California Academy of Sciences — Attraction in San Francisco

This museum/“academy” is a great place to go if you want to learn stuff about zoology, biology and a little bit about earth sciences. Despite being a bit difficult to reach, it’s definitely worth the relatively short, scenic walk through the Golden Gate Park (especially if you have younger kids).

The Academy (large modern building) is located in the middle of the Golden Gate Park, across from the art place (large brown building with huge pillar on top). If you take public transport from the city center, you can take the N bus route from around Westfield and it is just one 30 minute ride plus a bit of walking (about 15 minutes). Once inside the park, there are some great photo opportunities for portrait or nature photographers, especially when there are some autumn leaves around! To get back to the city, you walk to Lincoln Avenue and keep going straight for a block and then turn left. At the end of that block on the other side is a stop outside Citibank that will take you back to the city Center. Otherwise, there are tour buses from Union Square (eg. Big Bus SF) that make a stop right at the doorstep - you just have to pay for the bus tickets which are expensive.

The Academy itself is huge, with lots of facilities that are specialised for younger kids (up to 10 I‘d say). Even if you’re an adult, there’s lots to learn in an interactive space, with language options of Spanish, Chinese, English and most importantly for me, Filipino...

Admission is a bit pricy. We went on a Monday and it’s $29.50 per adult. However, all the shows etc. once inside are free. I 100% recommend going to one of the Planetarium shows - it’s free and stops you wondering why you paid $29.50. On the other hand, the Living Roof is no good and has been left to overgrow and become a mess. Only saves five minutes, but five minutes can be valuable time.

The cafeteria is not good. The food is expensive, sub-par and there aren’t many seats (even during the weekdays). Bring your own food and eat somewhere outside if it isn’t too cold. Coffee is not great.

Overall, if it’s your first time coming to the place, or if you have kids up to around 10, I would definitely recommend going. However, it’s not great for teenagers or younger adults, as it’s packed with young kids, especially on weekends, I’d think. There are lots of other facilities around, however, which may be an alternative if this isn’t...

Any visit to The City should include a day at the California Academy of Sciences. It's in my top 10 must-see attractions. I've been visiting for over 30 years and it never fails to fascinate and inspire.

You'll need to buy tickets online ahead of time and select the time you want to arrive. If possible, get there when the Academy opens and plan to spend at least 4 or 5 hours. Maybe more if you're really invested in all the displays and activities.

When you arrive, scan the QR code to get reservations for a planetarium show. They are free, but seating is limited. On holidays and weekends the seating will run out.

Check out whatever special exhibit they have. Currently it's The World's Largest Dinosaurs. Very well presented with interesting displays and well, a REALLY big dinosaur. Kids seem to absolutely love this exhibit. Take the time to read all the interpretive signage and you'll learn some fascinating facts about these extinct creatures and the most up to date science on their existence.

Head over to the rainforest and immerse yourself in this mind blowing, multi-floor exhibit. The rainforest alone is worth the price of admission. Take your time strolling through it and discovering birds, butterflies, insects and exotic plant life. It really feels like you are in a rainforest. You can easily spend an hour here.

The path winds to the top of the rainforest and leads you to an elevator that takes you down to the Steinhart Aquarium, a world-class aquarium that will surprise and awe you with its exhibits. Again, easy to spend another hour here looking at all the amazing sea creatures.

At some point your planetarium show will be coming up. Line up at least 10 minutes before the show so you can get an upper row seat. The front rows will strain your neck. Relax, you might even doze off during the show!

The Academy Café is a good place for lunch with a variety of fresh, multicultural cuisine. Nothing special, but worth dining here so you don't have to leave the building.

You'll definitely want to spend a few minutes checking out the living roof. Pretty fascinating. And usually cold!

I also have a soft spot for the African Hall, the only exhibit leftover from the old Academy before the total rebuild in 2008. Beautiful old-school...

I wholeheartedly endorse a visit to the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco. This world-class science museum is a captivating destination that seamlessly blends education, exploration, and entertainment for visitors of all ages.

Located in Golden Gate Park, the Academy of Sciences is not only an architectural marvel but also a hub of scientific discovery. The highlight of the museum is the striking living roof, covered with native plants, providing an eco-friendly space and contributing to the city's sustainability efforts.

Inside, you'll find a diverse range of exhibits that cater to various interests. The Steinhart Aquarium boasts an awe-inspiring array of marine life, featuring colorful fish, mesmerizing coral reefs, and even a living coral reef tank that showcases the delicate underwater ecosystems.

The Morrison Planetarium is another must-visit attraction, offering breathtaking shows that transport you to distant galaxies and celestial wonders. The state-of-the-art dome theater provides an immersive experience that leaves visitors with a sense of wonder and appreciation for the cosmos.

For natural history enthusiasts, the Kimball Natural History Museum presents an impressive collection of fossils, gems, and minerals, providing insights into the Earth's rich geological past.

The Academy also houses the Osher Rainforest, a multi-level exhibit that simulates a tropical rainforest environment, complete with lush vegetation and a diverse array of flora and fauna, including butterflies and birds.

The engaging exhibits and interactive displays throughout the museum make learning about the environment, biodiversity, and scientific discoveries a fun and enriching experience for visitors of all ages.

Overall, the California Academy of Sciences stands as a shining example of how a museum can blend education and entertainment seamlessly, making it an absolute must-visit destination for anyone curious about the natural world and scientific wonders. Whether you're a science enthusiast or simply looking for an enjoyable day out, this museum promises to leave you with lasting memories and a newfound appreciation for the...