55 Music Concourse Dr, san francisco
Museum, Planetarium, Exhibition
Details verified more than six months ago
Closed now
$0-$39
There is a lot to see in this famous institution. Visitors who can spend only 1-2 hours are recommended to visit Steinhart Aquarium (the newest exhibit featuring over a dozen animals that bite, sting and stun), Osher Rainforest (the four-story living rainforest), Living Roof, African Penguins, and the Swamp (see albino Aligator!).
Visitors who can spend more time should also visit Giants of Land and Sea, Gems and Minerals, Reef Lagoon, and Color of Life.
For kids: There is a “kid-sized” door at the Children’s Eel Garden, located next to the Philippine Coral Reef exhibit. East Garden has plenty of room to run around and structures to play on. Science Today station offers engaging short videos on Academy science.
Avoid the neighborhood-free-weekends days ( https://www.calacademy.org/neighborhood-free-weekends ) as there would be a lot of crowds.
Check out the daily events calendar: https://www.calacademy.org/daily-calendar
On Thursday nights, adults 21+ can enjoy live music, cocktails, special activities, and entertainment while exploring the entire Academy after dark.
Visitors can purchase “Panguins + Pajamas Sleepovers” ( https://www.calacademy.org/penguinspajamas-sleepovers ), VIP Tours, and Birthday Parties (https://www.calacademy.org/tours-specialty-programs ) tickets for more fun.
Visitors should get the Planetarium passes as soon as they arrive at the Academy and scan the QR code posted in the lobby to reserve showtime. Please note that shows may not be appropriate for children under 7, and children under four are not permitted.
- Free on the third Wednesday of the month. Also free on specified dates for San Francisco residents of designated ZIP codes.(check out https://www.calacademy.org/neighborhood-free-weekends), Check the calendar of events online to see if you can coordinate your visit with any fun upcoming events.(https://www.calacademy.org/daily-calendar), Book a special guided tour to get a closer look. Check out the link(https://calacademy.org/getting-here) for information on parking, transportation and directions.
- Admission ticket fees
- Children Free
- Youth $30
- Adults $39
- Senior citizens $34
Purchase Tickets
Discount information
- Buy your tickets at least three days in advance to save $3-5 or more per ticket and guarantee availability on busy days.
- Visitors receive 3$ off Daytime Admission when they walk, bike, or take public transportation to the Academy.
- Discounts are available for Active-duty military personnel, students, and EBT/CalFresh/WIC/Medi-Cal card holders.
- Buy a city pass if you are planning to see other places. Check details: https://www.citypass.com/san-francisco
- Local Favorite
- Wheelchair Accessible
- Trendy
- Guided Tours
- Famous
- Family Fun
- Exhibitions
- Birding
- Wildlife
- Sea World
- Behind The Scenes Tours
- Nightlife
- Photography
- Aquarium
- Planetarium
- Coral Reef
- Rainforest
- Educational Workshops
- Private Events
- Birthday Parties
- Live Shows
- Romantic
- Cafe
- Dine In
Call 415-379-5497 or email specialevents@calacademy.org to book special events. Check https://www.calacademy.org/plan-an-event for more information.
- Monday 9:30 am-5:00 pm
- Tuesday 9:30 am-5:00 pm
- Wednesday 9:30 am-5:00 pm
- Thursday 9:30 am-5:00 pm
- Friday 9:30 am-5:00 pm
- Saturday 9:30 am-5:00 pm
- Sunday 11:00 am-5:00 pm