"Set in San Francisco’s iconic Golden Gate Park, the California Academy of Sciences is a pioneering institution blending science, education, and sustainability. "

Recommended For

Families with kids
Explore hands-on exhibits like tide pools, a four-story rainforest, and interactive discovery zones

Science lovers
Experience the wonders of space, sea, and Earth at the Morrison Planetarium and Steinhart Aquarium

Eco-conscious travelers
Visit a LEED Platinum-certified museum featuring a living roof and world-class sustainability initiatives

Adults & night owls
Join the NightLife series with cocktails, live music, and exclusive after-hours access to exhibits

Highlights & Exhibits

  • Steinhart Aquarium: Home to 40,000+ animals, touch pools, tide pools, and colorful coral reef tanks
  • Morrison Planetarium: One of the world’s largest digital domes with stunning astronomy shows
  • Kimball Natural History Museum: Explore human evolution, biodiversity, fossils, and the Project Lab in action
  • Osher Rainforest: Four-story immersive rainforest with free-flying birds, butterflies, and tropical wildlife
  • Earthquake Exhibit: Simulate seismic waves and walk through a replica Victorian home to experience a quake
  • Discovery Tidepool & Early Explorers Cave: Kid-friendly zones for hands-on interaction and learning

Special Programs

  • Behind-the-Scenes Tours: Go deeper into the science with guided access to labs and collections
  • Penguins + Pajamas Sleepovers: Overnight adventures for families with night tours and planetarium shows
  • NightLife: 21+ events with cocktails, DJs, science talks, and after-dark access to exhibits
  • Workshops & Lectures: Educational programming on science, sustainability, biodiversity, and more

Insider Tip

Visit early in the day to avoid crowds—start with the rainforest dome before it gets too warm. Don’t miss the living roof’s panoramic view of Golden Gate Park and solar panels in action!

Visitor Information

Location: Golden Gate Park, 55 Music Concourse Drive, San Francisco, CA 94118
Phone: 415-379-8000
Website: calacademy.org

Plan Your Trip