California Academy of Sciences Tickets 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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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.

up to 4 hrs 1 or more people

Good To Know

from Ashley, one of our San Francisco Travel Experts
  • Fun for all ages.
  • Most visitors spend about 3 hours exploring the Academy.
  • Please avoid arriving early to minimize crowding at the main entrance.
  • Re-entry allowed same day with hand stamp. Be sure to request a hand-stamp before exiting.
  • Children 2 and under visit for free.
  • Face masks are strongly encouraged indoors.
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Description

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

Inside one of the greenest museums in the world, visitors can find captivating experiences, including nearly 60,000 live animals, with new exhibits added every year. Every visit supports the Academy’s mission to regenerate the natural world.

From now until April 28, 2024 experience Spring in the Garden! Splash and make your own boat with Riveropolis, catch a puppet show, watch four super-sized animatronic insects come to life in Bugtopia, and more.

Kimball Natural History Museum:
Meet the charismatic African penguin colony while a biologist feeds them and answers your questions, marvel at one-of-a-kind specimens, and more.

Living Roof:
Visit the rolling hills and fields that cover 87% of our 2.5-acre rooftop. California wildflowers bloom in spring, while dozens of native plants provide habitat for birds, bees, and butterflies year-round.

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.

Steinhart Aquarium:
This 100-year-old aquarium is home to nearly 60,000 live animals, representing more than 1,000 unique species. Experience one of the most biologically diverse and interactive aquariums.

The Swamp:
Meet the Academy's most iconic resident, Claude, the 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

The last entry is one (1) hour before closing. Holiday hours are subject to change.
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California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco, California
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California Academy of Sciences photo submitted by Aarohi Savani
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California Academy of Sciences Reviews

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Aarohi Savani Tripster User Profile Image
Aarohi Savani
San Francisco, CA
1 Review
Verified Traveler
"A must go place for everyone!"
January 2024
It was a fusion of rainforest, water and prehistoric worlds. What I loved the most was the short movie on the birth and death of stars called “The Spark in us” at the Planetarium. Center court has live band playing music, such a delight to be here!
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Tip: The living roof is a fantastic way to learn more about the benefit of reducing Heat island effect in cities.

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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 the 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. Assistive listening transmitters are positioned in the Planetarium, Earthquake Mini-Dome Theater, and Earthquake Shake House exhibit. Interpreters accompanying a deaf or hard of hearing individual are admitted free of charge.

What are the California Academy of Sciences' hours?

California Academy of Sciences is open every day of the year: - Monday-Saturday: 9:30 AM - 5 PM - Sunday: 11 AM - 5 PM

Where do I park for California Academy of Sciences?

JFK Dr. is 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.

How long should I plan to spend at California Academy of Sciences?

There is no time limit, but most visitors spend about 3 hours exploring the Academy.

Do you need reservations for California Academy of Science?

Visitors are encouraged to book their tickets ahead of time, but it is not required. Please note that tickets purchased prior to your visit date will be less expensive than tickets purchased on the day of your visit.

Can I re-enter after leaving the building?

Yes. If you plan to re-enter the Academy later in the day, please ensure you receive a hand stamp from a door attendant before exiting.

What dining options are available at California Academy of Sciences?

The Academy Café serves a variety of family-friendly food and beverage options, as well as Andytown Coffee drinks. Guests are welcome to dine in the Café or in any of their outdoor spaces. The Terrace Restaurant serves seasonal dishes made from locally-sourced ingredients, plus beer and wine.

Can you bring food into California Academy of Sciences?

Guests are welcome to bring their own food and non-alcoholic beverages. Please head to the East Garden to consume items brought from home.

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. Lockers are checked frequently and cleaned and disinfected daily. Payment for lockers is by credit card only.

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. Wheelchairs are cleaned and disinfected after every use.

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Contact us for support or help booking your trip at 1-800-590-8125.

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