California Academy of Sciences

The Steinhart Aquarium is home to about 40,000 animals representing more than 900 different species, including a penguin colony from Africa, a swamp with an albino alligator, a shark lagoon and a separate 100,000-gallon tank that mirrors the ecosystem of the California coast. Meanwhile, the Osher Rainforest houses 1,600 animals, including 250 free-flying birds and about 100 reptiles and amphibians in its four-story complex. The Morrison Planetarium is known for its 75-foot-diameter screen, which screens “Tour of the Universe” shows daily. And the Kimball Natural History Museum boasts dinosaur fossils, an interactive science exhibit and a unique earthquake simulator.

On top of all of the permanent exhibits, each attraction features its own program of presentations and activities. Travelers suggest sticking around for the coral reef dive at the aquarium or venturing into the Shake House, the earthquake simulator found at the Kimball Natural History Museum. Admission may be pricey to some (adult tickets start at $39.95; entrance for children costs between $29.95 and $34.95, depending on age), but travelers say their experience was worth the cost. Visitors were impressed with not only the quantity of things to do, but the quality, with those young and old saying they left amazed at what they were able to see and do in a day. And a day is what you’ll need to see everything, so make sure to pick and choose ahead of time if you’re on a tight schedule.

You can find the California Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park, along Nancy Pelosi Drive. There are multiple public transportation links around the park, but the closest to the California Academy of Sciences is the Irving St. & 9th Ave. Muni metro stop. The academy is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays.

Show all timings
  • Monday09:30 - 17:00
  • Tuesday09:30 - 17:00
  • Wednesday09:30 - 17:00
  • Thursday09:30 - 17:00
  • Friday09:30 - 17:00
  • Saturday09:30 - 17:00
  • Sunday11:00 - 17:00
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