Discover the Wonders of the California Academy of Sciences
Explore the California Academy of Sciences, a premier destination for science, nature, and education in the heart of San Francisco's Golden Gate Park.
The California Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park is a world-class institution that blends science, education, and entertainment. Visitors can explore an aquarium, planetarium, and natural history museum all under one roof, making it a must-see destination for tourists in San Francisco.
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
- Visit on weekdays to avoid large crowds, especially during school vacations.
- Consider purchasing tickets online in advance to save time and avoid long lines.
- Allocate a full day to explore all exhibits, especially if you want to catch a planetarium show.
- Check the schedule for daily feeding times at the aquarium for an engaging experience.
- Bring a picnic to enjoy in Golden Gate Park after exploring the Academy.
Getting There
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BART
From Hayward BART station, board a train heading towards San Francisco/Daly City. Stay on the train for approximately 20 minutes until you reach the Embarcadero station. Transfer to the Muni Metro. Take the Muni Metro T line towards Bayview-Hunters Point and get off at the California Academy of Sciences stop. The California Academy of Sciences is located at 55 Music Concourse Dr, just a short walk from the station.
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Bus
From Hayward, take AC Transit bus line 60 towards San Francisco. After about 50 minutes, get off at the stop at 19th Ave & Lincoln Way. From there, you can walk about 10 minutes to the California Academy of Sciences, located at 55 Music Concourse Dr. Follow Lincoln Way until you reach the entrance of Golden Gate Park, and then head straight into the park.
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Bike
If you prefer biking, rent a bike from a local shop in Hayward. Head west on Mission Blvd, then take the Bay Trail towards San Francisco. The ride will take about 1.5 to 2 hours depending on your pace. Once you reach Golden Gate Park, follow the signs to the California Academy of Sciences, which is at 55 Music Concourse Dr.
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Walking
If you are close to the central part of Hayward, you can walk to the nearest bus stop or BART station to catch public transport to San Francisco. However, walking directly to the California Academy of Sciences is not feasible due to the distance (over 20 miles) and time required. It is recommended to use public transport instead.
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