What is the California Academy of Sciences?
The Academy is an aquarium, planetarium, natural history museum and four-storey rainforest under one roof in Golden Gate Park. Renzo Piano's building is topped by a 2.5-acre Living Roof planted with native species. Inside are the Steinhart Aquarium (with the Philippine coral reef, one of the deepest indoor reef tanks), the Osher Rainforest dome with free-flying birds and butterflies, the Morrison Planetarium, African penguins, and the earthquake-simulating Shake House.
Tickets and prices
Peak pricing applies during spring break, summer, holiday weekends and the November-December holiday period. Booking online reserves an entry time. The San Francisco CityPASS includes the Academy and can save a lot if you're also doing the Exploratorium or a bay cruise. Planetarium shows are included, but seats are limited: check showtimes and reserve on arrival.
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NightLife (21+)
On most Thursdays from 6 pm to 10 pm, the Academy becomes an adults-only night out, with music, bars, themed programmes and the galleries open, including the aquarium. You need photo ID, last entry is usually 9 pm, and tickets are cheaper than daytime admission. Leaving and coming back needs a new ticket. It's a great way to see the penguins and the reef without strollers, but themed nights (like Halloween's Fright NightLife) get crowded.
How busy is it?
Crowds by day and time
From the typical weekly visitor pattern for California Academy of Sciences, based on Google’s popular-times data.
Quietest time
Tuesday, 9-11 am
Busiest time
Sunday, 12-5 pm
A good route
- Osher Rainforest first: walk up through the levels, then take the lift down into the flooded-forest tunnel.
- Reserve a planetarium show time in the lobby.
- Steinhart Aquarium and the coral reef downstairs.
- African Hall for the penguins: check the feeding times.
- Living Roof for the views (it may close in bad weather).
Getting there
The Academy is on the Music Concourse in Golden Gate Park, facing the de Young Museum. Take the N-Judah Muni Metro to 9th Avenue and Irving Street and walk about 10 minutes through the park, or take bus 44 to the Concourse. The underground Music Concourse garage is right next door.
Mistakes to avoid
Don't skip booking: timed tickets sell out on peak days. Don't leave the rainforest until the afternoon, when the queue is longest. Reserve your planetarium showtime as soon as you arrive. And check whether you're visiting on a peak-pricing date, when tickets cost more.
With children
The Academy is one of San Francisco's best family days out. The rainforest's butterflies and birds, the Steinhart Aquarium's touch pool, the penguins, and the earthquake simulation in the Shake House are favourites. Under-3s are free.
Accessibility
The Academy is fully accessible, with lifts to every level, including the Living Roof and the rainforest. Wheelchairs can be borrowed. The planetarium has accessible seating. The rainforest is warm and humid, and the aquarium is dimly lit.
Is the California Academy of Sciences worth it?
Yes, especially for families: it's four attractions in one. It's expensive at peak prices, so consider CityPASS or a NightLife evening if you're an adult group.
🎟️ Included in the San Francisco CityPASS and the San Francisco Go City All-Inclusive Pass. Could a pass save you money? Compare San Francisco tourist passes →
FAQs
How much are California Academy of Sciences tickets?
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$49 for adults, $45 for youth 13-18 and $39 for children 3-12, rising to $55, $49 and $45 at peak times.
What are the opening hours?
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Monday to Saturday 9:30 am-5 pm and Sunday 11 am-5 pm. NightLife (21+) runs most Thursdays 6-10 pm.
Is the planetarium included?
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Yes, but seats are limited, so reserve a showtime when you arrive.
How long do you need?
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3-4 hours.
When is it least crowded?
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At opening on weekdays, or after 2:30 pm. Check our live crowd tracker for your date.
Heading to California Academy of Sciences?
See how busy it is right now and the quietest hours for your date, then walk in when the line is short.
Check live crowds →Sources
How we research: every guide is written by the BeatTheCrowd team from official sources and recent traveller reports, cross-checked against each other, and dated so you know how fresh it is. Last checked 29 October 2026. Prices and rules change, so always confirm on the official site before you book.
