California Academy of Sciences
Park · Garden · San Francisco, CA
About
In San Francisco's Haight-Ashbury neighborhood, the California Academy of Sciences is a major museum combining a natural history museum, aquarium, and planetarium. It's family-friendly and draws a mixed crowd of locals and tourists. The living roof and giant rain forest dome are standout features. Thursday nights offer adults-only evenings with wine, beer, and science.
The museum is lively during the day, but weekends can get crowded. Check the schedule for planetarium shows. If you're also into art, The De Young Museum sits right across the courtyard. The cafe here is solid for a meal between exhibits.
The Academy sits in Haight-Ashbury, right inside Golden Gate Park. This gives you easy access to the park's trails, gardens, and other attractions.
Features
- ✓Walk through a four-story rain forest dome
- ✓Explore the aquarium with over 38,000 animals
- ✓Visit the living roof for city views and native plants
- ✓Catch earthquake simulator demonstrations
- ✓Attend Thursday night adults-only events with drinks
Good for
Practical
What people say
Rated from 3,644 reviews. 23 community ratings. View this venue on Yelp
From the community
“Definitely worth a visit”
Aside from all the exhibits, science, and hands-on activities, the California Academy of Sciences is absolutely worth a visit. Located in the center of Golden Gate Park, with the De Young Museum across the courtyard and garden, there's also an amphitheater, art displays, and many art pieces, statues, and photo opportunities around the area. The Academy offers a fun and educational experience—you can explore the rainforest, see the green roof, and be careful not to exit the rainforest exhibit with any butterflies on you!
A visitor · Over a year ago
“My fave museum in the city”
The Academy of Sciences combines a natural history museum, a fantastic aquarium, a planetarium, and general earth science exhibits. The cafe is excellent, and special exhibits like the earthquake simulator make it truly remarkable. It's an ideal way to spend a whole day, or you can go on Thursday nights for wine and beer and a fun evening out.
A guest · Over a year ago
“Phenomenal Pride Party!”
The aquarium hosts a gay dance party every year in celebration of Pride. You should check it out!
A recent visitor · Over a year ago
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the hours? +
The California Academy of Sciences is open Mon-Sat 9:30am-5pm and Sun 11am-5pm.
Is the venue LGBTQ+-owned or focused? +
It's a major science museum that welcomes all visitors, including LGBTQ+ guests, but is not exclusively LGBTQ+-owned or focused.
What's the best time to visit? +
Weekday mornings are quieter. Thursday nights feature a popular adults-only event with wine and beer.
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