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The California Academy of Sciences has a lot going for it: it’s the world’s greenest museum, it’s one of the largest natural history museums, it’s overflowing with innovative, interactive learning spaces, it has a planetarium, aquarium, and four-storey rainforest under its roof – and it’s hands-down one of San Francisco’s best attractions.
Outside it’s just as spectacular: the glass-and-steel building was designed by Renzo Piano, and has a 2.5-acre garden roof covered with 1.7 million native plants.
The Philippine Coral Reef is a must-see – it’s the world’s deepest display of living corals. The 90-foot-diameter planetarium dome is cantilevered out over the reef.
The Earthquake planetarium show begins with an all-digital recreation of the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, including a vivid depiction of downtown Market Street moments after the estimated 7.9-magnitude earthquake hit.
The museum, which is located in the Golden Gate Park’s northeast corner, is best reached on foot or bike, or by public transit.
The museum is open all year round, seven days a week.
On Thursday evenings after normal hours they host ‘NightLife’, a special session focused on nocturnal critters. Book ahead.
Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity
San Francisco
Price: $23
Min age: 21
Rating 4.32 / 5 [50 ratings]
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San Francisco
Price: $41
Min age: 3
Rating 4.17 / 5 [519 ratings]
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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
California, United States of America (USA)
A beautiful bayside city with home-grown authenticity, charmingly unique neighbourhoods and excellent locally-driven food. Home to the magnificent red-ochre Golden Gate Bridge and the world’s most infamous prison, Alcatraz.
