Who it's for
All ages
California Academy of Sciences
Published October 2026. Editorial oversight by James Morgan. AI-assisted, human-edited. Our editorial standards
Image credits
- Photo by Fastily via Wikimedia Commons, CC-BY-SA-4.0
- Photo by Rhododendrites via Wikimedia Commons, CC-BY-SA-4.0
About California Academy of Sciences
Journey from deep sea to deep space under one living roof, with an aquarium, planetarium, and four-story rainforest.
In Golden Gate Park, the California Academy of Sciences gathers an aquarium, planetarium, rainforest, and natural history museum under a single living roof.
What you'll see and do - Visit the Steinhart Aquarium, home to nearly 60,000 animals - Travel the cosmos in the Morrison Planetarium - Climb through the four-story Osher Rainforest among free-flying birds and butterflies - Get hands-on at the Kimball Natural History Museum and catch daily feedings and diver presentations
Attraction Details
Opening Times
- Monday9:30 AM to 5 PM
- Tuesday9:30 AM to 5 PM
- Wednesday9:30 AM to 5 PM
- Thursday9:30 AM to 5 PM
- Friday9:30 AM to 5 PM
- Saturday9:30 AM to 5 PM
- Sunday11 AM to 5 PM
Events at California Academy of Sciences
Vivid: Immerse Your Senses
Ongoing through September 6
A sense-ational new exhibit inviting visitors to experience six ecosystems through sight, sound, smell, and touch.
Tiny Chef, Big Impact
Closing May 31
Internet superstar Tiny Chef presents a new film, exhibit, and photo ops, serving culinary cuteness and chaos.
Sea Slug Search
May 1–31
Head to the coast during low tide to find sea slugs, share observations, and help deepen understanding of these tidepool treasures.
NightLife
Thursdays, 6-10 p.m.
An adult-only weekly event illuminating the unusual intersection of art and science.
Birthdays the science way
Weekends
Celebrate a child's special day at the Academy with up to 16 guests, a science-savvy host, and goodie bags.
Head outside for science!
April through June
Join bioblitzes along the coast or in your neighborhood to generate critical biodiversity data using a smartphone.
NightLife: Mabuhay
May 28 at 6:00 pm
A NightLife event celebrating Filipino pride and feel-good energy.
Plan Your Visit
Family-tested advice for a smoother day at California Academy of Sciences.
Getting there
California Academy of Sciences is at 55 Music Concourse Dr, San Francisco, CA 94118. Check the operator's site for parking and transit options.
Pro tip
Pack snacks, refillable water bottles and a portable charger to keep the day running smoothly.
Directions
California Academy of Sciences
55 Music Concourse Dr, San Francisco, CA 94118
This attraction has been claimed and verified.
Last updated 10/17/2026
California Academy of Sciences Reviews
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Frequently asked questions
Is California Academy of Sciences worth visiting?
The California Academy of Sciences is a renowned family attraction that uniquely combines an aquarium, a planetarium, a rainforest, and a natural history museum all under one living roof. Visitors can explore diverse ecosystems, encounter fascinating animals, and engage with inspiring science exhibits suitable for all ages.What are the best things to see and do at California Academy of Sciences?
Visitors can experience an aquarium with nearly 60,000 animals, immersive cosmic experiences in the Morrison Planetarium, and a four-story living rainforest. The Kimball Natural History Museum also showcases hands-on exhibits, scientific specimens, and the latest research.What are the opening hours at California Academy of Sciences?
The Academy is open 365 days a year. General admission hours are 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sundays. Please check the official site for date-specific hours.Is California Academy of Sciences suitable for young children, and what ages is it best for?
The California Academy of Sciences is suitable for all ages. It offers educational programs, interactive experiences, and engaging shows throughout the day, designed for explorers of all ages.What is special about the California Academy of Sciences?
The California Academy of Sciences is special because it uniquely combines an aquarium, planetarium, rainforest, and natural history museum within a single, innovative 400,000 square-foot facility crowned by a living roof. It also offers daily animal feedings and diver presentations.
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