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Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 15 January, 2023
Expert travel writer: Laura Kiniry

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.

Don't miss

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.

Price from: £35
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 4+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

The museum, which is located in the Golden Gate Park’s northeast corner, is best reached on foot or bike, or by public transit.

When to do it

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

California Academy of Sciences NightLife Admission Ticket

California Academy of Sciences NightLife Admission Ticket

San Francisco

Calling all creatures of the night: explore the nocturnal side of the Academy at NightLife and see what's revealed. Featuring a new theme ea...

$23 | Rating 4.38 / 5 [49 ratings]

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Tour supplied by:

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California Academy of Sciences General Admission Ticket

California Academy of Sciences General Admission Ticket

San Francisco

Embark on a science adventure when you visit the world's only aquarium, planetarium, rainforest, and natural history museum - all under one ...

$41 | Rating 4.17 / 5 [495 ratings]

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Tour supplied by:

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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

Inn at Presidio

San Francisco, California, United States of America (USA)[3.1 miles]

An exquisite right three-story boutique property in the heart of the beautiful Presidio Park, next to the Golden Gate Bridge.

Official star rating:

Hotel Kabuki

San Francisco, California, United States of America (USA)[3.7 miles]

East meets West at this Japantown Hotel that offers a different view of San Francisco: one more neighbourhood-oriented than touristy. Expect clean lines and cosy aesthetics, as well as free internet.

Official star rating:

Phoenix Hotel

San Francisco, California, United States of America (USA)[4.5 miles]

Beloved for its rock-star vibe and heated pool, this great value refurbished motor-lodge attracts a loyal clientele, despite its gritty Tenderloin surrounds.

Official star rating:

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

San Francisco

California, United States of America (USA)

Beautiful bayside city with home-grown authenticity, charmingly unique neighbourhoods and excellent locally-driven food.

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Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first

De Young Museum

San Francisco, California, United States of America (USA)[0.3 miles]

A highly regarded art collection showcasing American art from the 17th-21st centuries, as well as international contemporary art, costumes and textiles.

Best for ages: 18+ | £12

World-class art in San Francisco

San Francisco, California, United States of America (USA)[3.6 miles]

Artistic San Francisco’s art scene features world-class museums, alongside a flourishing street-art scene – and everything in between.

Best for ages: 13+ | Free

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Ride a San Francisco cable car

San Francisco, California, United States of America (USA)[3.6 miles]

Take a ride on one of San Francisco’s three remaining heritage cable cars, trundling over some of its many hills.

Best for ages: 4+ | £5

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Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..

lake, trees and temples in Japanese Tea Garden
Experience

Japanese Tea Garden

San Francisco, California, United States of America (USA)[0.4 miles]

Escape the city mayhem in the immaculate, contemplative Japanese Tea Garden, which was first developed in 1894 to showcase a traditional Japanese village for the California International Exposition (World’s Fair). An additional tea house and pavilions were built and the garden became a permanent fixture of the Golden Gate Park.

Best for ages: 13+ | £5

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Conservatory of Flowers interior, a giant glasshouse
Experience

Conservatory of Flowers

San Francisco, California, United States of America (USA)[0.6 miles]

The elaborate Victorian greenhouse at the Conservatory of Flowers is the oldest building in the park, constructed in 1878 and rising 60ft (18m). Plants and flowers from around the world are housed in a variety of climate-controlled galleries, including Highland Tropics and Lowland Tropics. Closed on Mondays.

Best for ages: 8+ | £11

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Interior of Legion of Honor Museum
Experience

Legion of Honor

San Francisco, California, United States of America (USA)[3.5 miles]

A Beaux Arts replica of Paris’ Legion of Honor Palace of all things, this art museum houses a collection of European and ancient art that spans over 6,000 years of artistic creation. The sister museum to the De Young.

Best for ages: 18+ | £10

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The Walt Disney Family Museum, operated and funded by the Walt Disney Family Foundation in Presidio Park
Experience

Walt Disney Family Museum

San Francisco, California, United States of America (USA)[3.5 miles]

This fascinating museum is dedicated to the life and achievements of the Great Imagineer ‘Walt Disney‘. Interactive galleries feature early drawings and animation, movies, music, and a 12-foot diameter model of Disneyland. The lobby holds 248 awards Walt won during his career, including an honorary Oscar for Snow White and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Best for ages: 6+ | £20

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