Exploring the Wonders of the California Academy of Sciences
Discover the California Academy of Sciences, a unique fusion of science, nature, and sustainability in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park.
The California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park is a treasure trove of science, nature, and sustainability. With an aquarium, planetarium, and natural history museum all under one roof, it's a must-visit for tourists seeking knowledge 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 your tickets online in advance to avoid long lines.
- Plan your visit during the weekdays for a less crowded experience.
- Check the schedule for planetarium shows and special presentations to enhance your visit.
- Take advantage of the outdoor spaces and gardens for a relaxing break during your exploration.
- Don’t miss the aquarium; it features some of the most stunning marine life exhibits.
Getting There
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Public Bus
From anywhere in Daly City, locate a SamTrans bus stop. You can take the SamTrans Route 120 towards San Francisco. Make sure to check the bus schedule as buses run every 30 minutes during peak hours and less frequently during off-peak times. Ride the bus for approximately 25-30 minutes until you reach the '9th Ave & Lincoln Way' stop. From there, walk east on Lincoln Way towards Stow Lake Drive for about 10 minutes until you reach the California Academy of Sciences located at 55 Music Concourse Dr, within Golden Gate Park.
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BART and Public Transport
Start by heading to the nearest BART station in Daly City. Take the BART train towards San Francisco. Get off at the 'Civic Center/UN Plaza' station. From the BART station, transfer to the Muni bus. Take the Muni 5-Fulton or 21-Hayes bus towards the 'Golden Gate Park' area. Get off at 'Fulton St & Stanyan St' stop. Walk into the park towards the California Academy of Sciences, which is located at 55 Music Concourse Dr. This walk will take approximately 10-15 minutes.
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Rideshare
If you prefer to use a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft, simply open the app and set your destination to 'California Academy of Sciences, 55 Music Concourse Dr, San Francisco, CA 94118'. The estimated travel time from Daly City is around 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. The driver will drop you off directly at the entrance of the museum.
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Bicycle
If you're feeling adventurous and want to bike, you can rent a bike from a local rental shop in Daly City. Head towards San Francisco via the El Camino Real route. Once you reach Golden Gate Park, navigate to the Music Concourse Drive. It’s about a 7-mile ride and will take approximately 30-40 minutes, depending on your cycling speed. Follow the park signs leading to the California Academy of Sciences.
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
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Janis Joplin's House
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Haight-Ashbury Clock
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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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Twin Peaks
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Unmissable attractions to see
Morrison Planetarium
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Shakespeare Garden
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de Young Museum
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50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr
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National AIDS Memorial Grove
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San Francisco Botanical Garden
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Japanese Tea Garden
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Conservatory of Flowers
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Stow Lake
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Essential places to dine
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Blind Butcher
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Starbelly
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State Bird Provisions
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The Progress
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Petit Crenn
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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San Francisco Mercantile
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
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Eve Nightclub & Lounge
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Rouge Night Club
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