California Academy of Sciences

Spend a Summer Day Exploring the Wonders of the Academy!

Looking for a family-friendly summer outing full of sunshine, wildlife, and hands-on discovery? The California Academy of Sciences has it all! Little explorers can climb, build, and play beneath the trees at the outdoor Wander Woods. Ready to cool off? Step inside and experience the magic of the ocean without ever getting wet. Wander through the California Coast and dazzling Philippine Coral Reef exhibits, where colorful fish, graceful rays, and vibrant marine life make you feel like you're snorkeling beneath the waves.

Pick up discount California Academy of Sciences tickets and make this summer one of curiosity, adventure, and unforgettable discoveries!

Step Into a Sensory Adventure at Vivid: Immerse Your Senses

Open until September 6, 2026

Get ready to experience nature in a whole new way at California Academy of Sciences with Vivid: Immerse Your Senses, open until September 6, 2026! This all-new, limited-time exhibit combines cutting-edge visuals, immersive soundscapes, scents, and interactive elements into a truly unforgettable experience. Travel across diverse ecosystems, from lush rainforests to icy ocean depths, all within a single space. With lifelike projections and dynamic environments, every moment feels like stepping straight into the natural world.

Included with your discount California Academy of Sciences tickets, it’s a must-see experience that sparks curiosity, wonder, and a deeper connection to nature.

Tiny Chef, Big Impact Takes Over the Academy

Extending through September 2026

Tiny Chef, Big Impact brings a whole lot of heart, playful chaos, and eco-optimism to the Academy with a delightful museum-wide takeover all throughout summer! Guests can catch an all-new short film in Morrison Planetarium, where Tiny Chef shows how small everyday actions can help the planet. The experience continues with a pop-up exhibit in Hohfeld Hall featuring Tiny Chef props, a larger-than-life kitchen photo op, and sneaky surprise appearances throughout the museum.

Visitors can also follow clues to spot Tiny Chef, then refuel with plant-based snacks at the Academy’s café. Don’t forget to browse exclusive merchandise and get a keepsake of your visit! Plus, every exhibition guest will receive a free Tiny Chef souvenir while supplies last.

Open daily, this charming experience is a combination of fun, creativity, and learning ways to save our environment. Plan a visit and save up with discount California Academy of Sciences tickets!

See the Hidden Wonders Behind the Academy’s Exhibits

You’ve seen the rainforest dome and the aquarium, the planetarium and the limited-time exhibits. Now it’s time to uncover what’s usually kept under lock and key at the California Academy of Sciences. Hidden Wonders: Inside the Academy’s Collections pulls back the curtain on a jaw-dropping archive of nearly 46 million specimens, with around 800 rare finds on display. Think of it as a backstage pass to the planet’s “library of life,” where fossils, preserved creatures, and scientific treasures reveal how researchers study, protect, and even help restore our natural world.

With your discount California Academy of Sciences tickets, you can take a sneak peek into the inner workings of life through hidden fossils. Make sure you drop by during your visit!

Little Explorers are Welcome at Curiosity Grove

Let your young science enthusiasts run wild at Curiosity Grove, a newly expanded playspace inside the Academy made especially for them! This forest-themed area surrounds little learners with colorful murals inspired by California’s diverse ecosystems, along with interactive science games, toys, and hands-on discovery with child-friendly programs.

Thanks to the recent upgrades, entry is smoother, shoes can stay on, and the updated age policy welcomes even more kids to join the fun. If you already have your discount California Academy of Sciences tickets, be sure to swing by Curiosity Grove during your visit!

Let Your Curiosity Run Free at Wander Woods

Step outside and let young explorers lead the way at Wander Woods, an outdoor exhibit designed for hands-on discovery. Set beneath towering cypress trees and surrounded by native plants, this playful space invites kids to climb oversized logs, weave through tree-trunk mazes, balance on boulders, and peek out of a whimsical nest structure. Plus, wheelchair accessible paths make it easy for everyone to join the adventure!

Encouraging creativity, problem-solving, and movement through unstructured play, this exhibit is a refreshing break from screentime. Drop by with your discount California Academy of Sciences tickets and feel free to wander!

Get to Know Your Own Species at the Human Odyssey

Take a walk through time at the California Academy of Sciences’ Human Odyssey exhibit and see just how epic our species’ story really is. From near-extinction tens of thousands of years ago to a planet now buzzing with more than seven billion people, this experience traces the twists, turns, and big “wow” moments of human evolution. Plus, with your discount California Academy of Sciences tickets, you can check out early hominid skull casts that spring to life with clever illusions, compare how we move versus our ancient relatives, and follow our global migration on interactive touchscreens.

This experience is part science, part time travel, and entirely eye-opening, showing that despite all our differences, humans are much more alike than we might expect.

Take the Front Row Seat at the Academy’s Incoming! Planetarium Show

Blast off on an interstellar adventure with Incoming!, an awe-inspiring original planetarium show narrated by George Takei. This experience takes you deep into the history and paths of asteroids and comets. Trace their incredible journeys across space and time, from ancient collisions that altered life on Earth to the modern spacecraft exploring these celestial bodies up close. You’ll even get to witness the dramatic path of the Chelyabinsk meteor as it entered Earth’s atmosphere in 2013.

Step into the planetarium and uncover the connections between space rocks and life on Earth. Plan your visit and get your discounted California Academy of Sciences tickets today!

Visit the Renovated Wilson Family Nature Lab

Step into the California Academy of Sciences’ newly transformed Wilson Family Nature Lab, a hands-on space where science comes alive through color and creativity. This hub invites visitors to explore global biodiversity and local ecology through interactive exhibits, touchable specimens, and vibrant dioramas that are sure to spark wonder in all ages. From striking specimen displays to playful illustrations, every detail is designed to connect you more deeply with the natural world.

The Nature Lab is the perfect place to learn through discovery. Plan your visit and save with discount California Academy of Sciences tickets!

See Science in Motion at Academy in Action

Step into Academy in Action at the California Academy of Sciences and see science come alive in exciting new ways. This colorful exhibition kiosk highlights the Academy’s three regeneration initiatives: Hope for Reefs, Islands 2030, and Thriving California. Here, you will get a closer look at groundbreaking research being done by hundreds of scientists across the globe while enjoying engaging hands-on elements that bring the work right to the museum floor. It is a fun and fascinating reminder that the Academy is not just about amazing creatures, immersive exhibits, and stunning architecture, but also about creating a better future for our planet.

Be part of the adventure with Academy in Action! Secure your California Academy of Sciences discount tickets today.

Feel the Ground Move at the Shake House

Think you’ve got steady footing? Step inside the Shake House and experience the raw power of two of the biggest earthquakes in San Francisco’s history: the earthquakes of 1989 and 1906. This simulator at the Academy doesn’t just shake you up; it brings seismic science to life. Learn about the mighty San Andreas Fault through motion and immersive storytelling. You’ll walk away with a deeper understanding of the geologic forces shaping California and why earthquake preparedness matters.

Ready to be rocked (safely)? Don’t skip this unforgettable experience once you get your California Academy of Sciences discount tickets!

Dive Into the Stunning Philippine Coral Reef Exhibit

Discover the breathtaking beauty and biodiversity of the Philippine Coral Reef exhibit at the California Academy of Sciences. This display features a tranquil lagoon teeming with rays and colorful schools of fish, offering a glimpse into one of the planet’s most vibrant marine ecosystems. It also houses a massive, 212,000-gallon reef tank, one of the deepest and largest living coral displays in the world. Peer 25 feet down into a vivid underwater world filled with hundreds of species, from swirling shoals of fish to eels, anemones, and brilliant corals.

It’s a window into the heart of marine biodiversity, no wetsuit required. Get your California Academy of Sciences discount tickets now!

Dive Into the Unknown at Twilight Zone: Deep Reefs Revealed

Uncover the secrets of the deep at Twilight Zone: Deep Reefs Revealed, a stunning exhibit at the California Academy of Sciences. Tucked within Steinhart Aquarium, this bioluminescent experience takes you 100 to 500 feet below the ocean’s surface, into a mysterious world few have ever seen. Explore the glowing sea creatures of the mesophotic reefs, meet rarely seen species, and learn about the Academy’s in-depth research about climate change and preserving these reefs.

Filled with wonder, science, and environmental insight, this exhibit reveals an ocean realm as beautiful as it is fragile. Take the plunge with your California Academy of Sciences discount tickets!

Discover the Wild Thrill of NightLife at California Academy of Sciences!

Ignite your evenings with a burst of excitement at NightLife, hosted every Thursday by the California Academy of Sciences! From 6-10 pm, dive into a vibrant world where music, mystery, and science collide.

What to Expect:

• Live Music:

  Let the pulsating beats of live DJs guide your journey through the night!

• Mesmerizing Creatures:

  Encounter over 60,000 species, from exotic fish to Claudeful, our famed albino alligator!



• Dynamic Presentations:

  Engage with cutting-edge science and vibrant cultural exhibits!

• Craft Cocktails:

  Enjoy a selection of drinks as you wander through the museum’s many wonders!

Explore Science on a Different Level at The California Academy of Sciences!

Take a quantum leap of adventure at the California Academy of Sciences, located in the heart of San Francisco's iconic Golden Gate Park! Dive into a universe where you can explore vibrant coral reefs at the Steinhart Aquarium, wander through a four-story rainforest, gaze at the stars in the Morrison Planetarium, and so much more that awaits you!

The Academy is your portal to discoveries that span the depths of the ocean to the far reaches of outer space, all under one roof. Don't miss the chance to unlock the mysteries of the natural world—plan your visit now and step into a realm where science, nature, and wonder converge!

Ready for an exploration like no other? Set your course with discounted California Academy of Sciences tickets today!

Shop Smarter (and Greener) at the Academy Store

Bring a little science into your everyday life with the Academy Store, the official shop of the California Academy of Sciences! With over 2,000 items to browse, you'll find everything from eco-friendly apparel and bags to books and educational games. You’ll even find souvenir-worthy items like keychains, ornaments, and tableware. It’s the perfect place to pick up a meaningful gift or to simply support your favorite museum! The best part? Your money goes to helping further the Academy’s mission to explore and improve the planet.

Drop by the gift shop at the museum or check out its official website online!

Is it worth going to the California Academy of Sciences?

Absolutely! The California Academy of Sciences, nestled in San Francisco’s iconic Golden Gate Park, is a must-see for anyone fascinated by the natural world!

This one-of-a-kind institution blends an aquarium, planetarium, rainforest, and natural history museum into a seamless educational journey. It’s the perfect destination for families and science lovers eager to dive deep into biodiversity research, environmental education, and sustainability.

Discover vibrant ecosystems, gaze at distant galaxies, and explore ancient life on Earth all in one visit. Engage with groundbreaking science and inspire your inner explorer with your discounted California Academy of Sciences tickets today!

How long does it take to visit the California Academy of Sciences?

Visiting the California Academy of Sciences can be tailored to fit any schedule! If time is limited, a quick two-hour tour provides a snapshot of the museum's highlights, perfect for those with a tight itinerary.

For a deeper exploration, allocating 3-4 hours allows you to thoroughly enjoy all that the Academy has to offer. Take your time to explore the vibrant ecosystems in the aquarium, marvel at celestial wonders in the planetarium, and traverse the extensive natural history museum!

Purchase your discounted California Academy of Sciences tickets today and prepare to explore the wonders of science and nature at your own pace!

What makes the California Academy of Sciences impressively sustainable?

The California Academy of Sciences is a model of sustainability, featuring cutting-edge energy-efficient technologies and eco-friendly designs. From its high-tech basement to the iconic Living Roof, every element is designed to reduce the carbon footprint and conserve natural resources.

Want to explore this green wonder? Get your discounted California Academy of Sciences tickets and experience sustainability in action!

Exhibits at California Academy of Sciences

Steinhart Aquarium

Explore one of Earth's most vibrant aquariums, home to nearly 60,000 animals across over 1,000 species! Dive into a world where the depths of ocean research come to life, showcasing unique species and ecosystems from around the globe.

Venom: Fangs, Stingers, and Spines

With your discounted California Academy of Sciences tickets, venture into the intriguing world of venomous creatures, from feared spiders and snakes to stunning jellyfish and scorpions!

Morrison Planetarium

Prepare for a cosmic journey fueled by the latest astronomical data! Immerse yourself in the vastness of the Universe, with every celestial body presented in breathtaking detail on a 75-foot dome!

Kimball Natural History Museum

Discover our planet's extraordinary diversity and history under the gaze of towering dinosaur skeletons! With engaging exhibits drawn from 160+ years of research, it reveals the wonders of nature, from the science of color to the evolution of life on Earth.

Osher Rainforest

Ascend through a lush, 90-foot-tall neotropical rainforest, home to over 1,600 plants and animals. From the vibrant canopy to the Amazonian flooded forest below, encounter extraordinary wildlife at every layer of this vertical ecosystem!

Tusher African Hall

Explore the origins of humanity at Tusher African Hall. Walk alongside a digital "Lucy," one of our oldest ancestors, and trace over 7 million years of evolution rooted in Africa. Plus, discover fossils, dynamic storytelling, and dramatic African wildlife dioramas, including a lively African penguin colony!

Delight in Eco-Friendly Dining at California Academy of Sciences

Explore the delicious, sustainable world of dining at the California Academy of Sciences, where every meal supports eco-friendly practices and showcases the best of local agriculture!

Academy Café

Savor a variety of dishes crafted from the freshest local ingredients! Its menu includes everything from hearty classics like pizza and mac 'n cheese to innovative plant-based options at their new taqueria station!

The Terrace Restaurant

Relax in the charming outdoor setting in the West Garden, perfect for a casual yet elegant dining experience!

The seasonal share plate menu, paired with a fine selection of craft beers and wines, highlights ingredients from local artisans including Belfiore and California Endive Co.

Dine at California Academy of Sciences Today!

Treat yourself to a dining adventure that celebrates local flavors and champions eco-conscious choices. Visit the California Academy of Sciences now!

(Note: Dining experiences may have separate charges and are not included in your discounted California Academy of Sciences tickets)