Visit San Francisco: California Academy of Sciences

The California Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park is three attractions combined into one. A visit to the California Academy of Sciences is a visit to an aquarium, planetarium, and a natural history museum!

Unfortunately, the Planetarium was closed during our visit, but that didn't stop us from enjoying our time there to explore all of the engaging exhibits which focus on life and sustainability.

The Steinhart Aquarium is home to the world's deepest indoor living coral reef, an albino alligator, and thousands of other animals.  

Tusher African Hall in the Kimball Natural History Museum is where amazing dioramas feature beautiful animals in African landscapes.

At the end of the hall you'll find African penguins. My littlest was so excited seeing the little creatures waddling around amongst the life-like dioramas - "Look, mommy, the penguins are moving!"

The Shake House, an earthquake simulator, is also a part of the Kimball Natural History Museum. It was a popular attraction, with a bit of a wait, as visitors experienced what it may have been like during the earthquakes of 1989 and 1906.

In a 90-foot glass dome is the four-story Osher Rainforest. We walked through the rainforest amongst flying birds and fluttering butterflies, and saw numerous displays of the creatures that call the rainforest home.

Gems and Minerals Unearthed showcases almost 400 colorful and magnificent stones and solids of all colors of the rainbow.

The Living Roof, consisting of seven hills, is lined with biodegradable vegetation trays created from tree sap and coconut husks that are filled with millions of plants.  The roof also provides insulation and helps to transform carbon dioxide into oxygen.

There are many displays and interactive exhibits where we can discover and learn about human evolution, the role of color in life, how animals adapted to life in water, and so much more.

One of my favorite shots of a coral reef from above - no filter, no app - just the wonders of science creating such a neat photo!

At the California Academy of Sciences there are all sorts of activities, special events, as well as docents educating visitors, all of which to further a visitor's experience even more.

The learning never ends at the California Academy of Sciences.  Whether you have a couple of hours or an entire day, the California Academy of Sciences will enlighten and intrigue.  It truly is a place of wonder!

The California Academy of Sciences is one of several San Francisco attractions that is offered through CityPass San Francisco and the Go San Francisco Card.  Click here for hours and ticket information.

California Academy of Sciences
55 Music Concourse Dr

San Francisco, CA 94118
(415) 379-8000

Complimentary tickers were provided for our visit.