California Academy of Sciences: Where Science Comes to Life
Explore an aquarium, planetarium, rainforest, and natural history museum all under one living roof in San Francisco's 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. Founded in 1853, it's a place where visitors can explore the wonders of the natural world, from 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, to avoid crowds and secure planetarium show passes.
- Take public transportation to save $3 on admission and avoid parking hassles.
- Check the Academy's website for daily programs, showtimes, and special events.
- Make reservations for planetarium shows upon arrival, as they often fill up quickly.
- Consider visiting on a Thursday night for NightLife, a 21+ event with music, drinks, and science.
Getting There
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Public Transport
From downtown San Francisco, the 5 Fulton MUNI bus provides a direct route to the Academy. Catch the bus at Market St./Sansome St. and disembark at Fulton St./8th Ave., a short 5-minute walk to the Academy's north entrance. A single ride costs $3. Alternatively, from the Peninsula, take BART to Glen Park Station and transfer to the 44 O'Shaughnessy MUNI bus, which stops directly in front of the Academy on Music Concourse Drive.
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Walking
If you are already in Golden Gate Park, follow the signs towards the Music Concourse area. The Academy is located at 55 Music Concourse Drive, easily accessible from most points within the park. JFK Drive is closed to cars, making for a pleasant and safe walking experience.
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Ride Share/Taxi
Request a ride to 55 Music Concourse Drive, Golden Gate Park. Be aware that traffic within the park can be heavy, especially on weekends. A short trip from nearby neighborhoods like Haight-Ashbury will likely cost between $12-$18. Note that JFK Drive is closed to private vehicles.
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Driving
Enter Golden Gate Park via Fulton Street/10th Avenue or Music Concourse Drive/MLK Drive to access the Music Concourse Garage. Parking here costs $5 per hour on weekdays and $6 per hour on weekends. Free street parking is available on MLK Drive, Nancy Pelosi Drive, and Blue Heron Lake Drive, though these spots fill up quickly, especially on weekends. Consider arriving early to secure parking. Car break-ins are common in San Francisco, so don't leave valuables in your vehicle.
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Unmissable attractions to see
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