California Academy of Sciences General Admission Ticket
San Francisco, USA
- 3 to 5 hours (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
Why travelers loved this
·
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
- 09/08/2026 - 09/28/2026
Monday - Saturday : 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday : 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- 09/30/2026 - 10/09/2026
Monday - Saturday : 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday : 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- 10/10/2026 - 10/12/2026
Monday : 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday : 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday : 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- 10/13/2026 - 11/10/2026
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
- 11/12/2026 - 11/20/2026
Monday - Saturday : 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday : 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- 11/21/2026 - 11/29/2026
Monday - Saturday : 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday : 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- 11/30/2026 - 12/18/2026
Monday - Saturday : 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday : 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- 12/19/2026 - 01/03/2027
Monday - Saturday : 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday : 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- 01/04/2027 - 01/15/2027
Monday - Saturday : 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday : 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- 01/16/2027 - 01/18/2027
Monday : 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday : 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday : 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- 01/19/2027 - 02/12/2027
Monday - Saturday : 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday : 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- 02/13/2027 - 02/15/2027
Monday : 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday : 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday : 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- 02/16/2027 - 04/02/2027
Monday - Saturday : 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday : 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- 04/03/2027 - 04/18/2027
Monday - Saturday : 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday : 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- 04/19/2027 - 05/28/2027
Monday - Saturday : 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday : 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- 05/29/2027 - 05/31/2027
Monday : 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday : 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday : 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- 06/01/2027 - 06/17/2027
Monday - Saturday : 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday : 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- 06/18/2027 - 06/20/2027
Friday - Saturday : 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday : 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- 06/21/2027 - 06/30/2027
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 619 reviews
Sort by: Most insightful
Me and my grandson had a wonderful time and a great experience. However everything was so expensive and parking was a little bit of a hassle. I would definitely go again but would not buy anything there prices are to high
The academy was amazing, would recommend to anyone, no questions asked. However, just buy your tickets directly from the museum’s website, I had problems scanning mine since I bought it from this sight. The people working there were super chill about it though, no sweat on their part.
Educational an fun. Recommend to go around twice, you might miss something. Unfortunately, couldn't see octopus, he was hiding.
I’ve been accustomed to visiting Golden Gate Park for as long as I can remember. As a child visiting the aquarium with my mom was a highlight of my learning experience. The academy of science has been renewed with many attractions. I was sad that the albino alligator had died but there were still so many attractions to enjoy. The highlight of our experience was the earthquake simulator! Having lived through the earthquake in 1989 I remember all too well of that frightful day! And then to experience the magnitude of the 1906 earthquake was believably real! Plants and outdoor experiences were still breathtaking. Just across the park the de Young museum was the cherry on the experience, as I recommend it to all visitors.
Easy purchase and use. Museum was fabulous and good spend multiple hours easily. Make sure to attend as many exhibitions that are available and make sure you use the reservation system for the planitarium show.
Great tour, very informative and good for students. There is a lot to learn about global life styles.
This was a great experience while visiting San Francisco! It was very easy to walk through at my own pace and ease. No pressure to rush. The accommodations of wide stairs and elevators were appreciated. There are so many exhibits and everything was beautiful. The various aquariums of fish and underwater life is really eye catching and enjoyable. The design of the layout to tour the California Academy is amazing! I loved the butterfly exhibit and the jellyfish. There are other creatures that I had never heard of that I also saw!
It was a fun day! Recommend!
Museum itself is done well and laid out nicely. I visited with a 12 year old who enjoyed it for the most part - especially the planetarium and rainforest. I would hesitate to return unless I came with younger kids next time - many play areas geared towards that age group.
I accidentally ordered tickets on line and tried to cancel them by email soon after I realized it and got no assistance. I paid for 4 tickets and didn't even go.
This was a fun experience. The rain tree forest is the best part seeing the animals and looking at the history is phenomenal.
Its a must go to, and with botanical gardens and other museums and parks in walking distance you can make it a full day.
What an amazing experience!! I went with my husband and our 10 month old baby. All three of us were amazed! My son was so observant and loved seeing everything. This is somewhere I would definitely return too!! Staff was friendly too! We parked in the parking garage and paid like $15. Can’t beat that!!
Easy process of purchasing a ticket beforehand and got 25% back from capital one shopping portal which makes the price a little more bearable. Great place to visit with kids!
I ended up booking tickets here because it was raining out and my family and I had time to kill.
We were pleasantly surprised with the amount of different exhibits and how interactive they were. The rainforest display was really cool to walk through with my kids- the highlights were the butterflies at the top
Free admission from 9 to 10 a.m. but need to apply and can do it online. Get there early for parking spaces on side road.
Everything close at 5 PM, big problem is a parking spot, planetarium, not really good, talking about telescopes only not about the stars
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.
It was a fun way to decompress from reality.it was dope to see kaws family display. It had amazing art and information
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.
Very interesting experience.
Pleasant surroundings.
Knowledgeable staff.
Plenty of exhibitions.
Great cafe.
Wear comfortable shoes, lots of walking. Rainforest exhibit is hot and humid. Worth the admission price.
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.
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.
Lots of neat things to learn and explore. Great place to take young children. I would love to visit there again some time.
There was plenty to see, explore and learn! It was a beautiful museum, great weather and family friendly. We really enjoyed ourselves.
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!
It’s was really fun but a lil to full to really enjoy the attractions but overall had a great time with the family
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.
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.
Wonderfully interesting! Do not miss it, it is good 2-3 hours of wholesome entertainment! I highly recommend visiting!
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.
Member Pricing
From
$46.55
per personWas $49.00(-5%)
up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
Compare Similar Experiences
Current
Member Pricing
California Academy of Sciences General Admission Ticket
619
3 hours
Free Cancellation
From
$49.00
$46.55
5% savings
Customers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought
Explore Similar Things to Do
- City Tours
- Audio Guides
- Half-day Tours
- Shore Excursions
- Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises
- Private and Luxury
- San Francisco
- Half-day Tours - Sausalito
- Shore Excursions - Sausalito
- City Tours - Oakland
- Audio Guides - Oakland
- Half-day Tours - Oakland
- Shore Excursions - Oakland
- City Tours - Napa & Sonoma
- Audio Guides - Napa & Sonoma
- Sidecar Tours - Napa & Sonoma
- Half-day Tours - Napa & Sonoma
- Shore Excursions - Napa & Sonoma
Attractions in San Francisco, USA
- USS Pampanito Tours & Tickets
- Saints Peter and Paul Church Tours & Tickets
- San Francisco Bay Tours & Tickets
- The Castro Tours & Tickets
- Cartoon Art Museum Tours & Tickets
- San Francisco Chinatown Tours & Tickets
- Mission Dolores Park Tours & Tickets
- North Beach Tours & Tickets
- Embarcadero Tours & Tickets
- Hyde Street Pier Tours & Tickets
- Ghirardelli Square Tours & Tickets
- Conservatory of Flowers Tours & Tickets
- Marin Headlands Tours & Tickets
- Tiburon Tours & Tickets
- San Francisco Treasure Island Tours & Tickets
- Sutro Baths Tours & Tickets