Explore earth, ocean and space all in one place. The California Academy of Sciences is the only place in the world to combine a natural history museum, aquarium, planetarium and world-class research and education facility under one roof. All housed in the worlds largest public green building designed by award winning architect Renzo Piano. Topped with a living roof, a 2.5 acre expanse of native California plants, providing a habitat for birds, butterflies and insects, it blends seamlessly into the beautiful landscape of San Franciscos iconic Golden Gate Park. Daily interactions with animals, educators, and biologists within immersive, hands-on exhibits offer discovery and wonder for guests of all ages. The Academy will inspire lifelong curiosity and appreciation for the natural world as you experience the depths of a Philippine coral reef, climb into the canopy of a Costa Rican rainforest and fly to the outer reaches of the Universe.
Times
Mon-Sat @ 9.30am
Sun @ 11.00am
Adult - 18-64
Youth/Senior - 12-17 & 65+
Student (with valid ID)
Child - 7 - 11
Infant - 6 & under free
Travel Info
Muni to Golden Gate Park
The #44-O'Shaughnessy bus stops across from the Academy at the Music Concourse on Tea Garden Drive (southbound) and in front of the Academy on Concourse Drive (northbound).
The #5-Fulton and #21-Hayes stop at 8th and Fulton Streets, just outside the park. From 8th Street, go into the park and turn right on John F. Kennedy Drive. Then turn left onto Concourse Drive.
The N-Judah Muni Metro streetcar, which is wheelchair-accessible, stops at 9th Avenue and Irving Street. To reach the Academy, travel north on 9th Avenue into Golden Gate Park. 9th Avenue becomes Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Keep going on Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. until you reach Concourse Drive, then turn right and continue to the Academy entrance.
From Ferry Building
Take the N-Judah from the Embarcadero Muni Metro station at Market and Main Streets.
From Fisherman's Wharf
Take the Muni F trolley to Market Street. Transfer to the N-Judah at Embarcadero Station.
From Union Square/Downtown
Take the N-Judah from the underground Muni Metro station at Powell and Market Streets.
From City Hall/Civic Center
You have three options:
Take the N-Judah from Muni Metro station at Van Ness Avenue and Market Street.
Take the Muni #5-Fulton bus at McAllister and Polk Streets, or
Take the Muni #21-Hayes bus at Hayes and Larkin Streets.
From CalTrain Depot
Take the N-Judah from 4th and King station.
From BART
Transfer from any downtown BART station (Embarcadero, Montgomery, Powell, or Civic Center) to the Muni N-Judah OR transfer from Glen Park station to Muni bus #44-O'Shaughnessy.
Market Street Alternative Route
If you prefer not to take the N-Judah streetcar from Market Street, you can take the #21-Hayes bus.