California Academy of Sciences

• Hours: Open daily except Thanksgiving¹ and Dec. 25
• Reservations: Not required, but you can skip the line if you buy tickets in advance
• Cost: Admission charged. Children under 6 free. Third Wednesdays free for everyone, monthly free days for San Franciscans
• Location: Golden Gate Park, directions below
• How Long: 3 to 4 hours
• Best Time to Visit: Weekdays less crowded

Visiting California Academy of Sciences

At the California Academy of Sciences, science is natural: a planetarium, African Hall (with penguins), swamp exhibit with a white alligator, T Rex and blue whale skeletons and an aquarium. The building sports a "green" roof covered with local plants and has a nice observation deck.

Tips for Visiting the California Academy of Sciences

• On busy days, ticket lines stretch more than a block at opening time. Buy tickets online in advance and get in much faster.

• The Academy also offers some fun behind-the-scenes tours and it's best to reserve in advance for the nightlife tour or the Platinum behind-the-scenes tour.

• Planetarium shows fill up fast. Pick up passes as soon as you arrive.

• The California Academy of Sciences opens later on Sunday than other days.

• Entry is allowed until 1 hour before closing, but going so late would not be a good value for money. Get there at least 2-3 hours before closing.

• If you get hungry, try the Academy Cafe or the Moss Room, a full service restaurant (reservations at 415-876-6121 or online through Open Table).

Getting to California Academy of Sciences

California Academy of Sciences
55 Music Concourse Dr
San Francisco, CA
415-379-8000
California Academy of Sciences website

The California Academy of Sciences is on the east end of Golden Gate Park, near the DeYoung Museum and Japanese Tea Garden.

If you drive to California Academy of Sciences, enter Golden Gate Park at Fulton St and 8th Ave to use the underground garage. You can park for free on streets nearby. Most convenient are John F. Kennedy Dr near the Conservatory of Flowers or Martin Luther King Dr near the Arboretum. Find several ways to get there by car.

Parking fills up on weekends and some streets close to automobiles on Sunday. If you have a mobile device, you can get real-time information about the garage status and alternative parking locations. The Academy encourages using public transport and offers a few dollars off admission if you take it or bike in. Check public transit options.

¹ Thanksgiving is celebrated on the third Thursday of November.