California Academy of Sciences Tours and Tickets

There are plenty of ways to experience the California Academy of Sciences. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• San Francisco CityPASS®

• Hidden Stairways of San Francisco

• California Academy of Sciences General Admission Ticket

• Big Bus SF: Hop-on Hop-off Tour With 17 Stops and Sunset Option

• California Academy of Sciences NightLife Admission Ticket

Admission tickets for the California Academy of Sciences start at US$49 for an off-peak adult ticket, or you can purchase an anytime admission ticket for US$59. Child tickets start at US$45 for children ages 13 to 18 and US$39 for children ages 3 to 12. Children under 3 can visit for free.

Yes, the California Academy of Sciences is one of the top-rated natural history museums in the United States. Leave yourself plenty of time to explore, as there's lots to see and do, from watching a show at the planetarium to marveling at the rainforest dome to spotting marine life in the aquarium. Skip the lines by booking your tickets in advance; save on ticket costs with a San Francisco CityPASS®; or book a nighttime visit to explore the museum with a cocktail in hand.

Per one customer who booked the California Academy of Sciences General Admission Ticket, "You're in for an exciting day when you visit the Academy of Science in San Francisco, no matter your age! Hubby and I enjoyed all the exhibits as much as any of the different-aged school students visiting. From the planetarium to the aquarium to the rainforest and more, it was phenomenal! A must see!"

Plan for at least three hours at this hands-on science center. That's enough time to see the highlights, including the aquarium, rainforest, and natural history exhibits. However, you could easily spend a day here, particularly if you want to attend lectures, see animal feedings, and attend evening events.

Yes. If you book your timed-entry tickets to the California Academy of Sciences ahead of time, you'll save money and guarantee entry into the museum at the time that works with your schedule. Generally, the further in advance you purchase your tickets, the more money you can save.

Yes, visitors may bring backpacks to the California Academy of Sciences. However, all bags, including backpacks, are subject to a security check, and you may need to wear your bag on the front of the body to avoid damaging exhibits. Guests can also store belongings in paid lockers.

The California Academy of Sciences doesn’t have dedicated parking, but the Music Concourse parking garage with entrances at Fulton Street and 10th Avenue and Music Concourse Drive MLK Drive offers hourly paid parking. Free street parking is available, but the Golden Gate Park area gets crowded on weekends and holidays.

Yes, guests can bring food and non-alcoholic drinks inside the California Academy of Sciences. However, only food and drinks purchased from the Academy Cafè can be consumed indoors. Guests bringing food from outside the academy may eat it in the East Garden outdoor space.

Yes, cameras and photography are generally allowed inside the California Academy of Sciences. Visitors can take personal photos but should remain respectful of other visitors and refrain from using flash photography at some marked exhibits. Special exhibits and other areas of the academy may have additional photography restrictions.

There are tons of fun things to do when you're done visiting the California Academy of Sciences. According to travelers, these are some of the top attractions in San Francisco:

• Alcatraz

• Golden Gate Bridge

• San Francisco Bay

• Golden Gate Park

• Bay Bridge

View Viator's guide to all the best attractions in San Francisco.