• Visit Us
  • African Penguins
  • Rocky Reef in Steinhart Aquarium; Photo: Kathryn Whitney
  • Color of Life exhibit
  • Osher Rainforest
  • Morrison Planetarium
  • Water Planet
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The California Academy of Sciences is a must-see San Francisco museum. Based in beautiful Golden Gate Park, it’s the only place on Earth to house an aquarium, planetarium, rainforest, and natural history museum—all under one living roof. 

From the splashing penguins in African Hall to the wildflowers on the roof, the building is bursting with life. A four-story living rainforest and awe-inspiring coral reef ecosystem showcase Earth’s biodiversity, while immersive planetarium shows offer a new perspective on the planet we call home.

Please note our special holiday hours:
Christmas Eve (December 24): 9:30 am – 5 pm
Christmas Day (December 25): 11 am – 5 pm
December 26–30: Open until 6 pm
New Year's Eve (December 31): 9:30 am – 5 pm
New Year's Day (January 1, 2020): 9:30 am – 5 pm

    NightLife Events are off the hook!  Always great music and cool people.

    Felicia D.
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    Featured Exhibits

    A curious reindeer peers into the camera at 'Tis the Season for Science exhibit

    'Tis the Season for Science: Life on Ice
    Frolic under indoor snow flurries, learn about animal life at the poles, and meet two impressively antlered reindeer in the East Garden. Open November 22–January 5.

    Steinhart Aquarium
    One of the most advanced and biodiverse aquariums in the world, the aquarium is home to the world's deepest living indoor coral reef, a colony of African penguins, and more than 38,000 live animals representing over 900 species—including some you won’t find in any other aquarium.

    Morrison Planetarium
    Our planetarium is home to one of the largest all-digital domes in the world. Dive the world's most dazzling tropical coral reefs in our newest original show, Expedition Reef, or zoom through the Solar System in Passport to the Universe.

    Kimball Natural History Museum
    Explore majestic dioramas of African landscapes and animals and immerse yourself in exhibits that examine the evolution—and future—of life on Earth.

    Osher Rainforest
    Trek through a lush, four-story rainforest, housed in a spectacular glass dome while free-flying tropical birds and butterflies soar above and enormous Amazonian fish swim below.

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    Events & Programs

    Penguins+Pajamas

    VIP Tours
    Book a special guided tour to get a closer look at our live animals, discover our scientific collections, or learn what makes our museum the greenest in the world.

    NightLife
    On Thursday nights, adults 21 and over can enjoy live music, cocktails, and special activities and entertainment in addition to exploring the entire Academy after dark.

    Lectures & Workshops
    The Academy partners with scientists from institutions around the world to host lectures on a wide range of topics. Astronomy buffs can learn more about discoveries within the final frontier at our Benjamin Dean Astronomy Lecture series.

    Penguins+Pajamas Sleepovers
    Spend a night under the starfish! Explore all our exhibits after-hours, enjoy evening snacks and a wild story time, and choose where to roll out your sleeping bag—next to colorful fish or playful penguins?—at this family event.

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    What to See and Do

    Only have an hour or two? Make the most of your visit with this guide to the Academy's can't-miss visitor favorites.

    Where to Eat

    Relax and refuel during your visit and enjoy a meal or snack at one of two restaurants offering sustainable, local cuisine.

    Just for Kids

    Academy exhibits and programs are designed with kids in mind. Check out our top tips for parents traveling with tots.  

    *Join or renew by January 5, 2020, and receive up to 3 complimentary Daytime Admission tickets to the California Academy of Sciences. Offer available for Individual, Individual Plus, Teacher, Community Value, and Senior levels (1 ticket), Family and Family Plus levels (2 tickets), and Associate level (3 tickets). Not valid on Explorer or higher levels. Complimentary tickets are valid for 1 year from date of purchase of new or renewing membership and have no cash value. Pick up tickets at the Service Desk. Offer is not retroactive and may not be combined with other offers.