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California Academy of Sciences: Plan Your Visit

The Academy packs an aquarium, a rainforest, a planetarium and a natural history museum into one building, so it helps to know the basics before you arrive. This guide covers the house rules, accessibility, food and the gardens nearby, leaving more of your day for the exhibits.

California Academy of Sciences: General Admission

Highlights

Discover a vast indoor coral reef home to thousands of marine creatures.

Visit the African Hall to observe the lively penguin colony and its newest additions.

Enjoy planetarium shows projected on a 75-foot dome at various daily times.

Explore a soaring four-story rainforest showcasing numerous bird, reptile, and amphibian species.

Engage with interactive displays and activities suitable for visitors of all ages.

Witness special programs like daily Penguin Feeding and Coral Reef Dive events.

Experience panoramic views from the living roof and allow children to enjoy the outdoor nature play area.

Guest Guidelines at the Academy

Dress code: Clothing on the upper and lower body, plus shoes, must be worn at all times.

Children: Kids aged 12 and under must be supervised by an adult throughout the visit.

Scent-free: Please skip perfume and scented lotions, as some guests are highly sensitive to fragrance.

Wheels: Bicycles, tricycles, skateboards and scooters are not allowed inside the building.

Belongings: Keep bags and blankets in your own space and out of the walkways.

Re-entry: Ask for a hand stamp at the exit door to come back in later that day.

Best Time to Visit the Academy

Weekends, holidays and school breaks bring the biggest crowds to Golden Gate Park, and parking near the Academy gets scarce on those days. A weekday visit is the calmer option.

Arrive early: Doors open at 9:30 AM from Monday to Saturday and at 11 AM on Sunday. The Music Concourse Garage can fill quickly, so an early start helps if you are driving.

Book in advance: Buying tickets ahead is the safest choice for weekend and holiday visits.

Good to Know Before Your Visit

Accessibility at the Academy

- The main entrance is fully wheelchair accessible, and ramps or alternate entrances serve every exhibit.

- Manual wheelchairs can be borrowed free of charge in the lobby, first come, first served, with a photo ID left as a deposit.

- Free sensory kits with earmuffs, sunglasses and fidget toys are available in the lobby.

- Assistive listening devices are provided in the planetarium.

- Service dogs are welcome, though not in the Osher Rainforest.

Getting to the Academy

You will find the Academy at 55 Music Concourse Drive in Golden Gate Park. Public transit is the simplest way in, since four Muni lines stop nearby and park roads get crowded on busy days.

Cyclists can lock up at racks outside, and drivers have a choice of garage or free street parking.

Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting the California Academy of Sciences

Can I leave the Academy and come back the same day?

Yes. Get a hand stamp at the exit door and you can return later that day. It is a handy option if you want lunch in the park or a visit to the de Young.

Are strollers allowed inside?

Yes, strollers are welcome throughout the museum. Please keep them clear of main walkways, emergency exits and fire lanes.

Are service animals allowed?

Service dogs are welcome at the Academy. They cannot enter the Osher Rainforest, the research collections or behind-the-scenes areas.

Is there somewhere to store my bags?

Yes, rental lockers are available in the lobby. They are also useful if you would rather not leave belongings in a parked car.

Are there resources for visitors with sensory sensitivities?

Yes. Sensory kits with earmuffs, sunglasses and fidget toys can be borrowed free of charge in the lobby. The Academy also publishes a sensory guide rating each area for noise, visuals, touch and smell.

Do children need to be accompanied?

Yes. Children aged 12 and under must be supervised by an adult at all times during the visit. Older children can explore on their own.

This website sells official tickets for this venue. Please note, however, that it is not the official website of the venue.

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