California Academy of Sciences: Where Science Comes to Life
Explore an aquarium, planetarium, rainforest, and natural history museum all under one living roof at San Francisco's California Academy of Sciences.
The California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park is a world-class natural history museum, aquarium, planetarium, and rainforest all under one living roof. Founded in 1853, it's a leading institution for scientific research and education, offering an immersive experience for visitors of all ages.
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
- Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to avoid crowds and secure parking.
- Reserve planetarium showtimes upon arrival, as they often fill up quickly.
- Take public transportation to save $3 on daytime admission and avoid parking hassles.
- Check the Academy's daily calendar for showtimes, feeding schedules, and special events.
- Visit on a Thursday night for NightLife, an adults-only (21+) event with music, drinks, and science.
Getting There
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Public Transport
From downtown San Francisco, several MUNI bus and metro lines provide access to the Academy. The 5 Fulton bus stops at Fulton St./8th Ave., a 5-minute walk to the Academy. The N Judah Metro stops at 9th Ave./Irving St., a 10-minute walk to the Academy. A single MUNI fare is $3. Taking public transport saves $3 on daytime admission.
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Walking
From the eastern side of Golden Gate Park, follow John F. Kennedy Drive west. The Academy is located on Music Concourse Drive, near the de Young Museum and Japanese Tea Garden. The walk from the park's east entrance to the Academy is approximately 30 minutes.
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Taxi/Ride-share
Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available throughout San Francisco. A taxi from downtown San Francisco to the Academy costs approximately $16-$20, and the ride takes about 8 minutes. Note that prices may vary depending on traffic and demand.
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Driving
From downtown San Francisco, take Fell Street west to Stanyan Street, then continue on Kezar Drive. Turn left onto John F. Kennedy Drive and follow signs to the Music Concourse Garage. Parking in the Music Concourse Garage costs $5.25/hour on weekdays and $6.25/hour on weekends. Free street parking is available on Martin Luther King Jr. Drive and Nancy Pelosi Drive, but spots are limited, especially on weekends.
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Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Unmissable attractions to see
Morrison Planetarium
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de Young Museum
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50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr
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