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
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from $38.75
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Address
Neighborhood: 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
6,005 reviews
Excellent
3,869
Very good
1,403
Average
509
Poor
130
Terrible
96
Tim B
Pontiac, MI4 contributions
Aug 2021
We visited the Academy because it was one of the options for our City Pass, and we were very happy with everything we saw. Plan your visit ahead of time and know what you want to see because there is so much. The Planetarium requires a checkin for your timeslot so make sure you set that up first so you can enjoy the rest of your time going through the other exhibits. The Rainforest module has a pathway that spirals up to the canopy where you take an elevator down to below the water. We were more impressed with the aquarium here than the Aquarium by the Bay. It has more tanks, sectioned and specialized areas, and more room overall which made it appear less crowded.
The roof is unique, and it was nice to go up and cool off after being in the rainforest section, but you are limited to a section in the center, it isn't a park for picnics, but was peaceful.
The roof is unique, and it was nice to go up and cool off after being in the rainforest section, but you are limited to a section in the center, it isn't a park for picnics, but was peaceful.
Written September 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
aaron
Northampton, UK45 contributions
Oct 2019
Don't rush through this site. Take your time and enjoy the science and wonders around you.
People tend to rush through and just look at objects and pictures but there is so much more available than that. There are pop up demonstrations and exclusive exhibitions and although this was a single visit I am sure these change throughout the year so people continue to return.
I loved the time clock and the aquarium section was a nice touch didn't know that was there until a bit later! What really did it for me were the different planetarium shows. These are state of the art presentations and compared with the UK ones this blows the out of the water! I had heard how amazing they were but didn't know how good they actually are until we visited.
The restaurant food range is very good, so much so that it took us a while to choose a meal. It was expensive for what it is but that is normal for locations like these as they cash in quite a few $$ to keep the place going. There is a free water dispenser located by the cutlery area.
People tend to rush through and just look at objects and pictures but there is so much more available than that. There are pop up demonstrations and exclusive exhibitions and although this was a single visit I am sure these change throughout the year so people continue to return.
I loved the time clock and the aquarium section was a nice touch didn't know that was there until a bit later! What really did it for me were the different planetarium shows. These are state of the art presentations and compared with the UK ones this blows the out of the water! I had heard how amazing they were but didn't know how good they actually are until we visited.
The restaurant food range is very good, so much so that it took us a while to choose a meal. It was expensive for what it is but that is normal for locations like these as they cash in quite a few $$ to keep the place going. There is a free water dispenser located by the cutlery area.
Written May 31, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kelsey H
Baltimore, MD108 contributions
Dec 2019
Lots to see here! My husband and I enjoyed it, our adult friends enjoyed it, and there was plenty to keep our 2 year old running around to see. It was pouring rain during our December visit so we were grateful to have an indoor activity that we all enjoyed. Our only complaint was the price. I know not every city is going to be like Washington DC and have free museums, and for locals the ticket packages looked great but for a one-off visit we almost didn't take the chance on this museum because the cost was steep. Overall I'd recommend if cost isn't a concern.
Written January 31, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
gusfamgoes
194 contributions
Feb 2020 • Family
We’ve visited many science museums in our family travels around the country and were excited to see this one given all of the positive reviews, especially here. But, honestly, for the very high admission price, the experience just doesn’t justify the cost.
The rainforest is great, a definite highlight. The aquarium is fine, but not on par with many others we’ve been to. The penguins are fun. But, beyond that, there’s not much to see. We arrived at 11 on a Sunday when it opened, expecting to need the full six hours. We left before 3. For less than four hours worth of entertainment, the value just isn’t there.
Yes, the planetarium is included in the ticket price. But the show was just average - fine, but not on par with shows we’ve seen at other facilities.
To add insult to injury, all over the facility they have signs saying “Want to see this? Take a VIP tour.” For what they’re charging for general admission, everything should be included. It’s insulting to be shook down for another $20 every time you turn around.
Save your money and visit the far better (and less expensive) museums in LA, Dallas, Boston, Chicago, New York....
The rainforest is great, a definite highlight. The aquarium is fine, but not on par with many others we’ve been to. The penguins are fun. But, beyond that, there’s not much to see. We arrived at 11 on a Sunday when it opened, expecting to need the full six hours. We left before 3. For less than four hours worth of entertainment, the value just isn’t there.
Yes, the planetarium is included in the ticket price. But the show was just average - fine, but not on par with shows we’ve seen at other facilities.
To add insult to injury, all over the facility they have signs saying “Want to see this? Take a VIP tour.” For what they’re charging for general admission, everything should be included. It’s insulting to be shook down for another $20 every time you turn around.
Save your money and visit the far better (and less expensive) museums in LA, Dallas, Boston, Chicago, New York....
Written February 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Oh no, Gus fam! While that's a difficult review to respond to, we're wondering if you may have missed experiences such as the Naturalist Center (where you can touch, examine, and ask questions about hundreds of specimens), our sparkling Gems + Minerals exhibit (featuring 400+ dazzlers from our Geology collections), the Living Roof, any of our daily special programs—from dive shows to live-animal encounters—& more. (And just as an fyi, many of the other museums you mentioned actually screen the award-winning shows made by our own planetarium team!) Either way, we wish you & your family lots of wonderful future adventures.
Written February 24, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
kumtux
Vancouver, WA576 contributions
Oct 2021
Go early and enjoy your visit! Tickets are timed entry, as are visits to the planetarium and rainforest/aquarium. Wonderful place for families and natural wonders for every interest. Lots of live exhibits in the rainforest and aquarium. Much of the museum pays tribute to the flora, fauna and geology of Northern California. Paid parking is available beneath the building. Food is also available within the building.
Written October 15, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Elaine Travels
Rainier, OR39 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
My 14 year old daughter and I visited. Great experience. We took the VIP Tour- well worth the extra cost! Our tour guide, Chad, did a great job stuffing a whole lot of very interesting information into an hour long tour. We got to go up on the roof and learn about the history of the Academy and of the construction of the building. He did a great job of setting up a kind of running dialogue that started in the roof with the description of whale bones, then went into the building with us as we looked at the skeletons of Orca and whales. He answered all of our questions and was a fantastic ambassador for the Academy.
When our tour was over we went to two shows at the planetarium - Expédition Reef and Galaxy Passport. Both were quite good and we got the pick of the seats with the VIP pass- very cool perk!
The exhibits are all well curated and presented in a welcoming atmosphere by staff and volunteers who are knowledgeable and engaging. The rain forest and Golden Silk Spiders we’re very cool.
Even the food in the dining areas was good!
Great day trip destination.
When our tour was over we went to two shows at the planetarium - Expédition Reef and Galaxy Passport. Both were quite good and we got the pick of the seats with the VIP pass- very cool perk!
The exhibits are all well curated and presented in a welcoming atmosphere by staff and volunteers who are knowledgeable and engaging. The rain forest and Golden Silk Spiders we’re very cool.
Even the food in the dining areas was good!
Great day trip destination.
Written January 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
David K
San Luis Obispo, CA4 contributions
Nov 2021
This museum is more a jack of all trades type science museum. It has elements of natural history museums, science museums, an aquarium and a planetarium. We enjoyed the rainforest exhibit quite a bit and saw lots of butterflies. The aquarium component also had a significant number of interesting animals. The signage was good too.
Written November 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
aliciajo05
Coldwater, MI15 contributions
Jul 2021
The rainforst walk is a must do. I love butterfly gardens so being about to walk through one in a cities museum was a pleasant surprise. We got the city pass and didn't have high hopes for the museum but it was a great place to explore.
Written July 18, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Katrina
San Diego, CA4 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
If you’re an out of towner trying to decide between this and the exploratorium DO THIS. This place is amazing. The rainforest inside is so cool... the penguins had a Q & A with a marine biologist that my 4 & 6 year old were mesmerized by... the planetarium had an imax movie about coral reefs that at first we were bummed about because my son loves space, but it was beautiful and taught us lots. A great way to spend a day! We needed about 2.5-3 hours.
Written January 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Michelle G
Sandringham, Australia119 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
Wow! Just wow. My 17 year old
daughter loved visiting the Academy. She loves plants and adored the butterfly-filled forest. The acquarium was terrific. Sitting underneath the forest pond was truly amazing with giant fish gliding overhead. The roof top is worth a visit. We wanted more contemporary exhibits and commentary about climate change, biodiversity and sustainability - a big missed opportunity to educate and influence. But the big wow was the planetarium - oh my goodness. Sensational commentary and we discovered so much about the solar system. Super relaxing too.
daughter loved visiting the Academy. She loves plants and adored the butterfly-filled forest. The acquarium was terrific. Sitting underneath the forest pond was truly amazing with giant fish gliding overhead. The roof top is worth a visit. We wanted more contemporary exhibits and commentary about climate change, biodiversity and sustainability - a big missed opportunity to educate and influence. But the big wow was the planetarium - oh my goodness. Sensational commentary and we discovered so much about the solar system. Super relaxing too.
Written January 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
kfpanda1
San Jose, CA409 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
8 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.
Gary D/Linda W
Richfield, UT2 contributions
Will there be live reindeer at the Academy this year?
RickPerry
Ridgeland, MS300 contributions
I don’t know.
California Academy of Sciences (San Francisco) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about California Academy of Sciences
- California Academy of Sciences admission prices can vary. Entrance tickets currently cost $38.75, while a popular guided tour starts around $12.31 per person. See all 14 California Academy of Sciences tickets and tours on Tripadvisor
- California Academy of Sciences can be crowded, so we recommend booking e-tickets ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund. See all 14 California Academy of Sciences tickets and tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience California Academy of Sciences:
- California Academy of Sciences General Admission Ticket (From $38.75)
- Go City: San Francisco Explorer Pass - Choose 2, 3, 4 or 5 Attractions (From $58.00)
- San Francisco CityPASS (From $84.00)
- Big Bus San Francisco Hop-on Hop-off Open Top Tour (From $53.10)
- Go City: San Francisco All-Inclusive Pass with 25+ Attractions (From $71.00)
- Hotels near California Academy of Sciences:
- (1.99 mi) Hotel Drisco Pacific Heights
- (2.12 mi) Parker Guest House
- (1.59 mi) The Metro Hotel
- (1.94 mi) Inn at the Presidio
- (2.24 mi) Lodge at the Presidio
- Restaurants near California Academy of Sciences:
- (0.01 mi) The Academy Cafe
- (0.01 mi) The Terrace
- (0.16 mi) de Young Cafe
- (0.18 mi) Annie's Hot Dog Cart
- (0.29 mi) Pacific Catch
- Attractions near California Academy of Sciences:
- (0.02 mi) Steinhart Aquarium
- (0.02 mi) Shakespeare Garden
- (0.13 mi) Museum Hack SF
- (0.10 mi) National AIDS Memorial Grove
- (0.04 mi) The Verdi statue