Bay Area Weekend | Is the Academy of Sciences Worth a Visit? 🌟

Conclusion first: Not recommended for adults, but highly recommended for kids. I finally found the time to explore the legendary California Academy of Sciences. I was curious about it when I visited de Young, and after hearing so many good things from my colleagues, I decided to check it out. 🕵️‍♂️ The museum is located in a beautiful park, surrounded by flowers, grass, and towering trees. Even if you don't visit the museum, I'd come here just to take a walk. The park has free street parking, which is hard to find, and a parking lot, though it's a bit pricey. 🌳 ✅ The museum has several clear strengths: Its foundation is solid, and it's the only museum in downtown #SanFrancisco with so many animals. Yes, its biggest selling point is probably the animals, especially the famous alligator Claude and the countless butterflies and birds in the rainforest. Claude is the world's oldest known albino alligator and the museum's mascot (see photos 1 and 2). There are even Claude-themed souvenirs in the gift shop. I recommend first looking down at the large tank on the first floor, then going to the lower level to see the underwater ecosystem. Claude is in retirement mode, barely moving, and occasionally waving his little chubby hand is his way of "performing." 😴 The rainforest sphere is exceptionally well done, with a very high density of butterflies that often flutter around you. There are also many colorful birds resting in the trees, which is quite charming. Unfortunately, I didn't see the parrots. The rainforest requires queuing and has specific opening times in batches, with the last entry at 4:30 PM. The climate simulation is very realistic, so if you feel uncomfortable, be sure to leave promptly. Overall, the museum is very kid-friendly. Besides parrots, penguins, butterflies, alligators, sea turtles, various marine creatures, and snakes, there are many interactive areas and a large outdoor tree area for play. On weekends, the place is full of kids, and it's a great opportunity to make new friends. ❌ The downsides are also quite evident: It's perfect for kids but feels a bit too childish for adults. The content is basic, the size is small, the facilities are a bit outdated, and the non-animal sections are quite boring. If you're an adult looking for something more engaging, it might not be worth the $50+ ticket price (yes, that's the regular adult admission). To save money, you can book tickets a few days in advance or consider a membership. Kids seem to get in for free. ⏭️ In summary, I wouldn't recommend this museum for adults like me. If you want to see animals, especially marine life, I highly recommend the Monterey Bay Aquarium! However, if you're bringing kids, especially if they rarely see such fascinating animals in the city, it's still a great choice! #WhereToGoOnWeekends #CulturalSpots #MuseumsWorthVisiting #BayAreaWeekend #FamilyFriendly #USALife #SanFranciscoBayArea #WeekendGetaways