--- title: California Academy of Sciences slug: california-academy-sciences-san-francisco type: attraction sub_type: museums source_url: https://www.tripster.com/detail/california-academy-sciences-san-francisco city: San Francisco state: CA country: US address: 55 Music Concourse Drive geo: lat: 37.76982 lng: -122.4661 duration: up to 4 hrs cancellation_policy: Free cancellation up to 7 days before the experience. extracted_at: 2026-06-16T17:17:25.120Z price_from: amount: 44 currency: USD unit: per_adult availability: InStock rating: value: 4.5 count: 6095 scale: 5 ticket_options: - group: Other Options options: - name: Daytime Admission price: 46 regular_price: 49 savings: 3 ticket_types: - name: Adult (19-64 yrs) min_age: 19 max_age: 64 - name: Youth (12-18 yrs) min_age: 12 max_age: 18 - name: Child (3-11 yrs) min_age: 3 max_age: 11 - name: NightLife 21 Admission price: 25 ticket_types: - name: Adult - Nightlife (21+ yrs) min_age: 21 - name: Nightlife Plus 21 Admission price: 75 ticket_types: - name: Adult - Nightlife Plus (21+ yrs) min_age: 21 --- ## Overview Explore four incredible worlds under one roof at San Francisco's California Academy of Sciences—home to an aquarium, rainforest, planetarium, and natural history museum featuring 60,000+ live animals, towering dinosaurs, and ocean wonders powered by cutting-edge science. ## What's Included - Admission to the aquarium, planetarium, rainforest, natural history museum, and Living Roof - Access to the Steinhart Aquarium with over 60,000 live animals - Planetarium shows (require same-day reservation, first-come, first-served) - Entry to the Osher Rainforest biodome - Access to the Living Roof with native plants and Golden Gate Park views - Same-day re-entry allowed with a hand stamp ## What's Not Included - Lockers available for rent: $5 per day for standard-size, $8 per day for family-size (payment by credit card only) - Food and beverages from onsite dining or outside the venue (guests may bring own food to East Garden area) - Parking fees for nearby paid parking areas ## Ticket Options - **Daytime Admission** — $46.00 (regularly $49.00, save $3.00) California Academy of Sciences tickets include general admission to all shows and exhibits—all under one living roof, including the Steinhart Aquarium, Morrison Planetarium, and Osher Rainforest. - Adult (19-64 yrs) - Youth (12-18 yrs) - Child (3-11 yrs) - **NightLife 21 Admission** — $25.00 Experience the California Academy of Sciences after dark! Every Thursday, enjoy science, music, cocktails, and creatures at NightLife—an adults-only event from 6–10 PM. Includes exhibit access, live DJs, and special performances. Ages 21+ with valid ID. - Adult - Nightlife (21+ yrs) - **Nightlife Plus 21 Admission** — $75.00 Upgrade your Thursday night with VIP access to California Academy of Sciences. Enjoy two cocktails, exclusive lounge access, hors d'oeuvres, a planetarium show, and priority entry to top exhibits—all in a 21+ adults-only setting. - Adult - Nightlife Plus (21+ yrs) ## Good to Know * Walk through a tropical rainforest dome with free-flying birds and butterflies. * See 2,000+ colorful fish in the Philippine Coral Reef exhibit. * Stroll a 2.5-acre Living Roof with native plants and Golden Gate Park views. * Admission includes aquarium, planetarium, rainforest, museum, and Living Roof. * Planetarium shows require same-day reservation—first-come, first-served. * Wheelchair accessible; free loaner wheelchairs available. * Onsite dining at the Academy Café and Terrace Restaurant. * Located in Golden Gate Park near public transit and paid parking. * Same-day re-entry is allowed with hand stamp. * Free admission for children 2 and under. * Visitors encouraged to book tickets in advance for lower prices. * Lockers are checked frequently and cleaned daily. * Bike racks available outside the museum. * Strollers allowed throughout the museum. * NightLife is a 21+ event held every Thursday evening from 6–10 PM featuring music, cocktails, and after-hours access. * NightLife Plus ticket includes museum access, two complimentary cocktails, light hors d’oeuvres, planetarium show admission, private bar and lounge, priority entry to exhibits, behind-the-scenes tour, and discounts at café and stores. ## Cancellation Policy Free Changes & Cancellations: See details upon selection. ## FAQs ### Are the exhibits fully accessible? Yes, the California Academy of Sciences is fully wheelchair accessible, with free manual wheelchairs available at Coat Check (photo ID required). Exhibits feature detection points and tactile elements for the visually impaired, auditory signals in elevators, and transcripts for Planetarium shows. Assistive listening devices are provided in select areas, and interpreters for deaf or hard-of-hearing visitors receive free admission. ### Where do I park for California Academy of Sciences? You can access the Music Concourse parking garage via the Fulton St./10th Ave. entrance or the Music Concourse Dr./MLK Dr. entrance. Free street parking is also available on MLK Dr., Nancy Pelosi Dr., and Stow Lake Dr. ### How long should I plan to spend at California Academy of Sciences? There is no time limit, but most visitors spend about 3 hours exploring the Academy. ### Do you need reservations for California Academy of Science? Visitors are encouraged to book their tickets ahead of time, but it is not required. Please note that tickets purchased prior to your visit date will be less expensive than tickets purchased on the day of your visit. ### Can I re-enter after leaving the building? Re-entry is allowed; visitors must obtain a hand stamp or show their ticket at the entrance. ### What dining options are available at California Academy of Sciences? The Academy Café serves a variety of family-friendly food and beverage options, as well as Andytown Coffee drinks. Guests are welcome to dine in the Café or in any of their outdoor spaces. The Terrace Restaurant serves seasonal dishes made from locally-sourced ingredients, plus beer and wine. ### Can you bring food into California Academy of Sciences? Guests are welcome to bring their own food and non-alcoholic beverages. Please head to the East Garden to consume items brought from home. ### Are lockers available? Yes, lockers are located just off the main lobby and are available for rent for $5 per day for standard-size lockers and $8 per day for family-size lockers. Lockers are checked frequently and cleaned and disinfected daily. Payment for lockers is by credit card only. ### Are there bike racks at the museum? Bike racks are available outside the museum for visitors who choose to cycle to the venue. ### Can I bring a stroller into the museum? Yes, strollers are allowed throughout the museum and exhibits. ### What is NightLife, and who can attend? NightLife is a 21+ event held every Thursday evening from 6–10 PM. It combines music, cocktails, and after-hours museum access for a unique experience. ### What is included in the NightLife Plus ticket? Each NightLife Plus ticket includes full access to the evening’s museum-wide event, along with exclusive upgrades: - Two complimentary cocktails and light hors d’oeuvres - Admission to a Morrison Planetarium show (planetarium reservations are assigned upon arrival) - Access to a private bar and lounge inside the Gems and Minerals Unearthed exhibit - Priority entry to the Osher Rainforest and The Shake House - Exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the Academy’s research collections - 10% discount at the Academy Café and retail stores ## Reviews > "Good for Children. Not Great for Adults." > — MomRocco, November 10, 2025 > "Science Meets Sustainability at the Heart of Golden Gate Park" > — jonathanpH61WW, July 23, 2025 > "Enjoyable to visit, even for older teens and adults" > — 907blaked, June 07, 2025 > "A San Francisco Must Do" > — Travel25346533585, June 01, 2025