Home to an aquarium, planetarium, natural history museum, and world-class research and education programs, the California Academy of Sciences is one of San Francisco’s must-see destinations. From the splashing penguins in African Hall to the wildflowers on the roof, the building is bursting with life. A four-story living rainforest and awe-inspiring coral reef ecosystem will delight visitors of all ages, while immersive planetarium shows will transport audiences through space and time for a new perspective on our planet. Dynamic daily programs – from penguin feedings to coral reef dives – offer a wealth of opportunities to dive deeper. My personal favorite part is all of the aquatic species that are available to view. There are plenty of California Academy of Sciences tickets available for purchase!
Topped by a 2.5-acre living roof, the Academy is the world’s first “Double Platinum” museum, recognized by the U.S. Green Building Council for its eco-friendly design and operations. Inside, opportunities abound to meet Academy scientists, share in their discoveries, and join the journey to make our world a greener, more sustainable place to live. In addition to general admission tickets, the Academy offers a variety of opportunities to enhance any visit, including daily Behind-the-Scenes Tours, weekly NightLife events and NightLife VIP Tours (ages 21+) and Penguins and Pajamas sleepovers. The museum is also available for special events of up to 3,000 guests. Let the wonder begin! Now open 365 days.
Hours Of Operation
Public Hours
Monday – Saturday: 9:30 am – 5 pm
Sunday: 11 am – 5 pm
Member Hours
Tuesday: 8:30 – 9:30 am
Sunday: 10 – 11 am
NightLife (21+)
Thursday: 6 – 10 pm
Address
55 Music Concourse Dr, San Francisco, CA 94118
Phone #
(415) 379-8000
How much does it cost to get into the California Academy of Sciences?
It only costs $35-45 depending on your age. Here are the California Academy of Sciences ticket prices taken from the website.
- Adult – $48.50 each
- Youth (3-17) – $37.75 each
- Student (18+ with ID) – $42.25 each
- Senior (65+ with ID) – $42.25 each
However, you can buy discounted tickets on Groupon and the prices are as follow
- Single-Day General-Admission (Ages 3–17) – $31.79
- Single-Day General-Admission (Ages 18–64) – $40.75
- Single-Day General-Admission (Ages 65+) or Student (Ages 18+) – $35.45
What days can you visit the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco for free?
They used to have free admission on select weekends depending on your zip code but this program is currently on pause.
Is California Academy of Sciences worth it?
Yes.
The California Academy of Sciences is one of the most popular tourist attractions in San Francisco. And for good reason – it’s an educational and fun place to visit, with something for everyone. From the world’s largest all-digital planetarium dome to the hands-on exhibits in the Naturalist Center, there’s plenty to see and do. But is it worth the price of admission?
Here’s a breakdown of what you get for your money: Admission to the Academy includes access to all exhibitions and galleries, as well as the 4-story rainforest ecosystem, living roof, and Steinhart Aquarium. You also get to take part in daily planetarium shows, live animal demonstrations, and private tours (for an additional fee). So if you’re interested in learning about science and seeing some amazing animals up close, the California Academy of Sciences is definitely worth a visit.
How much is parking at the California Academy of Sciences?
The Music Concourse Garage will cost you $5.25/hour on weekdays up to 5:30 p.m, and $6.25/hour on weekends and weekday evenings (after 5:30 p.m). Daily parking rates can go up to $29 on weekdays and $33 on weekends
How long does it take to go through California Academy of science?
It will take around 3-4 hours to explore the whole museum!
