California Academy of Sciences: Where Science Comes to Life
Explore an aquarium, planetarium, rainforest, and natural history museum all under one living roof in Golden Gate Park.
The California Academy of Sciences, nestled in Golden Gate Park, is a world-renowned natural history museum, aquarium, planetarium, and research institution all under one living roof. It offers an immersive experience for visitors of all ages, with exhibits spanning the depths of the ocean to the far reaches of the universe.
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, as the Academy can get crowded.
- Reserve your planetarium showtime upon arrival, as passes are required and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Download the California Academy of Sciences app for exhibit information, maps, and daily program schedules.
- Dress in layers, as the rainforest exhibit is hot and humid.
- Take public transportation and save $3 on daytime admission.
Getting There
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Public Transport
From downtown San Francisco (e.g., Union Square), the Muni bus is a convenient option. Take the 5 Fulton bus from Market St & Grant Ave directly to Fulton St & 8th Ave, near the park's north entrance. From there, it's a short 5-minute walk to the Academy. The Muni fare is around $3. Alternatively, take the N Judah Metro line to 9th Ave/Irving St, a 10-minute walk to the Academy. A $3 discount on daytime admission is available when you take public transit.
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Walking
From within Golden Gate Park, follow signs towards the Music Concourse area. The Academy is located at 55 Music Concourse Drive, near the de Young Museum and the Japanese Tea Garden. The building is easily recognizable by its unique living roof. The Golden Gate Park Shuttle offers free transport to the Academy, with stops along JFK Dr and Music Concourse Dr.
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Taxi/Ride-share
Request a ride to 55 Music Concourse Drive, San Francisco. Be aware that JFK Drive is closed to cars, so access is via Fulton St/10th Ave or Music Concourse Dr/MLK Dr. A ride from Union Square will typically cost $22-27 and take approximately 10 minutes, depending on traffic.
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Parking
The Music Concourse Garage is an underground parking facility located steps away from the Academy's main entrance. Enter via Fulton St/10th Ave or Music Concourse Dr/MLK Dr. The garage costs $5 per hour on weekdays and $6 per hour on weekends. Free street parking is available on MLK Dr and Nancy Pelosi Dr, but these spots are limited, especially on weekends. Parking is also available around Stow Lake Dr.
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