California Academy of Sciences

"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