Planning a day at the California Academy of Sciences? Use this no-nonsense guide for tickets, parking, public transit, and the best times to visit this beloved San Francisco landmark.
California Academy of Sciences history and overview
The California Academy of Sciences (CAS) is California’s world-class natural history museum. It is also an aquarium, a planetarium, and a four-story rainforest, all contained within a single structure. This San Francisco institution is located deep inside Golden Gate Park.
The facility was rebuilt after the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake. It now features a living roof covered with plants native to the area, insulating the building and reducing rainwater runoff. CAS is dedicated to exploration of the natural world. It holds nearly 46 million specimens for scientific study.
The central attractions include the Steinhart Aquarium, home to the world’s deepest living coral reef display. You can also explore the Osher Rainforest, a glass dome filled with exotic birds and butterflies. The Kimball Natural History Museum galleries feature African dioramas and the history of human evolution.
The CAS experience is completed by the Morrison Planetarium. This theatre offers immersive, all-digital shows that explore the universe. Since all four major attractions are under one roof, you can easily spend three or four hours inside.
Booking your visit to the California Academy of Sciences
The California Academy of Sciences uses timed-entry tickets to control visitor flow. Advance booking is highly recommended, especially if you plan to visit during weekends or peak season. Peak pricing applies during summer months, spring break, and major holiday periods.
Daytime Admission ticket prices vary by date. Current pricing for general admission is: Adults $49.00 to $55.00; Youth (ages 13–18) $45.00 to $49.00; Child (ages 3–12) $39.00 to $45.00. Children aged two and under are admitted free. Your daytime ticket includes access to the aquarium, the rainforest, the natural history museum, and all planetarium shows.
Planetarium shows require separate time reservations upon entry.
Operating hours and best times to enter the museum
The CAS maintains consistent public hours throughout the week. It is open Monday through Saturday from 9.30am to 5.00pm. On Sundays, the museum opens later, from 11.00am to 5.00pm. Last entry is one hour before closing time.
For a quiet experience, visit after 2.00pm on a weekday. The museum is generally less crowded in the afternoon. The slowest months are usually January, February, September, and October. Weekdays are always better than weekends for avoiding long lines.
An alternative experience is NightLife, a special 21+ event held every Thursday from 6.00pm to 10.00pm. NightLife requires a separate ticket and features bars, music, and a different atmosphere.
- Reserve your favoured timeslot by booking in advance.
Getting there and parking information
The CAS is located at 55 Music Concourse Drive, San Francisco, within Golden Gate Park. Public transportation is often the most economical choice for getting there. Several MUNI bus lines stop near the Academy, including the 44 O’Shaughnessy line, which drops off right in front.
If you drive, paid parking is available at the Music Concourse Garage, an underground facility adjacent to the museum. The garage is open from 7.00am to 7.00pm daily. The garage entrance is on Music Concourse Drive or Fulton Street.
- Hourly parking rates are $5 on weekdays and $6 on weekends.
- The daily maximum parking fee is $35.
Combine your trip with Golden Gate Park
The Academy’s central position in Golden Gate Park allows for easy day planning. The de Young Museum, a major art museum, is located directly across the Music Concourse from the CAS. You can easily visit both institutions on the same day.
The park itself offers many attractions. You can enjoy the Japanese Tea Garden or the botanical gardens nearby. The CAS offers in-and-out privileges with a hand stamp. This allows you to go for a walk in the fresh air, then re-enter the museum later in the day.
| Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) | |
|---|---|
| Are the paths wheelchair-friendly? | Yes, the Academy is fully wheelchair accessible. All exhibit spaces, including the rainforest and the aquarium, are connected by wide paths and elevators. |
| Is there accessible parking close to the entrance? | Yes, accessible parking is available on the B1 level of the underground Music Concourse Garage. Free accessible spots are also at the Golden Gate Bandshell Parking Lot on MLK Drive. |
| Availability of assistive devices (wheelchairs, audio guides, etc.) | Manual wheelchairs are available to borrow free of charge at the coat check on a first-come, first-served basis. Sensory kits are also available. |
| Are photos allowed everywhere? | Photography is generally allowed, but avoid using flash. Flash is strictly prohibited in the aquarium and planetarium to protect animals and the viewing experience. |
| Are there cafés or restaurants on-site? | Yes, there are multiple dining options on-site, including a full-service restaurant and a café for lighter snacks and beverages. |
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