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Let the Wonder Begin
The Aquarium
Meet Nemo, a colony of penguins, and 38,000 other live animals from around the world. Learn more
The Natural History Museum
Explore how life evolved on Earth, and what we can do to help conserve its diversity. Learn more
The Planetarium
Fly through space and time, and gain a new perspective on the planet we call home. Learn more
The Rainforest
Journey through a four-story rainforest that is hot, humid, and teeming with life. Learn more
Programs & Events
Thursdays from 6–10 pm
Enjoy music, creatures & cocktails after-hours with a unique weekly theme.
Saturdays and Sundays at 12:30 pm
Explore the ecosystems of nearby gardens and groves on a 30-min guided walk.
Saturdays at 11:30 am
Meet Academy scientists exploring and sustaining biodiversity around the globe.
Daily at 10:30 am and 3:00 pm
Meet our African Penguin colony, and ask a biologist your questions.
Daily at 11:30 am and 2:30 pm
Watch as a diver plunges into the world’s deepest coral reef exhibit.
Wednesdays at 9:45 am
Join hands-on activities, stories & crafts with rotating themes (ages 3–5).
Monday–Friday at 11:00 am
Compare early human adaptations to our modern bodies through fun activities.
Saturdays and Sundays at 11:00 am
Learn how scientists use DNA analysis and technology to study recent fossil finds.
Daily
Dive deeper with exclusive access to the aquarium or research collections.
May 9 & 19
Join us for a special preview and Members’ Night celebration of our newest exhibit.
Ongoing series
Prepare for a wild night! Join a Penguins + Pajamas sleepover, for ages 5+.
News & Highlights
Sea Lion Strandings
The Marine Mammal Center aids statewide efforts to rescue stranded sea lion pups.
Name That Chick
Our new African Penguin chick needs a name! Submit your vote on May 3.
Academy Store
Find unique, locally sourced gifts for Mother’s Day at our new online storefront.
Pocket Penguins
Watch our live penguin cam, now on BlackBerry 10 and other mobile devices.
Invasive Lionfish
Scientists track the species’ impact as lionfish spread throughout the Caribbean.
Skywatcher’s Guide
Download the new 2013 Pocket Almanac or pick up your copy in the Naturalist Center.
Biodiversity and Disease
Researchers quantify the economic and health benefits of biodiversity.
Human Odyssey
Retrace humanity’s path from our African origins to our spread across the globe.
California Wildflowers
This spring, appreciate colorful blooms with our online herbarium.
The Problem with Plastics
Digital Learning teens present their solutions on how to remake plastics.
3D Digitizing Project
See the unique beauty of the world’s ant species, compiled by Academy scientists.
Our Mission
The Academy is driven by a mission to Explore, Explain, and Sustain Life.
Learn more
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Your Name in Lights!
Support the Academy’s ocean conservation efforts and your gift will be honored at our new Built for Speed exhibit.
