California Academy of Sciences

4.6$$$· ExpensiveOpen now · until 5:00 PM

Explore an aquarium, planetarium, rainforest, and museum under one living roof.

California Academy of Sciences
Website Directions 415-379-8000

Located in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park, the California Academy of Sciences brings four major natural science attractions together under a single eco-friendly roof. Visitors can walk through a four-story living rainforest, gaze at diverse marine life inside the Steinhart Aquarium, experience immersive astronomy shows at the Morrison Planetarium, and explore natural history exhibits. It offers an engaging, hands-on educational experience suited for visitors of all ages.

Quick tip: Reserve your planetarium show passes immediately upon entry or online in advance, as showtime reservations are required and fill up quickly.

Expert notes

  • 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.

Features

  • Aquarium
  • Behind The Scenes Tours
  • Birding
  • Birthday Parties
  • Cafe
  • Coral Reef
  • Dine In
  • Educational Workshops
  • Exhibitions
  • Family Fun
  • Famous
  • Guided Tours
  • Live Shows
  • Local Favorite
  • Nightlife
  • Photography
  • Planetarium
  • Private Events
  • Rainforest
  • Romantic
  • Sea World
  • Trendy
  • Wheelchair Accessible
  • Wildlife

Special occasion reservations

Call 415-379-5497 or email specialevents@calacademy.org to book special events. Check https://www.calacademy.org/plan-an-event for more information.

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