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.
Discover more about California Academy of Sciences
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Sundial
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Alvord Lake Bridge
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501 Stanyan St
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McLaren Lodge
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1524 Haight St
1.6 km
Experience the vibrant heart of San Francisco's counterculture at the iconic Haight-Ashbury building, steeped in history and creativity.
Janis Joplin's House
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Haight-Ashbury Clock
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Grateful Dead House
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Sutro Tower
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Buena Vista Park
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John Spencer House
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Delano House
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California Historical Landmark 760: Laurel Hill Cemetery Site
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Abner Phelps House
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Twin Peaks
2.5 km
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Unmissable attractions to see
Morrison Planetarium
0.0 km
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Shakespeare Garden
0.1 km
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de Young Museum
0.3 km
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50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr
0.3 km
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National AIDS Memorial Grove
0.4 km
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San Francisco Botanical Garden
0.4 km
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Japanese Tea Garden
0.4 km
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Conservatory of Flowers
0.6 km
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Stow Lake
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Essential places to dine
Chapeau
1.6 km
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Spruce
2.3 km
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Nopa
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Fable
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Blind Butcher
3.0 km
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Starbelly
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State Bird Provisions
3.3 km
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The Progress
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Petit Crenn
3.5 km
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Suppenküche
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a Mano
3.8 km
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Rich Table
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Chez Maman West
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Monsieur Benjamin
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Burma Love - Mission
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Land of the Sun
1.3 km
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San Francisco Mercantile
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The Golden Hour
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Foggy Notion
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Held Over
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Things Lucky Handicraft
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Welcome Haight & Ashbury
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True
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Button Down
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Rare Device
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The Perish Trust
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Local Take
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Life
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COVE
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post.script.
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Brioche Bakery & Cafe
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Noc Noc
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Tara Indian Cuisine
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Blackbird
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ABV
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Smuggler's Cove
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The Majestic Butterfly Lounge
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Dahlia SF
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The Beehive
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The Sycamore
4.2 km
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Casements Bar
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Bear Vs. Bull
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Friends Bar
4.5 km
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Mission Bar
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Kozy Kar
4.6 km
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
Pa'ina Restaurant & Lounge
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The Valencia Room
4.0 km
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Make-Out Room
4.4 km
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ECHO SFC
4.4 km
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OASIS
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Eve Nightclub & Lounge
4.6 km
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Providence Night Club
4.6 km
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Halcyon SF
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Audio Nightclub
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DNA Lounge
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Club 26 Mix
4.8 km
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Rouge Night Club
4.9 km
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Lucitas Nightclub
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Club Malibu
5.0 km
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F8 Nightclub & Bar
5.0 km
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