California Academy of Sciences, Bay Area Travel Guide

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Explore an aquarium, planetarium, rainforest, and natural history museum all under one living roof at San Francisco's California Academy of Sciences.

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California Academy of Sciences

The California Academy of Sciences, located in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park, is a world-renowned natural history museum, aquarium, planetarium, and research institution all under one living roof. Founded in 1853, it's the oldest scientific institution in the Western United States, offering immersive experiences for all ages.

A brief summary to California Academy of Sciences

55 Music Concourse Dr, San Francisco, Golden Gate Park, California, 94118, US
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Monday 9:30 am-5 pm
Tuesday 9:30 am-5 pm
Wednesday 11 am-5 pm
Thursday 9:30 am-5 pm
Friday 9:30 am-5 pm
Saturday 9:30 am-5 pm
Sunday 11 am-5 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring California Academy of Sciences.

Purchase tickets in advance online to save time and potentially money.
Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to avoid crowds and secure a spot for planetarium shows.
Take advantage of the free Golden Gate Park Shuttle to reach the Academy.
Visit on a Thursday night for NightLife (21+), offering music, cocktails, and a unique after-dark museum experience.
Check the Academy's website for daily schedules of animal feedings, planetarium shows, and special events.

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Explore California Academy of Sciences on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near California Academy of Sciences, mapped for you.

Getting There

Public Transport

From downtown San Francisco, the Muni system offers several convenient options. The 5 Fulton bus runs directly to the north entrance of Golden Gate Park at Fulton St./8th Ave., a short 5-minute walk to the Academy. Alternatively, take the N Judah Metro line to 9th Ave./Irving St., a 10-minute walk through the park to the Academy. A single Muni fare is around $3. Consider a CityPASS or Go City San Francisco Pass for discounts on multiple attractions and public transport.
Walking

If you're already in Golden Gate Park, the Academy is easily accessible by foot. From the Japanese Tea Garden or the de Young Museum, follow the signs along the Music Concourse to the east. The Academy is located at 55 Music Concourse Drive. The walk is generally flat and takes about 10-15 minutes from nearby attractions.
Ride Share/Taxi

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft, as well as taxis, provide direct access to the Academy's entrance at 55 Music Concourse Drive. A ride from Union Square typically costs $22-$27 and takes approximately 10 minutes, depending on traffic. Note that traffic within Golden Gate Park can be heavy on weekends and holidays.
Driving

If driving, enter Golden Gate Park via Fulton Street and 10th Avenue to the north, or Music Concourse Drive/MLK Drive from the south. Limited free street parking is available on MLK Drive, Nancy Pelosi Drive, and around Stow Lake, with 3-4 hour limits. The Music Concourse Garage offers convenient, secure underground parking for $5/hour on weekdays and $6/hour on weekends. The garage is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Be aware that both street parking and the garage can fill up quickly, especially on weekends.

Discover more about California Academy of Sciences

The California Academy of Sciences is more than just a museum; it's an immersive exploration of the natural world. Housing a natural history museum, planetarium, aquarium, and rainforest all under one roof, the Academy offers a unique experience for every visitor.Founded in 1853, just three years after California became a state, the Academy's mission is to regenerate the natural world through science, learning, and collaboration. Originally located in downtown San Francisco, the Academy suffered a devastating loss in the 1906 earthquake and fire. Rebuilt in Golden Gate Park, it has since expanded to become one of the largest natural history museums in the world. The current building, redesigned by Renzo Piano and completed in 2008, features a living roof covered with native California plants, helping to cool the building and reduce rainwater runoff.Inside, visitors can explore the depths of the Steinhart Aquarium, home to nearly 60,000 animals representing over 1,000 species. Journey through the Morrison Planetarium, one of the largest digital planetariums in the world, and experience a virtual trip through the cosmos. Ascend into the Osher Rainforest, a lush, four-story biodome teeming with exotic plants and animals. Discover fascinating exhibits at the Kimball Natural History Museum, showcasing the past, present, and future of life on Earth.The Academy is committed to scientific research and conservation, with a collection of over 46 million specimens. From dinosaur skeletons to live penguins, the California Academy of Sciences offers something for everyone, making it a must-see destination in San Francisco.