a scheduled visit for all Academy visitors ages 12 and over. This does not apply to youth ages 11 years and younger who are not currently eligible for vaccination.

The California Academy of Sciences, based in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park, is home to a world-class aquarium, planetarium, rainforest, and natural history museum—all under one living roof.

Inside one of the greenest museums in the world, visitors find exhibits and experiences that can only be seen at the Academy including 40,000 animals living in the aquarium, the four-story rainforest with its free-flying birds and butterflies, one of the most accurate digital planetariums in the world, a variety of interactive programs and activities, and more!

Giants of Land and Sea:
Explore Northern California's natural wonders through a variety of experiences: feel your way through an immersive fog room, keep your balance in an earthquake simulator, virtually ascend to the top of a towering redwood, and see a variety of specimens and fossils.

Steinhart Aquarium:
Highlights include the Philippine Coral Reef, the California Coast tank, and Twilight Zone: Deep Reefs Revealed.

Osher Rainforest:
A glass dome houses the four-story living rainforest, where birds and butterflies fly freely among lush tropical trees, plants, and other animals from around the world.

Living Roof:
Visit our rolling green roof for views of Golden Gate Park and beyond. California wildflowers bloom in spring while dozens of native plants provide habitat for birds, bees, and butterflies year-round.

African Penguins:
Visit our colony of charismatic South African birds.

The Swamp:
Meet its most famous resident, Claude, the American alligator with albinism, who shares his home with a trio of prehistoric-looking alligator snapping turtles.

Hours:
The Academy is open 365 days a year.
General Admission
Monday – Saturday: 9:30 am – 5:00 pm
Sunday: 11:00 am – 5:00 pm

NightLife (21+ with ID):
Thursday: 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm

Last entry one hour before closing. Holiday hours subject to change.
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California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco, California
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California Academy of Sciences is located at 55 Music Concourse Drive • San Francisco, CA 94118
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Frequently Asked Questions about California Academy of Sciences

Is the museum accessible?

Yes. California Academy of Sciences is fully wheelchair accessible.  Manual wheelchairs are available to borrow free of charge at Coat Check on a first-come, first-served basis in exchange for a photo ID.


In addition, all exhibits have built-in detection points for the blind, and our public elevators are equipped with auditory signals. Wherever possible, exhibits have been made tactile for an enhanced experience. For the deaf and hard of hearing, transcripts are available for all regularly scheduled Planetarium shows and other multimedia in the Academy and assistive listening transmitters are positioned in the Planetarium, Earthquake Mini-Dome Theater, and Earthquake Shake House exhibit. Interpreters accompanying a deaf or hearing-impaired individual are admitted free of charge.


What are the hours of operation?

California Academy of Sciences is open every day of the year with the following hours:

  • Monday–Saturday: 9:30 am – 5:00 pm
  • Sunday: 11:00 am – 5:00 pm

Is parking available?

JFK Dr. is now closed to cars in Golden Gate Park. You can still access the Music Concourse parking garage via the Fulton St./10th Ave. entrance or the Music Concourse Dr./MLK Dr. entrance. Free street parking is also available on MLK Dr., Nancy Pelosi Dr., and Stow Lake Dr.


Is re-entry allowed?

No, re-entry is not allowed after you exit.


Can I bring my own food?

Guests are welcome to bring their own food and non-alcoholic beverages. Please head to the East Garden to consume items brought from home. Extra seating will be available, and all tables are placed at least six feet apart.


Are lockers available?

Yes, lockers are located just off the main lobby and are available for rent for $5 per day for standard-size lockers and $8 per day for family-size lockers.


Will I be able to rent a wheelchair?

Yes, wheelchairs are available for guests to use during their visit. Please see a Guest Experience staff member in the Lobby for assistance when you arrive.

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Customer Support

Contact us for support or help booking your trip at 1-844-560-7215.

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