California Academy of Sciences General Admission Ticket
About this activity
Highlights
- Explore the four-story Osher Rainforest
- Discover the Philippine Coral Reef at Steinhart Aquarium
- Experience immersive shows at Morrison Planetarium
- Meet Claude, the albino alligator in the Swamp exhibit
- Enjoy panoramic views from the Living Roof
Full description
Included / Excluded
- Instant-access admission to the California Academy of Sciences
- Formal tour
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Food and drinks
- Gratuities (not required)
Itinerary
Explore hands-on exhibits as you stroll beneath the bones of some of the planet's largest inhabitants. Meet the charismatic African penguin colony while a biologist feeds them and answers your questions, be dazzled by nearly 400 dazzling specimens from the Academy's renowned geology collection, and more. Plus, uncover the surprising connections between California’s unique species, places, and people in our newest exhibit - California: State of Nature! With scientific specimens, engaging interactives, illuminating multimedia, and fascinating models, we’ve got everything for you to explore our state’s unparalleled biodiversity across four ecosystems.
Home to nearly 60,000 live animals, representing more than 1,000 unique species, you can experience one of the most biologically diverse and interactive aquariums. Plunge into the world's deepest living indoor coral reef, encounter over a dozen species in the Venom exhibit, and descend into the little-known “Twilight Zone” to learn about the diverse marine life of the pitch-black sea.
The 75-foot planetarium dome screen will immerse you inside cutting-edge visualizations and hyper-realistic virtual environments. From faraway galaxies to the working of our own planet, zoom through the cosmos like never before. Choose from multiple different award-winning show options and times available each day. Planetarium show passes are included in the price of admission and can be reserved at the planetarium pass pick-up desk across from the planetarium entrance.
Step inside a glass dome filled with a lush four-story rainforest teeming with over 1,600 plants and animals. Mingle with free-flying birds and butterflies to exotic reptiles, golden-silk orb weaver spiders, enormous Amazonian fish, and more. At each stage of the journey, you'll come face-to-face with some of the incredible animals that call these forests home.
California Academy of Sciences is located within Golden Gate Park
Important information
Know before you book
- Planetarium shows require reservations; check the daily schedule upon arrival.
- Some exhibits may have limited accessibility; inquire at the guest services desk for assistance.
- Food and beverages are available for purchase on-site; outside food is not permitted.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes as the museum covers a large area.
- Consider bringing a light jacket; some exhibits are cooler than others.
- Parking is available on-site, but public transportation is recommended due to limited parking spaces.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair Accessible
- Stroller Accessible
- Service Animals Allowed
- Easy Public Transport
- Infant Seats Available
Good to know
- Planetarium passes are free and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. When you arrive at the Academy, scan the QR code posted in the lobby to reserve a showtime. Please note that shows may not be appropriate for children under 7, and children under 4 are not permitted.
- Sustainable, grab-and-go food and drinks are available for purchase at the Academy Café and Terrace Restaurant
Traveler reviews
Feedback on Our Visit to the California Academy of Sciences
A group of three adults visited the California Academy of Sciences on Friday, July 3. We were surprised by the ticket price, but the commercials promoting the "Vivid" exhibit made it sound like a spectacular, immersive experience that would be unlike anything we had seen before. Based on the advertising, we expected an engaging, interactive exhibition with stunning visuals. Instead, it felt like little more than recorded videos projected onto walls with accompanying sound. The marketing created expectations that the exhibit simply did not meet, making it feel misleading. The museum was also extremely crowded, making it difficult to move through the exhibits and enjoy them. It felt as though there were simply too many visitors admitted at one time. The biggest disappointment, however, was the condition of the restrooms. They had a very strong odor, several stalls were out of toilet paper, and the facilities were dirty and poorly maintained. With the number of visitors you welcome each day and the price of admission, basic cleanliness and hygiene should be a top priority. The café was no better. The tables were dirty, and there appeared to be no one regularly cleaning them. Even something as simple as providing clean seating for guests enjoying a cup of coffee would have made a noticeable difference. I understand that holiday weekends are busy, but overcrowding should not come at the expense of the visitor experience. If demand is that high, perhaps the museum should consider limiting daily admissions to maintain a comfortable environment and ensure that facilities remain clean and well-stocked. We had been looking forward to this visit, and it was disappointing to leave feeling that the museum was overcrowded, the exhibits were underwhelming, and the basic standards of cleanliness had not been maintained. I hope you will take this feedback seriously and use it to improve the experience for future visitors. Sincerely, Frida
It is a must-see.
Very beautiful place, very clean; however, the staff is not very friendly. If you ask for information, you are quickly rushed, which is quite unfortunate.
Cool museum for a younger crowd.
Museum itself is done well and laid out nicely. I visited with a 12 year old who enjoyed it for the most part - especially the planetarium and rainforest. I would hesitate to return unless I came with younger kids next time - many play areas geared towards that age group.
Great day with the family!
This is a great children’s museum and with some really amazing experiences for the whole family!
No refund for accidental order
I accidentally ordered tickets on line and tried to cancel them by email soon after I realized it and got no assistance. I paid for 4 tickets and didn't even go.