Bucket list experience:
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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.
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Destination Guide >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
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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
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.
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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.
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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.
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San Francisco, California, United States of America (USA)[5.5 miles]
The city’s iconic grand dame hotel, perched enviably atop Nob Hill, with easy access to cable cars, Union Square, and Fisherman’s Wharf.
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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
California, United States of America (USA)
Beautiful bayside city with home-grown authenticity, charmingly unique neighbourhoods and excellent locally-driven food.
Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
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
San Francisco, California, United States of America (USA)[2 miles]
A beautiful thousand-acre urban park, great for walking and cycling, that’s home to some of San Francisco’s best museums and attractions.
Best for ages: 4+ | Free
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
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
Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..
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
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
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
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
