California Academy of Sciences: Where Science Comes to Life
Explore an aquarium, planetarium, rainforest, and natural history museum all under one roof at San Francisco's California Academy of Sciences.
Located in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park, the California Academy of Sciences is a renowned natural history museum, aquarium, planetarium, and research institution all under one living roof. Founded in 1853, it's a premier destination for exploring the natural world through immersive exhibits and cutting-edge research.
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 time for the Morrison Planetarium show upon arrival, as tickets are free but often book up quickly.
- Take public transportation to save $3 on daytime admission and avoid parking hassles.
- Allow at least 3-4 hours to fully experience all the exhibits and attractions.
- Check the Academy's website for special events, programs, and temporary exhibits to enhance your visit.
Getting There
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Public Transport
From downtown San Francisco, take the N Judah Muni Metro line to 9th Ave/Irving St. From there, it's a 10-minute walk into Golden Gate Park to the Academy. Alternatively, several Muni bus lines, including the 5 Fulton and 44 O'Shaughnessy, stop within a short walk of the Academy. A single Muni fare is $3.
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Walking
If you are already in 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. Walking from the Japanese Tea Garden takes approximately 5 minutes.
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Car
From Highway 1, turn onto MLK Drive and follow the signs for the Music Concourse. Limited street parking is available on MLK Drive and Nancy Pelosi Drive. The Music Concourse Garage offers underground parking for $5.25/hour on weekdays and $6.25/hour on weekends. Parking can be limited, especially on weekends and holidays.
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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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
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Unmissable attractions to see
Morrison Planetarium
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Shakespeare Garden
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de Young Museum
0.3 km
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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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Suppenküche
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a Mano
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Rich Table
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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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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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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Nightclubs & after hour spots
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Make-Out Room
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ECHO SFC
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Eve Nightclub & Lounge
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Providence Night Club
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Halcyon SF
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DNA Lounge
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Club 26 Mix
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Rouge Night Club
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Club Malibu
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F8 Nightclub & Bar
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