California Academy of Sciences
Golden Gate Park—sample rating
Dennis G. Jarvis, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
About California Academy of Sciences
The California Academy of Sciences, located at 55 Music Concourse Drive, San Francisco, CA 94118, is a leading scientific institution and a major cultural attraction. It houses a diverse collection of exhibits and scientific research facilities, all under one living roof. Visitors can explore a four-story living rainforest, a world-class aquarium showcasing marine life, and a natural history museum featuring exhibits on Earth's biodiversity and evolution. The museum also includes the Morrison Planetarium, offering immersive cosmic journeys, and a dedicated children's area. For the most up-to-date information on exhibits, special events, and visitor guidelines, please consult their official website at https://www.calacademy.org/. The Academy is generally open Monday through Saturday from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM, and on Sundays from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Why visit
It offers an engaging educational experience, combining an aquarium, planetarium, rainforest, and natural history museum all under one roof.
Best time to visit
Weekdays, particularly in the morning shortly after opening, are generally less crowded. Sundays open later, at 11:00 AM.
Recommended duration
Allow about 3 hours (180 minutes).
Opening hours
- Friday
- 09:30-17:00
- Monday
- 09:30-17:00
- Saturday
- 09:30-17:00
- Sunday
- 11:00-17:00
- Thursday
- 09:30-17:00
- Tuesday
- 09:30-17:00
- Wednesday
- 09:30-17:00
Information may change — verify details before visiting.
Location
55 Music Concourse Dr, San Francisco, CA 94118
Load Google Maps content — this may set cookies.
Nearby attractions
Golden Gate Bridge
The Golden Gate Bridge is an iconic suspension bridge spanning the Golden Gate Strait, connecting San Francisco to Marin County.
Alcatraz Island
Alcatraz Island, often referred to as 'The Rock,' is a small island in San Francisco Bay, most famously known as a former federal prison.
San Francisco Botanical Garden
The San Francisco Botanical Garden is a 55-acre living museum showcasing diverse plant collections from around the world within Golden Gate Park.
Musée Mécanique
Musée Mécanique is a historic collection of coin-operated arcade games and mechanical musical instruments located on Pier 45 in San Francisco.
San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park
San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park preserves and interprets the rich maritime heritage of San Francisco and the Pacific Coast.
- Ghirardelli Square
Ghirardelli Square
Ghirardelli Square is a historic landmark in San Francisco, once home to the Ghirardelli Chocolate Company's factory, now repurposed into a vibrant marketplace.
Nearby restaurants
Tartine Bakery
Bakery · $$ · Mission District
Zuni Café
Californian · $$$$ · Hayes Valley
Swan Oyster Depot
Seafood · $$$ · Nob Hill
Tadich Grill
Seafood · $$$ · Financial District
Foreign Cinema
Californian-Mediterranean · $$$ · Mission District
Nopa
Californian · $$$ · Hayes Valley
Flights to New York
Live round-trip fares from Travelpayouts partners.
Partner links — our site's partners are Expedia, GetYourGuide, Go City, Big Bus Tours, Hotellook, Kiwitaxi and Localrent; we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Stay near Golden Gate Park
Browse stays in New York by budget and style — prices and availability open on our booking partner's site.
Partner links — we're partnered with Expedia and Hotellook; we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.