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California Academy of Sciences Tickets
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Top things to do in San Francisco
Why visit the California Academy of Sciences?
- A tropical ecosystem in the heart of San Francisco: The museum houses a four-story rainforest under a stunning glass canopy, featuring free-flying birds, butterflies, and exotic plants, providing a truly immersive and educational experience.
- Witness a ‘Living Roof’: Ascend to the museum's living roof, covered in native plant species, and solar panels, and designed to mimic the natural landscape.
- Journey through the cosmos in a state-of-the-art dome: The universe comes to life in one of the world's largest all-digital planetariums at the Morrison Planetarium.
- Dive into the depths of Earth's aquatic wonders: The Steinhart Aquarium features diverse exhibits, including a mesmerizing coral reef, interactive tide pools, and a breathtaking "Twilight Zone" showcasing the mysterious creatures of the deep sea.
- Unravel the Earth's past: Embark on a time-traveling adventure through the Kimball Natural History Museum, where interactive displays and life-size replicas (including the T-Rex) bring the evolution of life on Earth to vivid reality.
Explore the wonders of our planet at the California Academy of Sciences
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Plan your visit
Timings
Getting there
Facilities
Accessibility
Dining
Shop
Stay
Guidelines
Visitor tips
General hours
- Monday to Saturday: 9:30 AM - 5 PM
- Sunday: 11 AM - 5 PM
- Thursday NightLife (21 years and above with ID): 6 -10 PM
Last entry: 4 PM
Closed on: Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day
Best time to visit: We recommend arriving early in the morning or later in the afternoon on a weekday to avoid peak crowds. This way, you'll have more space to explore and immerse yourself in the fascinating exhibits.
Holiday hours
- Christmas Eve (24 December): 11 AM to 5 PM (Member hour 10 to 11 AM)
- Christmas Day (25 December): 11 AM - 5 PM
- 26 December: 9:30 AM - 6 PM (Member hour 8:30 to 9:30 AM)
- 27 to 30 December: 9:30 AM - 6 PM
- New Year's Eve (31 December): 11 AM - 5 PM (Member hour 10 to 11 AM)
- New Year's Day (1 January 2024): 9:30 AM - 5 PM
Timings for members only
- Tuesday: 8:30 - 9:30 AM
- Sunday: 10 - 11 AM
Exhibit timings
Osher Rainforest timings:
- Monday to Saturday: 10 AM - 4:45 PM (last admission at 4:30 PM)
- Sunday: 11 AM - 4:45 PM (last admission at 4:30 PM)
- Thursday NightLife (21 years and above with ID): 6-7:45 PM (last admission at 7:30 PM)
Morrison Planetarium show timings:
Show times vary daily. Check the Daily Calendar for the schedule.
*Please note that children under 4 are not permitted to attend the shows. Additionally, the shows may not be suitable for children under 7.
Address: 55 Music Concourse Dr, San Francisco, CA 94118, USA | Find on Maps
- By MUNI: Take a MUNI bus or metro.
Closest stop: 44 O'Shaughnessy - By shuttle: Free Golden Gate Park shuttles are available.
Closest pick-up points: JFK Dr. and Music Concourse Dr. - By BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit): Get to the nearest tram station and then take a bus or hire a bike.
Closest stop: Montgomery St. Station/Glen Park Station - By car: 15.2 miles from the San Francisco International Airport.
Parking: The Music Concourse Garage
- Family restrooms
- Baby-changing stations
- Lockers
- Wheelchair rentals
- Gift shop
- Dining options
- Elevators
- The California Academy of Sciences is accessible to everyone, including all its exhibits.
- Ramps and elevators are available for ease of mobility throughout the facility.
- Sensory exhibits are available for guests with specific needs.
- Wheelchairs are available for rent at the entrance of the Academy.
- Wheelchair-friendly restrooms are present across the facility.
*Please contact a member of staff if you require further assistance.
Exploring the California Academy of Sciences can work up quite an appetite! Luckily, we have excellent dining options within the museum.
- Academy Café: The Academy Café offers a variety of delicious food, including salads, sandwiches, and pastries.
- The Terrace Room: If you prefer a more upscale dining experience, this elegant restaurant awaits you with its delectable menu, with food cooked using locally sourced ingredients.
For an exciting selection of themed items, gifts, science and nature memorabilia, merchandise, and more, visit the Academy Store.
The store is open daily during the operating hours of the Academy.
Budget hotels:
Mid-range hotels:
Luxury hotels:
- Be patient while making your way to different exhibits. The staff may ask you to wait for other groups to exit before entering certain spaces to avoid overcrowding.
- Try not to linger for too long at one spot, especially on busy days. Keep moving to allow crowds to flow through the museum’s exhibits.
- Exercise courtesy by sticking to the right side and allowing faster-moving visitors to pass by.
- Make sure you or your children don’t run inside the Academy. This will help avoid accidents and running into other guests. If your kids need a break and want to run around, take them to the East and West Gardens for some outdoor playtime.
- The Academy offers a variety of daily shows, feedings, and demonstrations. Check the schedule ahead of time to plan your visit around these events.
- Don't miss the opportunity to explore the Living Roof and other outdoor spaces of the California Academy of Sciences. The Living Roof offers beautiful views of the surrounding area, making it the perfect spot to take a break during your visit.
- Save time by getting your tickets online and in advance. This will let you bypass queues and make the most of your visit without spending excessive time waiting in lines.
- Set aside at least 3-4 hours to really explore all the exhibits and maybe even attend a live show.
- Avoid weekends and public holidays for a more relaxed experience without large crowds.
Frequently asked questions about California Academy of Sciences tickets
Are California Academy of Sciences tickets available?
Yes! Book your tickets to the California Academy of Sciences here.
Where can I book tickets to the California Academy of Sciences?
For a hassle-free experience, book your California Academy of Sciences tickets online.
How much are California Academy of Sciences tickets?
California Academy of Sciences tickets start from $39.75.
What are the ticket options for the California Academy of Sciences?
You have a few options to choose from - general admission, NightLife experience (for adults 21+), and guided tours. Pick what suits you best!
Can I buy tickets in advance?
To ensure a seamless experience, we highly recommend purchasing your tickets online in advance. Skip the lines and dive right into the adventure!
Are there any discounts available on California Academy of Sciences tickets?
Discounted tickets are available for children, seniors, students, and members.
What is included in my California Academy of Sciences ticket?
Your ticket grants access to all exhibits, including the rainforest, aquarium, planetarium shows, and special exhibitions. Get ready to be captivated by the wonders of science!
Can I exit and re-enter the museum?
Re-entry is allowed with a valid hand stamp. Make sure you get stamped before stepping out.
Can I skip the line if I book my ticket online?
Booking your tickets online lets you skip the ticket queue and head directly to the entrance line.
Can I cancel my ticket?
You can cancel your California Academy of Sciences tickets up to 24 hours before your visit for a full refund.
Is there a café or restaurant inside?
The Academy Café offers a variety of delicious bites to fuel your exploration. You can also visit the Terrace Room for a fine dining experience.
Are there any guided tours of the California Academy of Sciences?
Go on a guided tour to enhance your experience and learn fascinating insights about the exhibits and all the species that inhabit our planet. It's a great way to delve deeper into the notable work of the California Academy of Sciences!
How long should I spend at the California Academy of Sciences?
Plan to spend at least 3-4 hours exploring this magnificent attraction.
Is it worth visiting the California Academy of Sciences?
This world-renowned museum combines a planetarium, aquarium, and natural history museum under one living roof. It's not to be missed!