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    California Academy of Sciences

    4,994 Reviews
    #14 of 552 things to do in San Francisco
    Features Animals
    Science Museums, Museums
    55 Music Concourse Dr, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA 94118
    +1 415-379-8000
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    US$35.95*
    and up
    California Academy of Sciences General Admission Ticket
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    US$60.90*
    and up
    California Academy of Sciences Behind-the-Scenes Tour
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    US$15.00*
    and up
    California Academy of Sciences NightLife
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    The world’s only aquarium-planetarium-rainforest-living museum. Come nose-to-beak with penguins and parrots, watch sharks and sting rays cruise beneath your feet, and feel the spray of the California coast. Fly to Mars (and beyond the Milky Way!) from the safety of your planetarium seat, take a virtual safari in African Hall, or climb into the canopy of a living rainforest. Face your fears—and an albino alligator—inside the Swamp, and meet scientists as they return from research expeditions around the world. From the depths of a Philippine coral reef to the outer reaches of the Universe, it's all inside the California Academy of Sciences.

    About California Academy of Sciences

    The world’s only aquarium-planetarium-rainforest-living museum. Come nose-to-beak with penguins and parrots, watch sharks and sting rays cruise beneath your feet, and feel the spray of the California coast. Fly to Mars (and beyond the Milky Way!) from the safety of your planetarium seat, take a virtual safari in African Hall, or climb into the canopy of a living rainforest. Face your fears—and an albino alligator—inside the Swamp, and meet scientists as they return from research expeditions around the world. From the depths of a Philippine coral reef to the outer reaches of the Universe, it's all inside the California Academy of Sciences.
    4.5
    4,994 reviews
    • Excellent66%
    • Very good23%
    • Average8%
    • Poor2%
    • Terrible1%
    Travellers talk about
    “living roof” (282 reviews)
    “albino alligator” (212 reviews)
    “rainforest exhibit” (200 reviews)
    Open Now
    All hours
    Hours Today: 09:30 - 17:00
    Suggested Duration: 2-3 hours
    LOCATION
    55 Music Concourse Dr, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA 94118
    Golden Gate Park
    CONTACT
    Website
    +1 415-379-8000
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    Reviews (4,994)
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    1 - 10 of 3,855 reviews

    Reviewed yesterday
    Lots of interesting exhibits but expensive

    Visited here on a weekday recently. Really enjoyed the planetarium and the aquarium, unfortunately the rainforest exhibit was closed for renovations. Although we really enjoyed what we saw, we found the price of entry ($35) pretty hefty considering we saw everything that was open and...More

    Thank 126gmm
    Reviewed yesterday via mobile
    Worth visiting especially if the weather is poor

    Lots of exibits ranging from the old fashioned dioramas to more modern interactive earth quake simulator and rainforest. Aquarium and touch pools, reptiles and spiders (didn't go near them). There is also the famous alibino alligator. You could probably do it all in 3-4 hours...More

    Thank GeordieLad2013
    Reviewed 2 days ago via mobile
    So much to see!

    This place is a natural history museum, aquarium, planetarium, and interactive science center all rolled into one! Great for kids and adults alike. Be sure to sign up for tickets to a planetarium show. Informative and calming during a busy day. This is a must...More

    1  Thank BeulahMae
    Reviewed 3 days ago
    Spent half the visit waiting in line

    My husband, mother, and I paid the California Academy of Sciences a visit because we had purchased the CityPass and it was an included attraction. The available day for us was a Sunday and the museum didn't open until 11am, which I thought was unreasonably...More

    Thank Carina G
    Reviewed 3 days ago
    Excellent Displays and Presentations

    Our second day in San Francisco and we both decided to attend the California Academy of Sciences. This was an exceptionally good decision. Everything we saw and experienced we enjoyed. In the Planetarium we attended Incoming, Earthquake and Tout of the Universe - all were...More

    Thank 1victor
    Reviewed 3 days ago
    We've been twice this month!

    This museum has blown my mind. I lOVE it!! We love the butterflies then directly to the Aquarium. The layout flows very nicely. All the additional exhibits are amazing! We will go back again soon. So much to see! Cafe has really great food!!! Not...More

    Thank 1khearty
    Reviewed 5 days ago
    Something For Everyone

    The aquarium here is outstanding. The planetarium here is outstanding. The rain forest dome is ok, and the parking is pretty easy. This is a definite family group must see. Enjoyed the afternoon we spent here.

    Thank joeinfx
    Reviewed 5 days ago
    Save the Planet!

    A very interesting museum, with plenty of hands on things to do for the younger members of the family. The penguins are real, but other big animals are stuffed! Plent of displays with regard to the evolution of man, and ways to save it. Great...More

    Thank theowler
    Reviewed 6 days ago via mobile
    Very interesting.

    Lots of families there today. Saturday is busy, as expected, but we still enjoyed our visit. The 2 shows at the planetarium were also good. We used the pass out of the citipass booklet , which we have found to be great value.

    Thank Sandals246
    Reviewed 6 days ago via mobile
    Great

    Great place for the entire family, lots to see and enjoy and interact and the aquarium was an unexpected delight, restaurant on site , fun ,fun ,fun😎

    Thank Rayangel
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    Questions & Answers
    See all 15 questions
    Rajiv S
    17 July 2017|
    AnswerShow all 8 answers
    Response from Alexander S | Reviewed this property |
    Dear Rajiv, you are right that both California Academy of Science in SFO and the Field Museum in Chicago are unique. But they are unique in their own way. I would recommend visiting both of them, as you might discover lots... More
    2
    Votes
    Richelda R
    16 June 2017|
    AnswerShow all 8 answers
    Response from Heidi W | Reviewed this property |
    It was very expensive. We were there for a couple of hours and it cost $22. Don't park in the garage! There is street parking just drive around some. It's free to park on the street.
    0
    Votes
    Brianna S
    3 April 2017|
    AnswerShow all 11 answers
    Response from CalAcademyofSciences | Property representative |
    Hi Brianna! You can absolutely leave and come back the same day, just request a hand-stamp from a door attendant before exiting. You're also totally welcome to bring you own food—we offer seating in the Piazza and in both... More
    0
    Votes