Reviews of California Academy of Sciences (Museum)

Rebecca Kim

The planetarium was SO COOL I definitely recommend going even just for the planetarium show. It's a huge dome and visualizations playing on the ceiling for a very immersive experience. I was mostly shocked that the museum had a part of the skins exhibit where it showcased police brutality and arrests on whites vs blacks while also showing statistics of crime actually committed vs arrests. It was really educational and the museum got a HUGE kudos from me and my boyfriend for putting facts like that in the exhibit since it does touch on human skin color. Other than that, while it is pricey, it was really fun and I was tired after 2 hours. The weekends are packed with children and it's loud so it's hard to take your time and really see each item one by one. Side note: the ice cream at the food area was SO BOMB, it was really great soft serve.

Nate Chertack

So much more than just a "science museum"! The aquarium exhibits were so cool, with all sorts of interesting fishes (including a lungfish). We saw a planetarium show - it's not your average planetarium experience, so check it out. Go up to the roof, enjoy the sun, and see all the ways the building is made more sustainable. The Cal Academy has a great balance of information and fun, not being too flashy or too boring. Highly recommend a visit!

Vernon Reagan

Great place but be prepared to walk a LOT it’s a huge building. They have elevators of you don’t want to take the stairs. We went to the rainforest section first and the butterflies were all over the dome. The aquarium was our next stop and the fish are really cool. The last thing we did was the Africa exhibit and the earthquake simulator. Get tickets ahead of time and it’s not cheap but worth it if you can make a whole day of it.

Asma El Héni

A very interesting place for all ages. There are a lot of interesting things to do and to see. I highly recommend it for anyone who is interested in sciences.

Chris Maynard

California Academy of Sciences is one of my all time favorite places to go. Every time I visit San Francisco I always be sure to make a visit. The entire place never ceases to capture my mind and renew a sense of love in science I remember having as a kid. Tons of exhibits that offer a wide range of experiences. It’s location in Golden Gate Park is perfect and allows you to hop outside and enjoy all the park has to offer and return to the museum afterwards. It is an excellent way to spend a day if you have the time to in San Francisco! Can not wait until my kids are a little older so I can take them! If you’re considering a membership don’t think about it, just do it! Definitely worth it!

Luci TheCat

Good for kids but way overpriced! Senior adults were $29, all exhibits were geared for children. Examples: SF shake house that shook to mimic earthquakes, a fog room where you are surrounded by mist. For us, the best was the planetarium show (we fell asleep) and the roof garden (for view). The rainforest had 2 Macaws and butterflies (really . . .two birds is all you can manage?). The aquarium was cool but other than big fish, had none of the really cool ones (no sharks, etc.).

Stephanie Underwood

If you are a fan of science and nature, you will never run out of things to do here. This place is big but it is really well-maintained.

Tomáš Brunát

We bought the tickets, wait 2 lines to be assured that planetarium is sold out. Now we're waiting another massive line to get into the second best thing here. Museum is nice but I can't I understand how is that possible to sell more tickets than is the museum capacity? Maybe in Russia but San Francisco? ... :(

Iaroslav Karandashev

Everything was fine. Exhibitions were very interesting. Especially rainforest.

Andrew Impellitteri

A bit expensive but one of the best science museums I have been to.

Chris Ahn

MUST SEE!! Educational for children from animals (even penguin & butterfly), marine and things to learn - everything!

Joshua Tucker

A great day trip for inquisitive youngsters and nature loving adults. Come for the Albino Alligator, stay for the planetarium. I loved the rainforest exhibit, aquarium and penguinz.

Nancy Kaven

Very nice, you can always learn something new here, I like the concentration they have to expose everything to the people who visit the place!

Donovan McGrath

It's a highly interactive learning center for people of all ages. There's exhibits on every subject and the dining area is fantastic.

Tom Wroten

Love the Academy. Clean facility, friendly staff and docents, good educational offerings and exhibits that change. But I hate the food options. It's not that the food tastes bad, but it's expensive and the process for ordering is a complete nightmare. There are different "stations" and if you want something from multiple stations you have to get in line multiple times. By the time you are ready to pay, your food from the first station is cold. Try doing this with a family that has kids and you'll be hating life. The menu also needs clarification, is the price of pizza for one slice or two? What are the "meat options" for the grain bowls? Does the cheeseburger come with tomato, because there wasn't any on the plate? Which options can be customized? Which items are served cold, or warm? When you already frustrated with deciding which of 10 lines you need to get into to order, making decisions about your order should not be that tough. Over the years since the Academy reopened the Cafe has undergone several chefs, but the overall experience hasn't changed and that's fundamentally the problem. I appreciate that they want to have sustainable food options that are local, but the focus should be on redesigning the process before they make the food more "hipster". I understand they have you under their control while in the building (other food options are not at all close, especially after paying for parking), with that it would be nice to enjoy a better eating experience while there.

ku Man

This is an amazing science museum with various wonderful exhibits to spend an afternoon with your family and friends. Since the admission tickets are not cheap, SF residents should consider an annual pass instead. For those with time flexibility, you can avoid the crowd by visiting during weekdays.

Shoaib Shawoo

This is a sort of an all-in-one museum. There’s a planetarium, an aquarium, a rain forest and an interactive science museum. My kids really enjoyed the rain forest, which is mainly themed towards environmental protection and awareness. It has some interesting species of plants, and lots of butterflies! The aquarium is also very well made, with a diverse variety of specimens. The science museum is rather limited. There is also a roof garden, and the lawns around the area are very pleasant. Great place to spend a few hours with kids, especially on a cold and foggy day! A bit on the expensive side, though.

Alexandra Bogdanovich

I won't come back there anymore and will try to get the others not to go. We know little about the human body, and less of the animals. Why are you making the living stare at killed? Don't even go there about their insensitivity. You can't know. And keep your eyes not on the planetarium movie watchers, but on kids banging on the aquarium glass.

Rujikan Ausavarungnirun

I spend 5 hours there. It is the most intereting place in SF.

Niladri Sekhar Jyoti

Great place for curious kids and inquisitive adults. The rainforest is a small sample of nature in a glass hall with a swamp at the bottom and aquarium beneath it. Do check out the crocodile on the other side of the aquarium. The planetarium is also great and the shows are meticulously crafted and the one I watched - 'expedition reef' - is undoubtedly the best experience I have in any planetarium I visited so far. Recommend to watch as many shows there as you can. The breathing roof is nice. And so is the area surrounding the academy though that constitutes the part of Golden Gate Park.

Nala Ashtar

This place has always held a special place in my heart ever since I was a child. Super fun for adults and children alike! It takes you back to feeling like a child again and exploring the world full of curiosity! Plus its location couldn't be more perfect being in the middle of Golden Gate Park. Plus they have Nightlife on Thursday nights for adults. Seriously, one of the coolest museums in the world!

L M

Shouldn't museums be for everyone not just well heeled tech bros? $40 a ticket is absolutely outrageous.

Amy Zhou

Broad selection of exhibits, suited towards children including an aquarium, planetarium and indoor rainforest. Planetarium showings were included in ticket price, but make sure you get the ticket in advance for showings. Mostly for kids though, though some interesting exhibits. Full price ticket is pricey - almost $40 per adult.

Du De

Amazing if you have the chance to visit at night!

LeeAnna Vakameilalo

This is a great place for the entire family. I recommend for kids of all ages.

Adam Lasnik

Upgraded to 4 stars based on followup experiences as a long-time member. THUMBS UP: - Friendly staff - Well-lit, welcoming space - Members-only hours to beat the crowds - Some interesting and well-signage'd exhibits - Engaging and informative email and paper newsletters THUMBS DOWN: - Can still get insanely crowded - Expensive if you're not a member ----- INITIAL REVIEW BELOW: [This review was for a visit in January 2009, not long after the museum opened. It may, indeed, be much less nightmarishly crowded nowadays] Fine company helped make the long day a happy one, but with only modest thanks to the museum itself. Perhaps I had my hopes set too high. Silly me, I thought an annual membership would entitle me to swift entrance, and the ability to, well, actually get to see the two star exhibits. Nope and nope. Despite arriving at the museum at about 10:15am (just 45 minutes after opening time), the only tickets left for the Planetarium were for 4:30pm, and -- sans earplugs and shin protectors -- we were not about to brave the jostling masses for that long. The rainforest? By the time we would have made it through that line, I'm guessing more than half the species in that area would have extincted*, so, yeah, didn't bother. Everything else was ranged from underwhelming to merely neato. I've seen several far more impressive aquariums, met considerably more helpful and friendly museum employees ("I don't know. Read the sign I guess") and -- most importantly -- enjoyed more engaging and creative exhibits and exhibit layouts elsewhere. I'm giving this place three instead of two stars because I believe with approximately 9,942 fewer people, I'd be able to better appreciate the building and its contents and perhaps even be able to jockey into position to read more of the signage. I've also heard that the planetarium is pretty darn cool. But if I end up again standing more than a half hour out in the rain waiting to get in to the VIP special members-only entrance, I'm donating my annual pass to some unlucky schlub that shares my name :P. --- *Yes, I know that's not a real word. I hope my environmentalist friend still respects me after reading this poetically-licensed review :)

Hunor Kovács

Cool place. The planetarium is well made, the shows are fun. I chose Passport to the Universe, which seemed the most basic one, if you want a more advanced study try something else. The animals were even cooler I think, even the skeletons and just the arrangements of the rooms and the aquarium were amazing.

Ja Jamison

Always learn something new

Bhushan Mohan

Excellent place to visit. Very educative for children. A must place for young children.

Sam Whately

Exhibits are always spectacular and the green roof is a must see if the weather is friendly. Lots to do for all ages.

Eri van

A science museum—and scientific and educational institution—located in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park!

RICHARD R.

It's outrageous! $43.50 today!!! This place has become set up for the financially elite!! I'm a citizen of San Francisco county and wanted to take friends from out of town to the academy of science but was stunned and embarrassed be the high admission fee. Shame on you A.of S.! You have lost sight of what you were originally intended for and have become a true disappointment!

Shannon Lyman

What an awesome museum!! So many great exhibits I felt like it had everything you could ask for in terms of natural history, and the planetarium was rad (though get in line early if you want tickets for that!). We were able to use our Discover and Go passes through the Berkeley Public Library to visit for free, anyone who is local should definitely check if their library provides something similar because getting in for free made the experience that much better.

NETWORKING 247

This is a wonderful museum for everyone of all ages. I had not been since I was young. You will definitely learn something new as they focus and take action in helping the planet .Just block out the whole day get a picnic basket some comfy shoes and enjoy.

Sunny Lee

If you’re a tourist with kids visiting SF then I would suggest to visit this museum as a top choice to experience many different scientific parts. Planetarium is one of the largest in the world and must see science-related films that you will experience inside. If you have only a couple hours here, definitely check out Planetarium show first or at least collect the show tickets first (free) as it often run out. If you don’t have tickets, try waiting at stand by line 10 minutes before the each showtime. Most likely there’s room as some ticket holders miss the each showtime and seats open up for folks.

Aman Jain

Ohh this is a place which need ur full day and energy. Must for kids.

kim brennan

Who ever dose your photos deserves a raise. This place is small. There is not a lot going on. (Compare to ca science center in la) way over priced. Penguins saved you from one star.

Forrest Spellman

Nothing beats a Thursday night at Cal Academy. Bring a date and get a couple drinks and learn a little bit about the museum and maybe even enjoy some live music. I recommend if you fome to make your way to the aquatic area, and certainly a trip through their earthquake simulator for a good time!

tai nguyen

Good museum for science. Friendly staff. Delicious foods and coffee.

Houssam ASSANY

We took the ticket hoping to see amazing exhibitions and we were extremely disappointed. The entrance fee was $45 per adult, and the museum has 4 main areas : the africain hall, the planetarium, the rain forest and the aquarium. None of those areas were worth the time and money spent there. I had the feeling that only superficial and basic details were given, therefore the exhibitions and the shows were mainly for kids. The african consisted in just a few posters and moqups of wild animals, with no real variety. The part about human evolution said nothing that we did not already know. We had great expectations about the planetarium (the moon show), but it turned out to be was boring and gave only basic information. The rain forest was the worst part, a real joke. A few butterflies and 1 or 2 trees were supposed to represent a whole forest ecosystem... The aquarium contained one small basin with a small number of fishes, no variety in species. In the end, this museum may be good for kids, but certainly not for adults and certainly not worth $45.

Cooper Makhijani

The California Academy of Sciences is truly a great experience. Whether you're going alone, with friends, colleagues, kids, parents or your date, the California Academy of Sciences has something for you. The academy has a planetarium with amazingly educational and imersive shows that are sure to make you feel smarter by the end.

Logan & Heidi Truman

Natural history museum, planetarium, aquarium, rain forest, earthquake simulator all under a living roof. An easy place to come and spend at least a half a day.

SATYAM ROHIT

The best planetarium I have ever been. Other stuff are good too but the planetarium was real deal. The guy who was giving the presentation was awesome.

Venkat Chandramoleshwar

Great place to visit and learn at. It's an aquarium, natural history museum and planetarium all out in one. Fantastic set up.

Samantha Colden

This place is amazing and takes science museums to the next level. There's a rainforest area with the most beautiful butterflies, an amazing aquarium, a planetarium (with fabulous free shows,) an earthquake simulator, an albino alligator and that's just for starters. The building itself is spacious and light, it's a pleasure to navigate. Both the employees and volunteers are so kind, helpful and knowledgeable. Kudos to Bruce who taught us about shark eggs and gave me the low down on albino alligators! There is so much to see and do here, you'll need a full day to do it justice.

Subas Chandran

Could science be made a fun of learning … True.. Leaning is possible only when it is fun and frolic .. Americans have the art of teaching and this museum is a learning centre and the staffs are well behaved... Worth a visit to know a lot about Mother Nature.. Once in lifetime one should visit otherwise living will be only survival

Thomas San Francisco

From the living roof down to The Twilight Zone the deeper parts of the coral reef there is much science to discover in this museum. The ever evolving place always has something new to enthrall both the young and old such as the recent addition of a fog chamber where one can experience the cooling mist upon entry. There are rainforest to see and planetarium shows that explore the universe from the tiny subatomic to the unimaginably vastness of space where our sun is just one of 50 billion in a galaxy called The Milky Way. Science is fun here.

Val Ann

Beautiful, educational and interesting. Really loved the rainforest

Matthew Bowman

The Academy is truly a wonderful place to visit. It has a range of activities to please everyone.My highlights were the Rainforest enclosure and the aquarium. The earthquake room gives you the opportunity to experience two of the big quakes that have hit SF and the rest of the academy is filled with interactive exhibits on wildlife, trees, and the natural world.The rainforest enclosure is an attack on the senses and does give you a real sense of being in the rainforest. The exhibits on the way up the enclosure's ramp are enlightening (and some of the bugs a little creepy), and then you are treated to the most beautiful butterflies when you reach the top of the ramp. This is followed by an exit through the aquarium level with such a variety of sea-creatures that you don't know where to start.The living roof is interesting, and an architectural and engineering achievement, but was a little bland when I visited in winter.My only regret is that I did not spend more time at the Academy, so I could've visited the planetarium and spent more time in the aquarium.

Alex Winch

Not a huge number of exhibits compared to other major natural history museums/zoos, but really well put together. Suggest going to one of the adults-only Nightlife events - tickets are a fraction of the daytime cost and they sell real drinks.

A Google User

The park location is absolutely gorgeous and the interior is spacious and interesting. Staff is friendly and the planetarium didn't charge any additional fees beyond what you paid for your ticket to get into the museum so I saw several of their films on my visit.

Rashid Aliyev

A place dedenetely to be visited in San Francisco. Especially with your kids. There is many different species of nature. Many interesting animals and creatures. Have cafe inside and souvenirs also sells on 1st floor. I enjoyed during my visit.

Michael White

he Cal Academy was tremendous, both for adults and kids! The rain forest exhibit was very hot & humid, and had small enclosures with frogs, birds, lizards, snakes, and much more. The rainforest was two stories, but with a windy ramp, not stairs. The 3rd floor was closed during the visit, so we took the elevator below ground to the aquarium, which was also super cool! So many fish of different sizes, coral, anacondas, tons of other water animals, touch screens with information, a scuba diver show to top it off. Also saw the SF Earthquake Exhibit (which was OK; not worth the big line), dinosaur skeletal bones, Claude the Albino alligator, the environmentally awesome living roof, a water fountain that counts the water bottles filled, jellyfish, rare flowers, and much more.

Paul Adams

Went here on a Thursday night and enjoyed a cocktail while exploring. It was excellent and I feel like we barely scratched the surface.

Fguito Fayh

Some nice exhibits, a little dated. Ticket is a little pricey for what you get but if you're into science it's a must visit.

Sacramento Honey

Although it's a tad pricy, it's well worth the experience. The exhibits are diverse and interactive. We spent the entire day here. It's well worth the money to buy the season pass and go as many times as you want to. You have a fast pass entrance and get in earlier than day use visitors. My favorite part was the stingrays and butterfly exhibits.

Jason Knauff

One of the best nature museums I’ve ever been to, especially for younger children. Cafe also has great food. We will return again and again.

Seishi Miki

Best Sunday ever in my opinion!!!

Lilliana Perez

California Academy of Science Museum is housed inside Golden Gate Park. Wonderful experience. Time flies spent 4+ hours interacting, learning and entertained with a plethora of scientific information. Making me more conscious of my environment and eco system. Highly recommend this museum.

Sean Fournier

Great place for kids and adults on a Thursday night. Has a bit of everything really. The planetarium is exceptionally good;very knowledgeable staff in that department.

switch chen

A very stoning experience of aquarium, planetarium! Love this place! You can see many different Species here. Worthy to visit!

Benjamin Davis

Had a wonderful experience here - great customer service! What a fun, fascinating, romantic destination - dudes, bring your lady here - she will love it and you'll have a good time. Highly recommend it!

Nailya Gubaydullina

A unique place where you can learn simple but special habitat about animals and insects. I thought the rainforest section and the aquarium were the most interesting and just so cool. It’s children friendly environment. There is a place to eat and rest.

Lynda Anne Art

I only gave 4 stars because of the price. I'll admit that I have been spoiled by the free Getty museums in Los Angeles, but I found these prices hard to imagine as being realistic for a family. The price will exclude many. That said, it is an amazing, wonderful down right spectacular experience for nature lovers. It includes an aquarium, planetarium, and world class butterfly exhibit, and it's a bird watchers dream. It is all things nature for over 160 years. It is nothing short of fabulous.

Michael Swift

My bike remained here for multiple days. Fantastic bike rack they have here, tremendous. They could add a rent-a-cop for extra security.

Wilson Z

I can stay here for a whole day! The museum is very interesting. there are aquariums, rainforests, planetariums and some other science exhibitions. kids are very interested in marine life, you can also explore what you like!

Dat Twig Boi

It was fun. I especially liked the earthquake simulator. It was a long line but it was worth the wait. The cafe there looked nice. It was a little expensive but the food looked good.

Anusha Badathala

This is a fantastic place to take any one who loves science. I attended their nightlife event, which happens every Thursday 6-10pm and had a great time. The rainforest exhibit is awesome with vividly colorful butterflies everywhere. Aquarium displays are beautiful with interesting info bites on the side. Do not forget to pay a visit to the ‘Living Roof’ to take in some scenery. My favorite part of our visit was a breathtaking tour around the universe in the Planetarium. Plenty of parking is available in the Music Concourse Garage which is right beside the academy. Public transportation is a good option as well.

Mark Dianda

The museum is fantastic! The Rain Forest is an exhibit that I will never tire of. One bone of contention though. As a professional Philatelist who stocks stamps featuring African Penguins, Wild Cars, Parrots and other exotic birds, Elephants, Rhinoceros, etc., in sufficient quantities to sustain sales for a large city's Natural History Museum and I live 10 minutes from the museum, I thought it was a perfect fit. I brought some samples into the Gift Shop and the manager on duty was extremely excited that I was bringing into them a much requested sales item. She gave me the name, number of the person who does the ordering for the museum and website of the company that supplies them. The later was the drawback as I must convince the conglomerate that supplies Museum Gift Shops throughout the United States. This is why most Museums have the same mass produced items for sale in their gift shops. Needless to say, despite my spending considerable time putting together an email with a few dozen photographs, there was never a reply. I will try again this fall before the holidays, although I fear that it is too late in the year to add a new product line.

Jonathan Shmukler

Wonderful facility that includes multiple exhibits and experiences. I took a tour of the rain forest, aquarium and planetarium while I was there. Exhibits are well maintained, interactive and informative. The rain forest is particularly well done as you wind your way up into the canopy and then descend under water into the sunken forest floor. We also had a great guide in the planetarium (aaron) who took us on a wonderful trip exploring the universe. Highly recommended.

Jessica Golden

The exhibits in the California Academy of Sciences are really fun and lively. You could easily spend 4-5 hours there if you are intrigued by science and live animals. The place itself is kept very tidy and the staff are nice as well. So, overall, it is a lovely place to spend some time and learn a little about science.

Desiree O

Took my son yesterday,it was fun and educational but people need to pay better attention to their kids,seen a boy kick the glass of the aquarium

Beck Marquis

I recommend giving yourself at least 4 hours to check everything out and take in a movie or two. Our family of four loved this place and it was worth every penny. Aquarium exhibit was exceptional with all the different points of view and various aquatic species. My only regret is not going earlier in the day....somfor those reading get there early enough to enjoy it all.

Patrick Traughber

Excellent place. I love visiting on weekends and checking out the recent exhibits. The staff are so friendly. Would be so much better if there was a Ford GoBike station at the Academy to make it easier to get to.

Sean Penrose

Super fun experience. Pricey for what's involved.

Dave Burrows

Definitely one of the highlights of my visit to San Francisco. My favorite part was the aquarium, all the varieties of sea life were mesmerizing. I also found the green roof and energy efficient design fascinating as well. Double LEED Platinum, no less.

luie locz

What a wonderful wonderful place. Everything in one building they have the animatronic dinosaurs with nice displays they have a jungle museum with lion cheetas and even penguins they have birds and frogs they have a planetarium with sting rays outside it. They have a pretty big aquarium with thousands of fish of all kinds they have fresh water and salt water fish they have a rain forest with a swamp exhibit and alligators, tons of whale, seal and walrus skeletons they have a section with plants on the roof boy its just an amazing place to visit. Definitely the highlight of my San Francisco visit.

Victor Brunko

Very cool place for families and solo. Good cafeteria. Good exhibit.

Allen Watson

Well worth a visit, the aquarium is better than the ona at Pier 39. With CityPass you can skip the line and go straight in. Lot of interesting things to study, but the highlight is the Planetarium section and their show called ”Passport to Universe”. That alone is worth the trip to this attraction, which is located in Golden Gate park and a little hard to get to with public transportarion (only bus 44).

ilker Aktuna

nize place to visit with lots of attractions for growing kids. seeing science in action is a great experience but I wish the entrance was not paid. At least main area could be free.

Hyrum Cook

Very exciting. Pricey but you don't feel like you are getting ripped off. Highly recommended.

Krishnan R.S.

Awesome place for kids. Great aquarium + butterfly exhibit (more than just butterflies) + mineral showcase area.

Emily Hunt

I really enjoyed the aquarium section, it had so many interesting facts about all the different kind of species underwater. I have never seen a live Jellyfish before and today was my first time so that was awesome!!!! I always wanted to visit the Amazon or a Rainforest and I can happily say I got the feeling that I did. I was able to watch just one show today which was called Coral Reef and I have to say it was pretty interesting. It's so fascinating to know that everything small or big has a very important purpose. This place is for everyone and I plan on coming again to finish what I started since I have so much more to explore. Don't miss out on this place, you have to go at least once.

Fernanda Sancevic

Impressive site, so much to learn and see. We had the opportunity to go to the planetarium, forrest, aquarium and earthquake simulation. Every attraction is unique and worthy! We spent so much time in there that we decided to go to the cafeteria. To our surprise it was clean and had good food!

Joe Morales

Our kids loved this place, staff was great, features are incredible and educational. Must see if visiting SF. Fodd was decent but expensive, bring your own snacks of you remember

Laura Torres

Love the Academy. Clean facility, friendly staff and docents, good educational offerings and exhibits that change.

Davi Candido

Really cool place, definitely worth the visit. The gift shop is a little bit expensive. The Twilight Zone is amazing!!

Melanie Peterson

We had such a fun visit here! Not too crowded, well organized, and lots of fun stuff to see. Certainly worth a visit when in San Fran

Sindbad D.

This was my main station in San Fransisco. This is a good academy for children to open their knowledge. And, a good place to spend time with family. They have all the facilities. Their 3-D space tour was amazing. The aquarium is fascinating.

Daniel Cotter

A bit pricey at $40 per adult but fun nonetheless. We liked the roof garden and the rainforest exhibit the best, but it could have had a wider variety of animals (birds in particular were underrepresented with just two macaw in the whole exhibit). The albino alligator was cool, but unfortunately no sharks - although seeing an octopus up close, and showing off for us, no less, was mind-blowing. The planetarium is more like an IMAX theater than what I'd imagined. We watched a film on coral reefs, which was immersive and made good use of the domed projection screen.

Missy Dalling

I had the pleasure to chaperone my sons school trip (9/10 yr olds). This place is amazing with so much to see. The kids really enjoyed it. Nice layout and packed with information. My 4 yo would have enjoyed it, but I recommend a little older to have the impact that this place deserves. It is pricy (family wise), but nice to see.

Antonio Diaz

Pretty Awesome place to visit. Lots to see and stuff to do. It’s very big so your gonna be here all day. They have a white colored skin Aligator or Crocodile. Forget which but it’s big and just white. I think he’s just the one of his kind. I would post his picture but I can’t seem to find it. But go see him. He’s truly one of a kind.

Oliy Barrett

Such a cool place to visit, you can easily spend a lot of time here with lots of educational things to see. I loved the rainforest with all the colorful butterflies and the aquarium on the bottom floor. Would recommend :)

Tyler V

Excellent science museum! I enjoyed it even more than OMSI in Portland OR. Great planetarium, aquariums, taxidermy collections, and mineral exhibits. Worth the entrance fee and then some.

Madeline C-F

Too much fun!! I recommend going on adult night, booking your tickets in an advance (including the planetarium). You won’t forget your experience here at the California Academy of Sciences. Bring your family or friends!

Tim Chan

Excellent variety of displays. The kids loved the rainforest and all the butterflies. Get there early otherwise finding parking can be an issue. There is an underground garage but also lots of street parking if you are lucky.

Boonkiart Iewwongcharoen

I parked the car at Golden gate park about 3 minutes by walk from California Academy of Science and the car was broken in around noon. It was the first day my family visited San Francisco. If the city and the place has no safe environment, it is not enjoyable to visit. The ticket price is way too expensive for the exhibits shown there. Not worth the money. Not safe to go. Extremely bad experience.

Nick Wroblicky

Loved the planetarium and tropical forests. Parking garage has one kiosk. Wait over an hour to pay parking at end of day. No staff help. Gas fumes giving headache. In SF, why no parking app to pay parking and move on?

Lukus Kapousouz

This place is absolutely wonderful! Bring your kids, bring your spouse! No need for anyone to stay away! #SCIENCE!!!!

Benjamin Poiesz

This place and the Monterey Bay aquarium are fantastic for kids. Great restaurant too which is especially nice. Grab tickets for the planetarium right away when your get there.

Molly M

We had a blast here! I was with an under 2 year old and there was plenty to see and do! The Curiosity Grove deserves it acclaim (loved the “please limit your electronics time” in this area)

Adean Danon

I've learned 2 love science over the years I never got it in school but every time in a Museum technologies as well just the seeing touching and so on. I recommend it highly ...I didn't get to see the planetarium so can't say anything about that

Jules Scott

Great fun for all ages!! 100% recommend for anyone who is into science, or is open to learning more about the world around us.

Evgeniy P

Be aware you will have to wait In a line to claim a Vaucher bought via Google Maps. Local stuff will also ask to email booking reservation to let you in

Cody Jones

Had a blast with the family recommended you actually can have at the museum

Alexander B.

Very nice place to learn a lot. Especially the rain forest exhibition with the living butterflies is amazing. If you are lucky they land on you and lick salt from your skin. Also the Aquarium in the lower level is very good. Disappointing was the mineral and gem part. Nothing special there and the exhibition isnt worth the word. But all together its a great visit you shouldnt miss!

Filipe Felisbino

One of my favorite places in San Francisco, I've been there several times. Staff is always nice and welcoming, there are lots of activities for kids: the aquarium with lots of species - specially the bioluminescent fishes, the rainforest with macaws and butterflies, then the natural history museum side. There's also a small play area where parents can have some rest while the little ones have some distraction. For bigger kids (6+yo) there's also the planetarium. Food is OK: pizza, hamburgers, deli and even sushi.

Joshua Merl

The centre is ok (especially nice is the rainforest and aquarium) but their current planetarium show is of inferior quality and the picture is not sharp - it reminded me of an amazon prime space documentary. If you’ve ever seen Dark Universe (a must-see) in New York’s planetarium, you’ll be disappointed. I’ve heard the one about ocean life is much better quality.

Tiffany Bryan

The coolest rainforest experience in San Francisco. My family loves celebrating birthdays, mothers day, school days off, etc at The Academy. You can bring in food if you wish but they have the widest variety of food available in their food court.

Paulette Hughes

Wow! I wish I had more time for this location because there is so much to see and so much to learn. The Dino Days were taking place and, I have to admit, was a little bit of a bummer. It definitely was NOT what I was expecting - had a few animatronic dinosaurs and a "digging" place to uncover bones. Not much else. My 5 year old dinosaur loving kid was bored after a few minutes. The rain forest room was great. It was very hot but it was really awesome for the kids to experience the temperature of a rainforest and to learn what grows and lives there! It was a really great immersive exhibit. Birds and butterflies flying overhead is such a good learning experience.

Laetitia Pannetier

I absolutely love this place! Got to see Albino Claude!! The exhibition reef show in the planetarium was mind-blowing! The staff is very friendly and the place is very clean! The exhibitions present were very interesting, and you can learn a lot. Great place for family trips, children trips and school trips.

Marla Le

A lot of different exhibits and galleries to see. Very peaceful and sometimes very busy. Went here with family and it was a busy weekend. Definitely hard to find parking, even in the parking garage nearby. Could easily spend 2 hour here. Definitely worth the money, especially if you have young ones with you.

Thomas Mills

Nice park and building. Impressive aquarium, planetarium, rainforest room and earthquake simulator. Really expensive though at $40 for each adult. Wouldn't recommend if you're without kids as the majority of things seem produced for kids.

Fried Earwax

I went here all the time when I was in elementary school and barely anything's changed since the last time I came. Maybe a few things here and there, but thats about it. My all-time favorite exhibits were the earthquake exhibit, and the planetarium. The gift shops are cool to look at but it's a little bit overpriced, just a tip.

Elena C. Voults

Place mostly for children and families.. quite big museum/aquarium.. worh the visit if you like nature and fishes animals and dinosaurs

mona lisa

It was a okay until we were told we couldn't visit the planetarium. They said they were out of tickets therefore we couldn't see it. We paid full admission just like everyone else and still told we couldn't see the planetarium. Then we were told we could go sit and wait on standby, what ever that meant. So if you do go don't be to shocked if they denie you access to all you paid for. That part was very disappointing.

Susan Wagner

I am a tourist from Namibia in Africa. This was my 3rd visit to th California Academy of Sciences. What an incredible place of learning for both young and old! The Rain forest is amazing and the aquarium out of this world. Also loved the Earthquake simulation and the Africa room with the penguins. The Skin Exhibit is brilliant! One could spend days here and still not have seen it all. DEFINITELY a must-visit.

Kory Hill

So much science! The food is a little expensive but that is to be expected when convenience is part of the experience.

Becky Tan

A great place to bring family and friends, they have live animal exhibits, a living rainforest, a large aquarium as well as a planetarium just to name a few. While some exhibits are permanent, there are always new things coming in to the museum, as well as events hosted that range from child-friendly to a more adult setting that serves alcohol. I always have a good time when I go.

Dallin Kimble

Pretty incredible place with a natural history museum, planetarium, indoor rainforest, aquarium and so much more in one building. We spent three hours here like it was nothing. Definitely plan on doing the aquarium after the rainforest and the 3rd floor after the planetarium-- the exits flow this way. I'd also suggest eating elsewhere; the cafe is expensive with just okay food. We learned a ton and had a great time.

call me veminem

There was every where something for everyone and we all had fun that day in the Museum. But it's definitely to expencive and they could have made a bit more fun stuff for the younger kids and Teenagers there...

Jamie Jamison

Love going here always a new exhibit

Salman Khan

A magnificent place filled with exhibits on evolution, animals, space and a REAL MODEL RAINFOREST! Can't recommend enough, especially with kids.

shilpa puri - bharati

Loved the whole thing. but if have limited time.. talk to the help desk about how to maximize time utilisation. Example, even if you have tickets and if you want to see planetarium shows you will have to stand in another line to take the passes their cost is included in the tickets but you still have to get the passes because they do run out of seats.

James Patrick

We hadn’t taken our kids since they were little. We went while our kids were home from college. It was a great family event as adults. We loved the fish and butterflies especially. Many other cool things: sound and color, whales, albino reptiles. There was something for each of us. A nice few hours on a rainy day in the bay. Happy to be creating new memories with the kids as adults.

Sophia Chew

Amazing!!! My siblings who don’t usually like museums loved this place. We went there for 4.5 hours, and yet still didn’t finish the whole place. Although there aren’t many interactive exhibits, the museum is still very interesting and fun. The SF City Pass includes this admission, and is worth it for the price of the City Pass.

Victoria Wilson

I think it was my favorite place in San Francisco and certainly the best museum. The park location is absolutely gorgeous and the interior is spacious and interesting. Staff is friendly and the planetarium didn't charge any additional fees beyond what you paid for your ticket to get into the museum so I saw several of their films on my visit. You get earthquake exhibits here, an aquarium, jungle exhibits, I really liked them all and the exhibit with the free roaming butterflies was the highlight. My only complaint was with the food, very pricey and not very good. I suggest making plans for somewhere to eat before and after your visit and just skipping dining inside it. You could easily spend 3 or 4 hours at this place, even more if they also have a special event going on on the day you visit.

Evan Sidarto

Fantastic place for kids that combines a rainforest, aquarium and planetarium. The planetarium in particular is worth waiting in line for. It's such an immersive experience of the universe and makes you realize how small we really are. There's also an excellent toddler playground on the first floor which will keep them busy for at least an hour or two.

Karen Aguilar

It's not the same as when I was a child, only one alligator now, used to have 5. My children don't know and it's for them to learn so if they like it that's all that matters. We go 2-3 times a year(so they don't get bored).

SAH

Enjoyed the day at Calfironia academy of sciences. It is worth a trip if you are interested in a mix of interests such as under water life, rain forest garden with butterflies and a section with various 30 minute movies covering various topics. There is a section with african animals and habitat collection as well. I would reccomend the coral video in the doom as a must see. Outside the academy there is a garden and a museum opposite as well. Food needs improvement though in terms of variety.

Kevin Jaskela

This place is beautiful. It's in a gorgeous part of Golden Gate Park and right across from the de Young museum which is great for a day of exploring and learning. I thought the price of admission was a little high but if you go on a Thursday and are above 21 it's a fun and unique experience for the adults in and around the area. They have a live DJ and make it a social hangout without all of the little ones running around and screaming in your ears about butterflies and dinosaurs. Once you've seen it a couple times you don't have to go back. Unfortunately, I think they need to reinvent the wheel a bit and change their exhibits to keep viewers intrigued and coming back. That being said... make sure to check out the rooftop once you finish all the exhibits.

Leigh Sims

This place is just great. It has a planetarium, aquarium, small natural history museum and indoor rainforest. You can learn so much in there, see intereating skeletons, watch a space related show in the planetarium and more. Recommended for adults and kids who like learning new things.

Facu de la Cruz

They have a great amount of things to do in the museum even a T-Rex and some rain forests simulation. You need a lot of time to visit the entire complex.

Eric Talaska

I thank this place and Richard Mooi for caring for an displaying in perpetuity the world's largest west coast (Dendraster Excentricus) sand dollar, measuring 120mm wide, I donated.

Antal János Monori

A place where you can spend a whole day and learn about the unique fauna native to this part of the globe in a very family friendly and informative way. There's a cafe and bunch of large spaces to enjoy your day here. As a tip: grab the SF visitor pass and you get a free pass to this museum as well.

Alex John’s

Such an incredible place for learning. The aquarium is nice and the rain forest is out of the world! We could not cover the whole place in one day. The guide was very good. Wonderful museum for people of all ages.

Doua Moua

Good place to take kids on an exploration. There are big environments like the rain forest and then mini displays but all are very information. Kids will learn a lot after spending a day here.

David Murphy

Just an incredible facility, with things for all ages. Our younger kids love the rainforest enclosure (for the butterflies) and the aquarium for the fish, with a special mention for the "hands on" pool with the docents, for touching starfish etc. The cafeterias cater for kiddie tastes but are very pricey. Come early if you plan to park on site or nearby in the park. For later it's possible to park at ocean Beach and get the shuttle bus back up through the park.

Kalynn Baker

This place was *amazing*. The quality and presentation of the educational modules here was exceptionally well executed and the information was provided in a manner that was accessible and understandable by children and adults alike. We were exceptionally impressed by the biodome on the ceiling, the contained rain forest and the breathtaking aquarium located in the basement! Everything about this place was on point, the facility was spotless, the staff was kind, polite, and knowledgeable (as were their youth 'guides' working in the rain forest exhibit). We were throughout impressed and will be visiting in the future, as well as recommending this stop to everyone that will be in the area!

N N

Very impressive science center and a full day activity for kids. The rain forest and planetarium are the main extractions but other things as aquarium, Africa and nature center are equally good. Cafe has plenty of options including vegan and vegetarian. Coffee selections are pretty good as well. Parking is street parking mostly as the center’s parking gets full very early. All the shows are super good, the passport to universe and incoming! shows are awesome.

martin liu

It was a nice experience. The aquarium was super cool.

Shane Dolan

Probably one of the coolest places in San Francisco! So much to see no matter what you're interested in. I would particularly recommend the Night Life Experience on a Thursday Evening. It attracts a large crowd and its 21+. They're currently running 'A Tour of the Universe' in the Planetarium and its honestly the best tour through the universe I've ever seen! The host is a dude also and made the experience even better!

Jody Dewoody

Great place for kids of course, its always changing so the keep it fresh. Price is a bit on the high side so get there early and pack a lunch, you'll wanna put on your walking shoes and get the most for you money.

Bertrand Casteltown

It is a very cool place, with a lot of things to see. The price is not cheap, mainly considering a whole family but definitely worth it. The planetarium and the forest dome are the biggest attraction but kids with enjoy looking around. The food in the restaurant is good and not so that expensive. For sure we will return in future.

A, two K,E,M Family infinity

My kids loved it! I would give more stars but for the cost I expected more. It is not a large museum and that works great for kids. Overall we loved it and worth going with kids that love science. Took taxi to get here as parking can be difficult.

Colin Ringie

Large museum with lots to see! The rainforest exhibit should be experienced by everyone, from the fish and parrots at the base, all the way up to the canopy, where dozens of butterflies dart around you! Planetarium is included in admission, but grab your tickets right when you get in so you can be sure to get into the show you want. Aquarium was pretty neat but we went to Monterey Bay and Aquarium of the Bay this trip so wasn't quite was interesting, though the bioluminescent fish were pretty cool, as was the albino alligator. Also, make sure you make the trip up to the roof, pretty neat to see an entire grassy hillside planned up there!

Tom Huynh

The academy of science was okay. Pricey for a small museum. I honestly thought it was much bigger and had much more things to see. The animal content was great; lots of great representation of the animals from Africa. As far as the rainforest, that was okay. The planetarium... They unfortunately didn't let my son in because he was too "young". Not sure what the criteria is for him to be deemed as too young (maybe less than 2?). Shops are pricey as well.

Xavier Ochoa

This is a fun place for all ages. It has a live feeding time with penguins, an aquarium, rainforest, and also many different stations to attend and learn something new.