California Academy of Sciences: All-in-One Science Adventure

Embark on a unique science adventure at the California Academy of Sciences, the world’s only aquarium, planetarium, rainforest, and natural history museum under one roof!

Duration: 5 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • California Academy of Sciences - Discover interactive exhibits as you walk beneath the skeletons of some of the world’s largest creatures. Visit the lively African penguin colony during feeding time and get your questions answered by a biologist. Marvel at nearly 400 stunning specimens from the Academy’s famous geology collection, and much more….
What's Included
  • Instant-access admission to the California Academy of Sciences
What's Not Included
  • Formal tour
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Food and drinks
  • Gratuities (not required)
Additional Information

Embark on a thrilling science journey at the only place in the world where an aquarium, planetarium, rainforest, and natural history museum coexist under one vibrant roof! To enhance your experience, this ticket offers instant access, eliminating the need to visit a separate kiosk. Simply present your ticket at the entrance of the California Academy of…

Location
55 Music Concourse Dr
Music Concourse Drive
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.2
(571 Ratings)
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1 star
Jonathan
Jul 23, 2025
A Living Museum That Sparks Wonder - The California Academy of Sciences is more than just a museum—it’s a vibrant fusion of science, nature, and imagination under one roof. From the four-story rainforest teeming with butterflies and birds to the mesmerizing Steinhart Aquarium and immersive planetarium shows, every corner invites curiosity. Families, solo travelers, and science lovers alike will find something to marvel at, whether it’s the albino alligator in the Swamp or the Living Roof’s eco-friendly design. While ticket prices can feel steep, the experience is rich, educational, and beautifully curated—well worth the visit for a full afternoon of discovery.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
R9614cgbarbarag
Jun 29, 2025
Showing grandchildren a beautiful experience. - My husband and I took our 3 1/2 Granddaughter and 5 1/2 Grandson. It was very busy. We were able to see everything. The price was high for the amount of time we had available to spend there. I can’t image a lot of families could afford it. It’s sad because it was a fantastic experience for all of us.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lynnette_on_fridays
Jun 27, 2025
Lots to see - I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to this center! It houses an aquarium, an indoor rainforest and a planetarium. It was also interesting to see how the design of the roof allowed for energy efficiency and the promotion of ecology in the various seasons. The place is huge, and there’s much to see and do!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nicktatx
Jun 19, 2025
Science matters and this place has it all. - So much to see and learn for all ages! A tad pricey for entrance but it’s for a good cause. The aquarium, rainforest, planetarium, all so great! And the earthquake simulator was pretty amazing.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Encarnita
Jun 5, 2025
Visit to the Museum of the San Francisco Academy of Sciences, CA - The California Academy of Sciences Museum in San Francisco is fantastic! The exhibitions are very well done and beautiful. The reconstitution of the Rain Forest (Tropical Forest) biome is one of the highlights. The other is the simulation of the earthquakes of 1989 and 1906. Very impressive! Super recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Susan_b
May 21, 2025
So much to see!... - 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.
Review provided by Viator
Isaiah_m
Jul 21, 2025
It’s was really fun but a... - It’s was really fun but a lil to full to really enjoy the attractions but overall had a great time with the family
Review provided by Viator
Koolaidrich
Jul 11, 2025
Great place but a few problems - Had a really nice time here and would definitely recommend but there are a few negatives Positives Great interesting place Good exhibits Does great work Lots of fun Negatives Crowded and shouting children everywhere!! Very confusing layout Food sooooo expensive!!!! I have to give Nina the diver a shout out. They did a Q & A with her from underwater and it was so funny and my favourite bit of the day. Every single question the kids asked she answered “I don’t know”. Didn’t expand or elaborate just I don’t know…To every question …Even to simple questions we knew the answer to. Making me laugh thinking of it even now.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Valerie_s
Jun 16, 2025
The place deserves a wipedown - 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.
Review provided by Viator
Camila_b
May 28, 2025
CABLE CAR REVIEW - Horrible experience-fraudulent reservation - CABLE CAR REVIEW (not the academy of science) VIATOR didn't let me put my review on the right spot. I paid for a reservation expecting some sort of priority access or designated area, but there was none. This is not a guided tour – it's simply public transportation. You still have to wait in the same line as everyone else who just bought the regular ticket. The reservation offers absolutely no benefit, making it a waste of money. To make matters worse, the staff was rude and unhelpful, and there is no refund policy for cancellations. It makes no sense to offer or sell this kind of reservation. It feels like a scam and I would not recommend it to anyone. For the Academy of sciences it was great.
Review provided by Viator
From $49
up to 15 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).