California Academy of Sciences
California Academy of Sciences
California Academy of Sciences
4.5
About
The world’s only aquarium-planetarium-rainforest-living museum. Come nose-to-beak with penguins and parrots, watch sharks and sting rays cruise beneath your feet, and feel the spray of the California coast. Fly to Mars (and beyond the Milky Way!) from the safety of your planetarium seat, take a virtual safari in African Hall, or climb into the canopy of a living rainforest. Face your fears—and an albino alligator—inside the Swamp, and meet scientists as they return from research expeditions around the world. From the depths of a Philippine coral reef to the outer reaches of the Universe, it's all inside the California Academy of Sciences.
Suggested duration
More than 3 hours
Features animals
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from C$56.62
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Neighbourhood: Golden Gate Park
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
6,038 reviews
Excellent
3,886
Very good
1,409
Average
510
Poor
133
Terrible
102
NDJ152
Dallas, TX60 contributions
Nov. 2023 • Family
Great hands on science learning experience for kids! My son is 10 and loved it. We spent most of the day here and did everything. Everything is geared for tactile learning. Great way to spend a day with the family. It was really amazing and we had so much fun.
Written November 24, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Revathi
San Ramon, CA19 contributions
Nov. 2023 • Family
The California Academy of Sciences is a super fun and educational spot! You can explore the Morrison Planetarium, Steinhart Aquarium, Kimball Natural History Museum, and Osher Rainforest. Their aquarium is almost as big as the one in Monterey Bay. Check out the Living Roof for amazing views, and make sure not to miss the awesome planetarium shows!
Written November 19, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tim m
3 contributions
Nov. 2023 • Solo
The shows at the Planetarium were great, but nothing else was exciting. Rainforest was closed and the Aquarium was decent, but very overcrowded.
Written November 6, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kip Wadsworth
Monterey, CA6 contributions
Oct. 2023 • Couples
Incredible exhibits of love animals and taxidermies critters. The only thing I wish there was more of was dinosaurs! Unfortunately the rainforest was closed, but I had been in it before and overall this place is great for anyone’s first time to San Francisco.
Written October 16, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
simmy67
Wrexham, UK258 contributions
Sep. 2023 • Couples
Lovely building, paid for the VIP tour, Marcus was a excellent guide.
Rainforest was closed ) fair enough I knew about this in advance but still disappointing, Terrace restaurant was closed for a private event, I messaged the Academy to ask about reserving a place for the planetarium since we would not be using our phones as we are coming from the UK and was told that since we had VIP tickets we would have priority, turned up only to find the planetarium closed also.
To me, having all three of these closed on the same day is not acceptable and terrible value for money.
Rainforest was closed ) fair enough I knew about this in advance but still disappointing, Terrace restaurant was closed for a private event, I messaged the Academy to ask about reserving a place for the planetarium since we would not be using our phones as we are coming from the UK and was told that since we had VIP tickets we would have priority, turned up only to find the planetarium closed also.
To me, having all three of these closed on the same day is not acceptable and terrible value for money.
Written September 20, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michael G
1 contribution
Aug. 2023 • Family
CAS was amazing! We had such a great time wandering through Osher Rainforest and the Naturalist Center. So many different exhibits and features to wander through and learn! A great way to spend a day!
Written September 12, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Julia H
Burlington, Canada10 contributions
This place is definitely fun for kids or for people really interested in animals and nature! It wasn’t the best activity for me I’d say, especially for the price of 37$, however I enjoyed all the animal exhibits. The rainforest section was closed when we visited, so all in all I wouldn’t say it was anything too impressive, but definitely fun for kids!
Written September 5, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Len2023
5 contributions
Aug. 2023 • Couples
Loved seeing the albino alligator again, the living roof and the new Big Dinosaur exhibit. Very informative! It was also great to see many people and families out and about!
Written August 27, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
triplover42
Glendale, CA67 contributions
Aug. 2023 • Family
This is an excellent center. We particularly enjoyed the planetarium, gems & minerals, and aquarium.
The planetarium show is kept up-to-date with the latest on dark matter and dark energy.
There aren't a lot of dino bones, even in the big-dino temporary exhibit.
The rainforest bubble line moves pretty quickly. Bring a water bottle; it's hot in there!
There is a cafe but it was quite crowded at lunchtime. There are a lot of different options to eat. Both indoor and outdoor seating is available.
Everyone in our group, from grandmas to the 9-year-old, really liked the center.
The planetarium show is kept up-to-date with the latest on dark matter and dark energy.
There aren't a lot of dino bones, even in the big-dino temporary exhibit.
The rainforest bubble line moves pretty quickly. Bring a water bottle; it's hot in there!
There is a cafe but it was quite crowded at lunchtime. There are a lot of different options to eat. Both indoor and outdoor seating is available.
Everyone in our group, from grandmas to the 9-year-old, really liked the center.
Written August 21, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JY_Globetrotter
Calgary, Canada1,505 contributions
Jul. 2023 • Family
I took my 4 year old and 20 month toddler to California Academy of Sciences on a weekend in the beginning of July.
I definitely recommend coming early around opening time just because of the difficulty in finding parking in the area. We circled around mid day for 30 minutes before we finally snagged a spot and took another 15-20 minutes to make the walk to the entrance.
Pros: My kids enjoyed the rainforest and the aquarium area. Fish and butterfies and other living creatures, what's more fun than that? The other place that was really good for kids 5 and under is the Curiocity Grove which is a section that is like an indoor play centre. Gives parents a break to recharge and rest while the kids are kept busy.
Cons: I'd say the I was taken aback by the admission price. Secondly we dined outside at the detached restaurant and the $19 adult grilled cheese was a joke. It was a half sandwich with potato chips. For food, it is much better to eat inside the cafe despite the long lineups and crowds.
I definitely recommend coming early around opening time just because of the difficulty in finding parking in the area. We circled around mid day for 30 minutes before we finally snagged a spot and took another 15-20 minutes to make the walk to the entrance.
Pros: My kids enjoyed the rainforest and the aquarium area. Fish and butterfies and other living creatures, what's more fun than that? The other place that was really good for kids 5 and under is the Curiocity Grove which is a section that is like an indoor play centre. Gives parents a break to recharge and rest while the kids are kept busy.
Cons: I'd say the I was taken aback by the admission price. Secondly we dined outside at the detached restaurant and the $19 adult grilled cheese was a joke. It was a half sandwich with potato chips. For food, it is much better to eat inside the cafe despite the long lineups and crowds.
Written August 14, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi, I'm going tomorrow, and I wanted to know if there are any types of bag checks or metal detectors. My family does not like going into the city without some type of protection. Thank you.
kfpanda1
San Jose, CA419 contributions
Will be visiting a with a 12 and 14 yr old. Which exhibits would be most appealing to that age group? We won't have time to see everything, what are the major attractions.Thanks.
maisymoose
Redding, CA
Does anyone know if reserved tickets for the museum are refundable or changeable? Thank you
christina p
Briarcliff Manor, NY25 contributions
Hello! I see you are open Christmas Day starting at 11am. Will the dining options be open too or will they be closed? Thank you!
Mermaid505
9 contributions
My advice would be to call the Academy of Sciences directly for an answer to your question. The various dining options are normally available when the Academy is open, but during the holidays hours may vary, as they do in other venues.
Juan G
Buenos Aires, Argentina13 contributions
Hi can you rent the skates thereo or must have your own ones ?
Vision_Soul
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Hello, I have two questions! I bought a ticket to the museum for November 9th. Is it possible to change the date to November 10? Also is it ok to go to all areas with the puppy? I can carry her if needed. Thanks in advance.
mike a
Modesto, CA38 contributions
Sorry I am to late to help
Mike
marie524
122 contributions
Another question about a coat check area - I would like to check two small children's booster seats upon arrival. Is there a place I can safely do so? Thanks.
94121travel
San Francisco, CA193 contributions
I would recommend calling the Academy's General Inquiries line. If you scroll to the bottom of their main website and click contact the telephone # and email address is in the bottom part of the Contact page.
Deborah D
Larkspur, CA1 contribution
Hi. Is there a place to check a coat and baby car seat while visiting?
CharlesYYZ
Toronto, Canada181 contributions
Coat check yes, you maybe able to check the car seat there too. You can also reach out there customer service prior your visit, they are very helpful via email.
Ajeya
Kochi (Cochin), India210 contributions
Will a 30 year old find this museum exciting?
solo traveler
Glasgow, UK79 contributions
Well I'm 41 and I really enjoyed it, it's a very interesting museum so if you get a chance I'd recommend you check it out.
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Claim your listingCALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about California Academy of Sciences
- California Academy of Sciences admission prices can vary. Entrance tickets currently cost C$55.87, while a popular guided tour starts around C$16.88 per person.
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience California Academy of Sciences:
- California Academy of Sciences General Admission Ticket (From C$55.87)
- Go City: San Francisco Explorer Pass - Choose 2, 3, 4 or 5 Attractions (From C$90.49)
- San Francisco CityPASS (From C$115.17)
- Big Bus San Francisco Hop-on Hop-off Open Top Tour (From C$86.38)
- Go City: San Francisco All-Inclusive Pass with 25+ Attractions (From C$115.17)
- Hotels near California Academy of Sciences:
- (3.19 km) Hotel Drisco Pacific Heights
- (3.39 km) Parker Guest House
- (2.54 km) The Metro Hotel
- (3.60 km) The Parsonage Bed and Breakfast
- (3.58 km) Lodge at the Presidio
- Restaurants near California Academy of Sciences:
- (0.01 km) The Terrace
- (0.01 km) The Academy Cafe
- (0.25 km) de Young Cafe
- (0.30 km) Annie's Hot Dog Cart
- (0.30 km) Tea Garden
- Attractions near California Academy of Sciences:
- (0.04 km) Steinhart Aquarium
- (0.04 km) Shakespeare Garden
- (0.21 km) Museum Hack SF
- (0.17 km) National AIDS Memorial Grove
- (0.06 km) The Verdi statue