The California Academy of Sciences, based in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park, is home to an aquarium, planetarium, rainforest, and natural history museum–all under one living roof! Inside one of the greenest museums in the world, visitors can find captivating experiences including nearly 60,000 live animals, with new exhibits added every year.
Exhibits include:
Steinhart Aquarium – This over one-hundred-year-old aquarium is home to nearly 60,000 live animals, representing more than 1,000 unique species.
Osher Rainforest – Mingle with free-flying birds and butterflies inside a glass dome filled with a lush four-story rainforest.
Morrison Planetarium – Catch an immersive show in the 75-foot planetarium, taking you on a spectacular journey to the far reaches of the universe, featuring different themes at varying times throughout the day.
Kimball Natural History Museum – Explore hands-on exhibits as you stroll beneath the bones of some of the planet's largest inhabitants.
New Exhibit: Vivid: Immerse Your Senses May 22–September 6, 2026
Descend from a lush rainforest canopy to the pitch darkness of a bat cave. Journey from the golden grass of the prairie to an invisible underground realm teeming with life. Sink from creaking ice floes to the frigid depths where whales dance. transports visitors to six different ecosystems, revealing Earth's mysterious, magical worlds through ultra high-resolution video projections, ambient soundscapes, nature-inspired scents, and interactive animal avatars. Step into an unforgettable, embodied experience that awakens the senses and unlocks hidden worlds and unexpected perspectives.
Please note:
- Planetarium passes are free and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. When you arrive at the Academy, scan the QR code posted in the lobby to reserve a showtime. Please note that shows may not be appropriate for children under 7, and children under 4 are not permitted.