California Academy of Science of San Francisco
What you need to know

The California Academy of Sciences, located in the heart of Golden Gate Park, is one of San Francisco's top attractions and a beloved destination for visitors. This multidisciplinary institution houses an aquarium, a planetarium, a natural history museum, and even a rainforest—all under one roof. Designed by Renzo Piano, the Academy is globally recognized for its sustainable design and iconic Living Roof, which hosts over 1.7 million native plant species.

A Brief History

Founded in 1853, the California Academy of Sciences stands out as one of the oldest scientific institutions in the United States. Initially conceived as a scientific society dedicated to exploring and documenting California's natural resources, the Academy has expanded its mission over time to include scientific research, education, and global conservation efforts.

The devastating San Francisco earthquake of 1906 destroyed much of the Academy's collections. Despite this setback, the institution rebuilt and reopened to the public in 1916 at its current location in Golden Gate Park. Over the years, the Academy has continued to grow, adding new exhibits and expanding its scientific collections.

In 2008, a state-of-the-art building was inaugurated, designed to be one of the world's most eco-friendly museums. Certified LEED Platinum, the structure incorporates numerous sustainable features, including the famous Living Roof, which enhances thermal insulation and provides habitats for various species housed within.

What to See at the California Academy of Sciences

Perfect for visitors of all ages, including children, the Academy offers a wide variety of attractions that captivate, educate, and inspire. Here are some of the must-see sections:

Steinhart Aquarium

Home to over 38,000 animals from around the globe, the aquarium features fish, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates. Highlights include iridescent jellyfish, graceful seahorses, sea turtles, and magnificent sharks. Visitors can also marvel at rare deep-sea fish and bioluminescent invertebrates, showcasing the wonders of the ocean's depths. A fan favorite is Claude, a rare albino alligator.

Morrison Planetarium

One of the largest digital planetariums in the world, it offers immersive shows like "Passport to the Universe" and "Tour of the Universe." The latter is a live presentation that explores the vast scale of the known universe, from our solar system to the cosmos' farthest reaches, delving into topics such as star formation and cosmic evolution.

Osher Rainforest

A four-story dome recreates a tropical rainforest, complete with exotic plants, birds, butterflies, poison dart frogs, small mammals, and even rare insects like jewel beetles and multicolored tropical butterflies. Visitors can explore different levels to observe the interactions between species, from butterflies and exotic plants to natural predation—a uniquely educational and interactive experience.

Kimball Natural History Museum

Featuring exhibits on biodiversity, evolution, and geology, this museum showcases a Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton, a 25-meter-long blue whale model, and rare mineral specimens. Interactive displays explain geological processes like mountain formation and tectonic movements, while other exhibits emphasize the importance of conserving ecosystems and global biodiversity.

Living Roof

One of the building's most distinctive features, the Living Roof hosts a variety of native plants that help regulate the building's internal temperature and provide habitats for local insects and birds. Designed to enhance energy efficiency and promote urban biodiversity, the roof includes undulating hills that create diverse microhabitats, attracting species like wild bees and migratory birds.

Hours and Tickets

The California Academy of Sciences is open year-round with the following hours:

• Monday – Saturday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
• Sunday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM

A variable pricing system is used, known as "Plan-Ahead Pricing." Visitors are encouraged to purchase tickets online at least one day in advance for discounted rates. Without prior booking, the standard ticket prices are as follows:

• Adults (18-64): Starting at $36.95
• Youth (3-17): Starting at $28.95
• Students and Seniors (65+): Starting at $31.95
• Children under 3: Free admission

The Academy also participates in the "Museums for All" program, offering $3 tickets to holders of EBT/CalFresh, WIC, Medi-Cal, and Lifeline Pass. Discounts are also available for military members and local residents, though these are not applicable to tourists.

How to Get to the California Academy of Sciences

The Academy is located at 55 Music Concourse Drive within Golden Gate Park, San Francisco. Here’s how to get there:

By Car:

1. From downtown San Francisco, take Fell Street west to Stanyan Street.
2. Continue on Kezar Drive, then turn left onto John F. Kennedy Drive.
3. Follow signs to the Music Concourse Garage near the Academy's entrance.

By Public Transportation:

• Muni Bus: Take line 5 Fulton and get off at 8th Avenue & Fulton Street. Enter Golden Gate Park and follow signs to the Academy.
• N Judah Tram: Get off at 9th Avenue & Irving Street, enter the park via 9th Avenue, and walk to the Academy.

Map: Location and Admission

• LOCATION: 55 Music Concourse Dr, San Francisco, CA 94118

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