An aquarium, planetarium, rainforest and museum in one building
Steinhart Aquarium holds more than 1,000 species, including a 212,000-gallon Philippine coral reef, African penguins and a flooded Amazon forest you walk beneath. Morrison Planetarium projects shows onto a 75-foot digital dome; reservations are made on arrival and children under 4 are not admitted. The Osher Rainforest is a glass sphere four stories tall with free-flying birds and butterflies, and the Kimball Natural History Museum covers evolution, earthquakes and a Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton in the lobby.
The living roof
The building, designed by Renzo Piano, opened in 2008. Its roof is planted with native California plants on rolling green hills that echo the surrounding park, and an outdoor viewing deck lets you walk out to see it. The roof helps insulate the building and catches rainwater.
Tickets, hours and NightLife
The Academy is open Monday to Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., with occasional early closures for private events. Adult tickets typically cost about $40 to $45 and vary by date, so book online ahead of weekends and holidays. On most Thursdays, NightLife opens the museum to adults 21 and over from 6 to 10 p.m. with music and bars. San Francisco residents get a free neighborhood weekend each year by ZIP code.
Make the most of your visit
Arrive at opening and head straight to the rainforest or the penguins before school groups build up, then book a planetarium time. Plan for three hours. The café and the more formal Terrace restaurant are inside, and the Music Concourse Garage is next door. With children, add the Koret playground and carousel or see our guide to Golden Gate Park with kids.
Frequently asked questions
How much are California Academy of Sciences tickets?
Adult tickets typically cost about $40 to $45 and vary by date. Buying online ahead of time is recommended, especially for weekends.
How long should I spend at the Academy of Sciences?
Plan about three hours to see the aquarium, rainforest, planetarium show and natural history exhibits.
What is NightLife?
An evening event for adults 21 and over held on most Thursdays from 6 to 10 p.m., with music, bars and the exhibits open.
Is there a free day at the Academy of Sciences?
San Francisco residents get a free neighborhood weekend each year based on their ZIP code. Discover & Go library passes may also be available.
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