California Academy of Sciences - San Francisco, California

Address: 55 Music Concourse Dr, San Francisco, CA 94118, United States.
Phone: 4153798000.
Website: calacademy.org
Specialties: Science museum, Aquarium, Planetarium, Research institute, Tourist attraction.
Other points of interest: On-site services, Live performances, Wheelchair-accessible car park, Wheelchair-accessible entrance, Wheelchair-accessible toilet, Gift shop, Cafe, Offers tours, Restaurant, Toilet, Wi-Fi, Family friendly, Getting tickets in advance recommended, Good for kids.
Opinions: This company has 5519 reviews on Google My Business.
Average opinion: 4.6/5.

📌 Location of California Academy of Sciences

California Academy of Sciences 55 Music Concourse Dr, San Francisco, CA 94118, United States

☎️4153798000

⏰ Open Hours of California Academy of Sciences

Monday: 9:30 am–5 pm
Tuesday: 9:30 am–5 pm
Wednesday: 9:30 am–5 pm
Thursday: 9:30 am–5 pm
Friday: 9:30 am–5 pm
Saturday: 9:30 am–5 pm
Sunday: 11 am–5 pm

Welcome to the California Academy of Sciences

For those seeking a captivating blend of science, education, and entertainment, the California Academy of Sciences stands as a premier destination in San Francisco. Located at 55 Music Concourse Dr, San Francisco, CA 94118, United States, this multifaceted institution offers an unparalleled experience for visitors of all ages. With a powerful combination of a natural history museum, a world-class aquarium, a state-of-the-art planetarium, and an active research institute, the Academy consistently delivers cutting-edge exhibits and engaging programs. Itâs also a significant tourist attraction, drawing millions of visitors annually.

About the California Academy of Sciences

Established in 1936, the California Academy of Sciences has evolved from its humble beginnings as a natural history museum into a leading scientific institution. Its mission is to explore, conserve, and educate, fostering a deeper understanding of the natural world. The Academyâs core collections encompass a vast array of specimens, including fossils, plants, animals, and cultural artifacts. These collections serve as the foundation for its research programs and educational initiatives. The institution is committed to preserving biodiversity and promoting environmental stewardship.

Key Features and Attractions

The California Academy of Sciences boasts a remarkable range of attractions, each offering a unique and immersive experience:

Aquarium: Explore a diverse collection of marine life, including sharks, sea otters, penguins, and countless other fascinating creatures. The aquarium features both saltwater and freshwater exhibits, demonstrating the remarkable biodiversity of aquatic ecosystems.
Natural History Museum: Delve into the history of life on Earth, from prehistoric fossils to modern-day animals. Interactive exhibits bring geological processes, evolutionary history, and the wonders of the natural world to life.
Planetarium: Journey through the cosmos in a stunning, state-of-the-art planetarium. Witness breathtaking simulations of celestial events, learn about the formation of stars and galaxies, and explore the mysteries of the universe.
Rainforest: Immerse yourself in a vibrant, living rainforest environment. Observe exotic plants and animals, learn about the importance of rainforest conservation, and experience the sights and sounds of this remarkable ecosystem.
Lee Battery Theater: Enjoy live performances, including lectures, films, and musical presentations, all within a stunning Victorian-era theater.

Accessibility and Amenities

The California Academy of Sciences is dedicated to providing an accessible and enjoyable experience for all visitors. Important accessibility features include:

Wheelchair-Accessible Car Park: Convenient parking is available for visitors using wheelchairs.
Wheelchair-Accessible Entrance: The entrance is fully accessible, ensuring a smooth and easy arrival.
Wheelchair-Accessible Toilet: Accessible restrooms are readily available throughout the Academy.
Wi-Fi: Complimentary Wi-Fi is available for guests to use.
Gift Shop & Cafe: Explore a wide selection of souvenirs and enjoy refreshments at the on-site gift shop and cafe.
Tours: Guided tours are offered, providing deeper insights into the Academyâs exhibits and research.

Visitor Information

For the most up-to-date information on hours, admission prices, and special events, please visit the Website: calacademy.org. You can also reach the Academy by phone at 4153798000. The Academy highly recommends purchasing tickets in advance, especially during peak season, to guarantee entry. There are currently 5519 reviews on Google My Business, with an average rating of 4.6/5 â a testament to the positive experiences shared by visitors.

Other Points of Interest

Beyond the main attractions, the California Academy of Sciences offers a variety of additional services and experiences. These include on-site services, live performances, and family-friendly activities. The Academy consistently strives to create an engaging and educational environment for visitors of all ages. It's truly a great location for kids to learn and have fun

👍 Reviews of California Academy of Sciences

California Academy of Sciences - San Francisco, California

A S.

5/5

Love love loved the academy of sciences ever since I was a kid and I’m happy to share the experiences with my own little ones.

Their dinosaur exhibit is totally worth it as there are some places just charging for dinosaurs.

Aquariums are well kept and a great option if you like marine life and other animals.
The rainforest still is well maintained but I didn’t notice as many butterflies on this trip as we saw previously.

We were lucky to snag some tickets for their Academy Day which brought the price down to $5 per person or whatever you can donate and kids under 3 are free!
Definitely will make the trip out here again!

Daniel

4/5

Worth visiting once, but not something you’d return to multiple times. Well-maintained and good for spending half a day, though the interactive zone only includes fossils and bones.

Full review:
It’s worth checking out if you’ve never been, but it’s not the kind of place you’d want to visit two or three times.

They advertise an “interactive zone,” but it mainly consists of touching fossils, bones, or models of dead creatures — not live animals.

It’s more interesting than a basic petting zoo, but it still falls short compared to larger or more famous zoos.

That said, the facility is well-maintained and has enough to keep you occupied for half a day.

Marwan

5/5

what a cool spot! Loved the mix of aquarium, planetarium, and natural history all under one roof. The rainforest dome was my favorite—felt like a mini jungle adventure in the city. Definitely a must if you’re in San Francisco!

Bruce S.

5/5

We visited the California Academy of Sciences, located in Golden Gate Park in San Francisco recently and we had an incredible afternoon. There are so many outstanding exhibits, animals, and interactive displays that it would be impossible to list them all, but here are some that we really enjoyed: the spectacular Morrison Planetarium, Tusher African Hall, Steinhart Aquarium, Osher Rain Forest, Kimball Natural History Museum, Philippine Coral Reef, The Swamp, with Claude the albino alligator, and the Living Roof, a rolling green roof with spectacular views of Golden Gate Park. And believe it or not, there is still so much more to see and do at the California Academy of Sciences that we would recommend more than one visit. And don't forget the kids!

Robert T.

5/5

I convinced myself to finally visit the California Academy of Sciences after a very long time of not having been there since 1995. I had to see what improvements and changes were made there since then. It was so great to see the African Hall exhibit once again. That place brought back so many childhood memories for me. I loved seeing the lions and zebra displays again. It was also great to see the Pendulum exhibit once again. It was my first time seeing the Albino Alligator and the other exhibits that I had never seen before, such as the Hidden Wonders. I purchased a T-Rex and Brachiosaurs toys at the Swamp Shop. I plan to visit this museum soon so I can see more of the exhibits.

Jozze F.

5/5

We visited the California Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park on December 29, and it was such a cool experience, especially for families with kids! The place was busy, but it was well worth it. This attraction was included in our CityPASS, so it was an easy choice, and we had a blast exploring everything it had to offer.

One of the highlights was the earthquake simulator—it’s a fun and educational way to experience what an earthquake feels like! There’s also an albino crocodile (or maybe an alligator, I’m not sure), which was amazing to see up close. The academy also has a planetarium, but quick tip: be sure to make reservations for the planetarium shows—they fill up fast!

The aquarium was another big hit, with beautiful marine life on display. They also offer animal shows, which are perfect for kids and keep them engaged and entertained. We were told by a local a few days later while walking around Pier 39 that the Academy hosts special activities on Thursday nights, so that’s something to keep in mind if you’re planning another visit.

There’s also a small cafeteria, so you can grab a bite to eat while you’re there. All in all, the California Academy of Sciences is a fantastic spot for families to spend the day. Highly recommend it!

Clara P.

5/5

One of our favorite places to go with our family. We have purchased a yearly pass so we were able to get in an hour earlier on Sundays. The new dinosaur exhibit was excellent. The kids loved in and digging for fossils. We plan to visit many times this year.
A great place to explore with kids.

Peter B.

5/5

Best place in SF for: nature,museum, aquarium, no stress environment. Learn something new each time you go. You can spend hours here and still want to come back. Get yourself a family plus membership if you want to bring another family with you each time (kids are free). So 4 adults means your kid will be hosting a lot of free museum visits for others. This is good for people wanting to make friends in preschool and Kindergarten. Don’t pay for parking- walk across the baseball field and park for free. It’s a beautiful walk.