Explore the Wonders of the California Academy of Sciences
Discover the California Academy of Sciences, a premier science museum in San Francisco featuring an aquarium, planetarium, and a rainforest dome.
The California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco offers an immersive experience that combines a natural history museum, aquarium, planetarium, and research institute. Dive into a world of discovery and adventure!
A brief summary to California Academy of Sciences
- 55 Music Concourse Dr, San Francisco, Golden Gate Park, California, 94118, US
- +1415-379-8000
- Visit website
- 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
Local tips
- Purchase tickets online in advance to avoid long lines and secure your preferred time slot.
- Plan your visit during the week to experience fewer crowds, especially during peak tourist seasons.
- Take advantage of the free guided tours available for deeper insights into exhibits and special features.
- Make time to enjoy the outdoor exhibits and the rooftop garden, which offers stunning views of the park.
- Bring a picnic to enjoy in the surrounding Golden Gate Park after your visit.
Getting There
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Public Transit - BART and Muni
Start at the Castro Valley BART station. Board a train heading towards San Francisco/Daly City. Ride the BART train for approximately 25 minutes until you reach the Montgomery St. station in downtown San Francisco. Once you exit the BART station, follow the signs to catch the Muni Bus. Look for the Muni Bus stop near the Montgomery St. station and board the 5-Fulton bus heading towards the Golden Gate Park. After about 20 minutes, get off at the 'Fulton St & Stanyan St' stop. From there, walk into Golden Gate Park, following the signs towards the California Academy of Sciences, which is about a 10-minute walk straight ahead.
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Public Transit - Bus
Begin your journey at the Castro Valley Transit Center. Take the AC Transit Line 31 towards Hayward BART. After approximately 15 minutes, get off at the Hayward BART station. From Hayward, catch the BART train towards San Francisco/Daly City. Ride for about 25 minutes until you reach the Montgomery St. station. After exiting the BART, follow the signs to the Muni bus stop and take the 5-Fulton bus towards the Golden Gate Park. Disembark at 'Fulton St & Stanyan St' and walk approximately 10 minutes into the park to reach the California Academy of Sciences.
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Walking (from nearby locations in Castro Valley)
If you are staying in a nearby hotel or location within Castro Valley, you can walk to the Castro Valley BART station. Once you reach the station, follow the instructions for the BART and Muni transit options provided above. Remember, walking to the station will add approximately 15-20 minutes to your travel time depending on your starting point.
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Unmissable attractions to see
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