Daily Programs and Activities

Don’t miss the goings-on in this living, breathing natural history and science museum. It's your chance to get closer to the science and drama of daily life at the Academy.

Planetarium Shows

 
Planetarium Shows

This show is appropriate for ages 7 and up.

Lift off from planet Earth and take a jaw-dropping ride to the far reaches of the Universe. The Academy's initial program, Fragile Planet, is projected onto a 75-foot diameter screen.

Show times: Every day, every hour on the half-hour, 11:30 am - 4:30 pm. On Sundays, there is an additional 10:30 am show exclusively for members.

Please note: The Planetarium is very popular and tickets are handed out on a first come first serve basis. Visit the kiosk at the planetarium entrance to select your show time.  In addition, please remember that the show is not appropriate for kids 6 and under.

Coral Reef Dives

 

Meet a coral reef diver who descends into the exhibit to introduce you to the world’s deepest living coral reef exhibit.

Dive times: Everyday at 11 am and 2 pm.

 

Penguin Feedings

 

Meet Pierre, Howard, Ocio and the rest of the African Penguin colony. Academy marine biologists will field visitor questions while feeding and caring for them.

Feeding times: Everyday at 10:30 am and 3:30 pm.

 

Bugs!

 

Slip on a pair of 3D glasses and check out Bugs! Shot on location in the tropical forests of Borneo, this 25-minute film is premiering in the new Hearst 3D theater.

Show times: Mondays - Saturdays, at the top of every hour, 10 am - 4 pm. On Sundays, at the top of every hour, 11 am - 4 pm, with the 11 am show exclusively for members.

Watch the Bugs! trailer »

Please note: Specialty Tours begin in January, 2009.

Deep Dive Tour

 

The Deep Dive Tour is an hour-long, privately guided tour that provides an in-depth look at your choice of the behind-the-scenes workings of the aquarium or the Academy's world renowned research collections.

 

Platinum Tour

  Platinum Tour

The definitive way to explore the Academy, the two-and-a-half-hour Platinum Tour includes:

  • Continental breakfast
  • Limited-edition souvenir
  • Behind-the-scenes tour
  • VIP seating in the Planetarium
  • Express access to the Living Roof
  • Exclusive entry into the Academy’s Private Collection of gems and treasures 

Advance reservations with pre-payment are required for both the Deep Dive and Platinum Tours. Academy Members receive a 10% discount.

Naturalist Center

The Naturalist Center provides a welcoming environment for individualized, in-depth inquiry about the natural world and sustainability.

Students, teachers and families can walk in during Academy hours and gain access to research material, multimedia resources, and personal one-on-one attention from Academy staff.

  • Ask questions about the natural world
  • Access books, DVDs and online resources
  • Find out more about Academy scientists and their work
  • Identify and research specimens
  • Learn about the the building and its LEED certification.
  • Find out more about Sustainability and how you can make a difference.

Hours:  Monday – Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., and Sunday 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. 

Learn More »

Self-guided Tours

   

Explore at your own pace.

  • Audio tours are available in French, German, Italian, English, Spanish, Japanese, Korean and Chinese.
  • You can also access details about exhibits via your cell phone!

Refill Your Tank

   

Enjoy a snack and then some! Two outstanding dining options:

 

Cafe

The Academy Cafe offers a multicultural menu for all appetites and ages. Open during standard museum hours.

 

Restaurant

The Moss Room is a full service restaurant featuring local, organic ingredients.

Serving lunch (11:30 am - 2:30 pm) and dinner (5:30 pm - 10 pm).

Reservations for lunch and dinner are recommended and can be made via www.opentable.com or by calling (415) 876-6121.