California Academy of Sciences General Admission Ticket
San Francisco, USA
- 3 to 5 hours (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
Explore our promoted experiences
Overview
Enjoy easy skip-the-line access to the California Academy of Sciences with this pre-paid ticket. Walk right in to explore the museum's 4-story rainforest, planetarium, and aquarium, plus the new Tiny Chef, Big Impact exhibit celebrating small actions for the planet.
- Instant-access ticket means no waiting in line at a separate kiosk to redeem your voucher
- Perfect for families—there's something for everyone to enjoy
- Meet nearly 60,000 animal residents, from a colony of playful African penguins to the lovable white alligator, Claude
- Explore hands-on exhibits and enjoy daily public programs like animal feedings, pop-up demonstrations, and more
What's Included
- Instant-access admission to the California Academy of Sciences
- Formal tour
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Food and drinks
- Gratuities (not required)
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- 55 Music Concourse Dr, San Francisco, CA 94118, USA
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Operating hours
- 20/04/2026 - 22/05/2026
Monday - Saturday : 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
Sunday : 11:00 am - 5:00 pm
- 23/05/2026 - 25/05/2026
Monday : 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
Saturday : 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
Sunday : 11:00 am - 5:00 pm
- 26/05/2026 - 18/06/2026
Monday - Saturday : 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
Sunday : 11:00 am - 5:00 pm
- 19/06/2026 - 21/06/2026
Friday - Saturday : 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
Sunday : 11:00 am - 5:00 pm
- 22/06/2026 - 30/06/2026
Monday - Saturday : 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
Sunday : 11:00 am - 5:00 pm
- 01/07/2026 - 16/08/2026
Monday - Saturday : 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
Sunday : 11:00 am - 5:00 pm
- 17/08/2026 - 04/09/2026
Monday - Saturday : 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
Sunday : 11:00 am - 5:00 pm
- 05/09/2026 - 07/09/2026
Monday : 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
Saturday : 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
Sunday : 11:00 am - 5:00 pm
- 08/09/2026 - 28/09/2026
Monday - Saturday : 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
Sunday : 11:00 am - 5:00 pm
- 30/09/2026 - 09/10/2026
Monday - Saturday : 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
Sunday : 11:00 am - 5:00 pm
- 10/10/2026 - 12/10/2026
Monday : 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
Saturday : 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
Sunday : 11:00 am - 5:00 pm
- 13/10/2026 - 10/11/2026
Monday - Saturday : 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
Sunday : 11:00 am - 5:00 pm
- 11/11/2026 - 11/11/2026
Wednesday : 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
- 12/11/2026 - 20/11/2026
Monday - Saturday : 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
Sunday : 11:00 am - 5:00 pm
- 21/11/2026 - 29/11/2026
Monday - Saturday : 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
Sunday : 11:00 am - 5:00 pm
- 30/11/2026 - 18/12/2026
Monday - Saturday : 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
Sunday : 11:00 am - 5:00 pm
- 19/12/2026 - 03/01/2027
Monday - Saturday : 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
Sunday : 11:00 am - 5:00 pm
- 04/01/2027 - 15/01/2027
Monday - Saturday : 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
Sunday : 11:00 am - 5:00 pm
- 16/01/2027 - 18/01/2027
Monday : 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
Saturday : 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
Sunday : 11:00 am - 5:00 pm
- 19/01/2027 - 12/02/2027
Monday - Saturday : 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
Sunday : 11:00 am - 5:00 pm
- 13/02/2027 - 15/02/2027
Monday : 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
Saturday : 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
Sunday : 11:00 am - 5:00 pm
- 16/02/2027 - 02/04/2027
Monday - Saturday : 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
Sunday : 11:00 am - 5:00 pm
- 03/04/2027 - 18/04/2027
Monday - Saturday : 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
Sunday : 11:00 am - 5:00 pm
- 19/04/2027 - 28/05/2027
Monday - Saturday : 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
Sunday : 11:00 am - 5:00 pm
- 29/05/2027 - 31/05/2027
Monday : 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
Saturday : 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
Sunday : 11:00 am - 5:00 pm
- 01/06/2027 - 17/06/2027
Monday - Saturday : 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
Sunday : 11:00 am - 5:00 pm
- 18/06/2027 - 20/06/2027
Friday - Saturday : 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
Sunday : 11:00 am - 5:00 pm
- 21/06/2027 - 30/06/2027
Monday - Saturday : 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
Sunday : 11:00 am - 5:00 pm
What To Expect
Breeze past box office lines and enjoy a wait-free entrance when you make your way to the California Academy of Sciences located in the heart of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park. Make the most of your time and get started exploring shows, public programs, and exhibits – all included with admission!
Your ticket is your passport to an epic science adventure when you visit the only place on Earth with an aquarium, planetarium, rainforest, and natural history museum under one living roof.
The Academy has been a must-see destination for 170 years with everchanging exhibits and experiences. Recent updates include Wander Woods, an outdoor nature play and exploration space designed to activate your child’s curiosity, and Hidden Wonders, giving you a peek into the past with never before seen specimens from the Academy’s research collections.
Your ticket is your passport to an epic science adventure when you visit the only place on Earth with an aquarium, planetarium, rainforest, and natural history museum under one living roof.
The Academy has been a must-see destination for 170 years with everchanging exhibits and experiences. Recent updates include Wander Woods, an outdoor nature play and exploration space designed to activate your child’s curiosity, and Hidden Wonders, giving you a peek into the past with never before seen specimens from the Academy’s research collections.
1
California Academy of Sciences
1 hour • Admission Ticket Included
2
Steinhart Aquarium
1 hour • Admission Ticket Free
3
Morrison Planetarium
1 hour • Admission Ticket Free
4
Osher Rainforest at the California Academy of Sciences
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
5
Golden Gate Park
Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Infant seats available
- Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Most travelers can participate
- Planetarium passes are free and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. When you arrive at the Academy, scan the QR code posted in the lobby to reserve a showtime. Please note that shows may not be appropriate for children under 7, and children under 4 are not permitted.
- Sustainable, grab-and-go food and drinks are available for purchase at the Academy Café and Terrace Restaurant
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 9 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.2
based on 594 reviews
Edward_L, Apr 2026
Everything close at 5 PM, big problem is a parking spot, planetarium, not really good, talking about telescopes only not about the stars
Raphael_K, Apr 2026
Beautiful place to visit. Kids livre it!
Great indoor experience if the weather does not helping. Beautiful Africa and butterfly cages.. great outside and play.
Iyanla_C, Apr 2026
It was a fun way to decompress from reality.it was dope to see kaws family display. It had amazing art and information
Deanna_G, Mar 2026
We had the best time! It was so easy to get our tickets ahead of time! It allowed us to enjoy our time stress free.
Barry_M, Dec 2025
Very interesting experience.
Pleasant surroundings.
Knowledgeable staff.
Plenty of exhibitions.
Great cafe.
consonya_w, Dec 2025
Wear comfortable shoes, lots of walking. Rainforest exhibit is hot and humid. Worth the admission price.
Carol_L, Nov 2025
The academy of science is an absolutely amazing place to bring kids of all ages. There are interesting exhibits and activities for toddlers to teens.
Stephanie_A, Aug 2025
Lots to see. Great for little ones too. Food on site is good. Definitely catch a planetarium show. The aquarium is beautiful and so unlike any I have been to before.
Vernice_T, Aug 2025
Lots of neat things to learn and explore. Great place to take young children. I would love to visit there again some time.
Guadalupe_M, Aug 2025
There was plenty to see, explore and learn! It was a beautiful museum, great weather and family friendly. We really enjoyed ourselves.
Kimberly_M, Aug 2025
Beautiful exhibits, some were interactive giving that experience to those who want it; the staff was very helpful, especially the gentleman who explained the dinosaur 3D puzzle as we tried to put it together!
Isaiah_M, Jul 2025
It’s was really fun but a lil to full to really enjoy the attractions but overall had a great time with the family
Valerie_S, Jun 2025
We took my husband to visit for Father's Day. He is a San Jose native who had never been. We had an amazing day!!
The only recommendation I have is to ask staff to clean the doors, glass doors, tables and handrialings better. In the food court I saw a young child wipe their runny nose on the line barricade along the coffee batista area. Glass on door had prints, marks and smudges. Tables in the food court were being "cleaned" with dirty rags that were used table to table without any cleaners or solvents. We didn't want to touch anything and felt like we may catch something if we did. It look unsanitary and filthy in some areas. Otherwise it was a great experience that took the whole day to complete making for a memorable father's day.
Susan_B, May 2025
So much to see! Especially enjoyed the aquarium and other live exhibits - a great way to spend an afternoon, with or without kids. There is a bit of bias with a few of the factoids posted around but easily ignored.
Ivona_D, May 2025
Wonderfully interesting! Do not miss it, it is good 2-3 hours of wholesome entertainment! I highly recommend visiting!
margaritaalcrz, Apr 2025
I liked the rainforest. That was new to us. I also liked the option to see a movie in the planetarium. Loved the living roof. We live in Los Angeles county, therefore, it’s like a bit of several of our museums, planetarium and aquarium into one.
Kathy_F, Mar 2025
Going through the Rain Forest was very educational. We loved seeing the butterflies and the other animals. The penguins were our favorite. Two of them played at the glass and were so funny.
Calum_T, Feb 2025
I had wanted to come here since I first saw this in school just over a decade ago… it didn’t disappoint.
Architecturally the building is stunning, a mix of modern and old. The mix of live exhibits and static ones was good and I was thoroughly impressed by the aquarium in particular. The rainforest was cool.
The whole building was very accessible which was great to see.
The planetarium was unfortunately closed so I didn’t get in, but that’s the way these things happen sometimes.
The 2 members of staff I spoke to at the ray pool were friendly and chatted away which was lovely.
I’d recommend going here to anyone!
Jessica_M, Feb 2025
So fun! Great for kids and the kid at heart. Lots of interactive exhibits. The aquarium was stunning. The earthquake simulator was so cool. We ran out of time but heard great things about the rainforest exhibit. Highly recommend. Would go back.
Sara_S, Feb 2025
Very fun and extremely entertaining, natural history museum. It would be a great place to take kids as well as adult adults when there was lots of animals and plant exhibits for us to look at. The parks rounding is absolutely gorgeous as well.
Daniel_J, Feb 2025
Perfect place to look around and staff are extremely friendly and supportive. Three very different experiences: Aquarium, Planetarium and Osher Rainforest are all very well connected. The Planetarium has showtimes often and you will need to book your place once you get there using QR code.
Bridget_B, Jan 2025
You’re in for an exciting day when you 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 rain forest and more, it was phenomenal! A must see!
Sarah_F, Jan 2025
Excellent exhibits. Aquarium really good. All exhibits had lots of information. Planetarium was brillant
Debbie_G, Aug 2024
Morrison Planetarium shows were great! Our teenage granddaughters loved the entire experience. Nice to go back to the Steinhart Aquarium after 50 years!
Sally_O, Mar 2024
This is a wonderful learning experience for folks of any age. Its worth the lines. The rainforest and aquarium were really great.
Susie_K, Mar 2024
We were allowed into the building at 9:30 I am not sure why we had to wait 30 mins until at 10:00 we were allowed in to see the area. The Corpse Flower was magnificent and worth the wait!
James_G, Jan 2024
The tickets we received for Sunday January 21, indicated that the California Academy of Sciences was open from 9:30am to 5pm. We arrived at 10:15 and were told that it was members only until 11am. We had a toddler with us and begged them to let us in; they reluctantly let us in at 10:30. Will not use Viator again.
Shyloh_A, Jan 2024
We had a really good time. We learned a lot of new things. The penguins were really cute. The rainforest and the butterflies were amazing!
Stephen_H, Nov 2023
Great day out for thanksgiving. Rain forest is stunning and well worth a visit. The park is beautiful and a must do in San Francisco
Denise_W, Aug 2023
It was only ok. Dinosaur exhibit was disappointing. Saturday was too crowded. Parking is $31.25. Food for 3 was $75.00. Plus entrance fees to academy and tea garden being separate makes this an outrageously expensive day. Not worth it. Go to Monterey bay aquarium instead.
From $49.00
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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Current
California Academy of Sciences General Admission Ticket
594
5 hours
Free Cancellation
From
$49.00
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