The California Academy of Sciences is an aquarium, a planetarium, a rainforest and a natural history museum under one living roof in Golden Gate Park. It is one of the most popular things to do in San Francisco with kids, and it is just as good for adults, especially at the weekly 21+ NightLife evenings.
In this guide
This guide is part of our San Francisco attractions hub. For the rest of the park, see our Golden Gate Park guide.
What to see
- Steinhart Aquarium: coral reefs, a swamp with an albino alligator, African penguins and a deep Philippine coral reef tank.
- Osher Rainforest: a four-story glass dome where you climb through a rainforest with free-flying butterflies and birds.
- Morrison Planetarium: one of the largest all-digital domes in the world, with shows included in admission.
- Kimball Natural History Museum: dinosaurs, earthquakes and evolution exhibits, including a shake-house earthquake simulator.
- Living Roof: two and a half acres of native plants, with views over the park.
Tickets and hours
Timed tickets are sold online and prices vary by date. Adult tickets are usually around $49 to $55, with lower prices for youth and children, and children 2 and under are free. Peak pricing applies on holidays and in summer. Buying ahead is the best way to avoid a long line.
The museum usually opens at 9:30am Monday to Saturday and 11am on Sunday, closing at 5pm. Check the Academy website for current hours and planetarium show times.
NightLife on Thursdays
Every Thursday evening from 6pm to 10pm, the Academy becomes a 21+ night out, with DJs, drinks, themed programs and the exhibits open without the daytime crowds. Tickets are separate from daytime admission. It is one of the most popular things to do in San Francisco at night.
Tips for your visit
Book a planetarium time as soon as you arrive, since shows fill up. The rainforest gets busy mid-morning, so go early or late. Penguin feedings happen twice a day. You can easily spend three to four hours here.
The Academy faces the de Young across the Music Concourse, and the Japanese Tea Garden is a short walk away.
Getting there
The Academy is in the eastern part of Golden Gate Park. Take the N Judah Muni line to Ninth Avenue and walk north into the park, or ride the 44 bus to the Music Concourse. Paid parking is in the garage under the concourse.
Official resources: California Academy of Sciences.
Frequently asked questions
How much are California Academy of Sciences tickets?
Adult tickets usually cost about $49 to $55 depending on the date. Children 2 and under are free.
How long do you need at the California Academy of Sciences?
Plan on three to four hours to see the aquarium, rainforest and a planetarium show.
What is NightLife at the Cal Academy?
A 21+ evening every Thursday from 6pm to 10pm with music, drinks and the exhibits open.
Is the California Academy of Sciences good for kids?
Yes. It is one of the best family attractions in San Francisco.
Photo credits
Featured image: Don McCulley / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0; Tickets and hours: TheDailyNathan / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0.