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4.7 (455 reviews)

California Academy of Sciences Tickets

Combine marine life, planets, tropical biomes and natural history in San Francisco

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3 options • from $23.00

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City Pass San Francisco

  1. California Academy of Sciences
  2. Audio Guide App for San Francisco by POPGuide
  3. de Young Museum

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From $114.25 $103.00

Tickets overview

California Academy of Sciences tickets give you access to a whole galaxy of incredible exhibits and attractions.

There are too many amazing things to mention, but here are some of the top highlights you can expect with your California Academy of Sciences tickets.

  • Explore state-of-the-art aquarium, planetarium, rainforest, and natural history museum facilities all under one roof

  • Discover 2,000 reef fish and over 40,000 other animals in one of the deepest exhibits of live corals in the world

  • Experience the seismic power of San Francisco's biggest earthquakes in the Shake House

  • Get starry-eyed in the all-digital planetarium, and explore galaxies far, far away

  • Admire the award-winning architectural design by iconic architect Renzo Piano

  • Wander around the living roof viewing platform to soak up the rolling hills of California

So you're planning a trip to the California Academy of Sciences, but which tickets are right for you?

There are a number of California Academy of Sciences ticket options to consider:

  • First off, there's the standard admission ticket granting you access to the museum, aquarium, the living roof, and all ongoing exhibits

  • More of a night owl? Go for the NightLife ticket, and see the California Academy of Sciences in a new light, by visiting during its awesome nighttime hours! Explore this renowned natural history museum from a different perspective, and enjoy the atmosphere of a high-end event, with cocktails, music, and more. Please note that this event is for those aged 21 and older, and a valid ID is required for entry

  • All that scientific discovery is hungry work! Luckily, the Academy Café serves a variety of family-friendly meals and beverages. The Terrace Restaurant also offers seasonal dishes made with locally sourced ingredients, beer, and wine

  • Indoor eating and drinking is currently limited to the Academy Café, but guests can take their food and non-alcoholic beverages to the East Garden to enjoy

  • Cash is accepted at all points of sale inside the Academy except locker rental. Cashless payments are preferred whenever possible; Visa, MasterCard, Discover, Apple Pay, and Google Pay are all accepted

  • Wheelchairs are available for guests to use during their visit. Please see a Guest Experience staff member in the lobby for assistance when you arrive. Wheelchairs are cleaned and disinfected after every use

California Academy of Sciences FAQs

The Music Concourse Garage is close to the Academy's main entrance and free street parking is available near the Academy, throughout Golden Gate Park. These parking areas get very busy on weekends, holidays, and school breaks.

To avoid any parking problems, plan to take public transport – the MUNI bus, the metro, or the Golden Gate Park shuttle are all convenient options.

As one of the most unique museum experiences in San Francisco, a 'Nightlife' ticket at the California Academy of Sciences is top-notch entertainment (and great for date night!).

Every Thursday night, the California Academy of Sciences transforms into a nightclub with a DJ and live entertainment after-hours. Guests 21+ are invited to sip on a cocktail as they explore the aquarium, rainforest, and planetarium under the moonlight.

The California Academy of Sciences is truly a one-stop-shop in terms of education and entertainment.

To full experience everything the CAS has to offer – including an aquarium, a planetarium, plus animal and reptile exhibits – plan to spend at least 2 to 3 hours (but you can stay longer if you'd like!).

California Academy of Sciences reviews

4.7
455 verified customer reviews
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Customer images

3 reviews
A
Adalys,  United States United States
03 Feb 2024
Excellent
I love it. We were unavailable to see the forest part because it closes at 7:30 so I recommend you see it before. We almost missed the aquarium on the bottom floor but I love it
NightLife at the California Academy of Sciences
K
Kaushik,  United States United States
31 Mar 2024
Excellent
Would not do it any other way! Very easy. Wish I knew about it sooner!
California Academy of Sciences: General Admission
K
Kelly ,  United Kingdom United Kingdom
13 Apr 2024
Excellent
So much to see and do here, the aquarium was a definite highlight for us
California Academy of Sciences: General Admission

About: California Academy of Sciences

The amazing, family-friendly California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco features the world’s only aquarium, planetarium, rainforest, and natural history museum, all under one living roof.

It's conveniently located on Music Concourse Drive in Golden Gate Park. Other attractions, like the de Young Museum, the Botanical Gardens, and 412 hectares of urban park are just around the corner.

Tuesday 09:30 - 17:00
Wednesday 09:30 - 17:00
Thursday 09:30 - 17:00
Friday 09:30 - 17:00
Saturday 09:30 - 17:00
Sunday 11:00 - 17:00
Monday 09:30 - 17:00
California Academy of Sciences
55,Music Concourse Drive, 94118, San Francisco
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