California Academy of Sciences Tickets
San Francisco
California Academy of Sciences Tickets
2 hours
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience
Visit anytime until 6 Nov, 2026 without worrying about committing to a date today
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Explore science, nature, and holiday cheer at the California Academy of Sciences with unique exhibits, festive fun, and 60,000 amazing animals!
Discover the only place where an aquarium, planetarium, rainforest, and natural history museum come together for a unique science adventure.
Celebrate ‘Tis the Season for Science with adorable baby reindeer, live performances, snowy fun, and festive holiday programming for all ages.
Meet over 60,000 incredible creatures, from colorful coral reefs and playful penguins to exotic rainforest birds and the iconic albino alligator Claude.
Immerse yourself in California’s biodiversity at California: State of Nature, an interactive exhibit exploring the state’s bold and beautiful ecosystems.
Daytime/nighttime entry to California Academy of Sciences
All exhibits and shows (including Tis the Season for Science)
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The holidays are even more magical at the California Academy of Sciences! With your ticket, you’ll get access to incredible exhibits and the festive fun of Tis the Season for Science. From twirling under falling snow to meeting adorable baby reindeer, every moment is packed with wonder and cheer.
Festive fun for everyone
Step into the holiday spirit with activities you won’t find anywhere else! Get up close with baby reindeer, camels, and yaks, and enjoy live performances featuring music, dance, and even magic. Kids will love seasonal storytime, while science fans can check out icy experiments that show the wonders of winter. Don’t miss your chance to twirl under snowflakes or soak up the holiday vibes with nearly 60,000 animals spreading season’s greetings!
Explore a world of science
Your ticket also gets you access to all the Academy’s exhibits. Stroll through the Steinhart Aquarium, where jellyfish, tropical fish, and the famous albino alligator Claude await. Wander through the lush Osher Rainforest, alive with butterflies, birds, and exotic plants, and don’t forget to stop by the Morrison Planetarium for a trip through the stars. Top it all off with a visit to the Academy’s Living Roof, where stunning views and a unique green space await.
California Academy of Sciences Tickets
Discover California's iconic landmark, the California Academy of Sciences, on this sightseeing tour that includes over 60,000 incredible creatures and unique exhibits. Your visit will span approximately four hours, offering audio guides in multiple languages including English, Spanish, Mandarin, and Cantonese. The academy features a rainforest dome, aquarium, planetarium, and natural history museum all under one roof, making it the only place where these diverse attractions converge for an unparalleled science adventure. Established in 1989 and rebuilt in 2008 after a devastating fire, the structure covers over three acres with its iconic green roof designed to blend seamlessly into the surrounding environment. Visitors can marvel at the living roof, which houses more than one million native plants, as well as the Philippine Coral Reef exhibit featuring vibrant coral formations and diverse marine life. Additionally, guests can explore the Steinhart Aquarium's penguin habitat and meet Claude, the beloved albino alligator, who has been a resident since 1982. The California Academy of Sciences stands out from similar institutions with its commitment to sustainability; it is one of the few buildings in the world to achieve a LEED Platinum certification for environmental responsibility. This tour provides an immersive experience into California's biodiversity through interactive exhibits and live performances, making it perfect for science enthusiasts, families, and nature lovers.
Experience Unique Science at California Academy of Sciences
Your tour stops at the California Academy of Sciences where you'll explore over 60,000 incredible creatures in a unique setting that combines an aquarium, planetarium, rainforest dome, and natural history museum. Established in 1989 and rebuilt after a fire in 2008, this landmark covers three acres with its iconic green roof designed to mimic the surrounding environment. Visitors can observe more than one million native plants on the living roof while also enjoying the Philippine Coral Reef exhibit featuring vibrant coral formations and diverse marine life. Additionally, guests can explore the Steinhart Aquarium's penguin habitat and meet Claude, the beloved albino alligator who has been a resident since 1982. The California Academy of Sciences stands out from similar institutions with its commitment to sustainability; it is one of the few buildings in the world to achieve a LEED Platinum certification for environmental responsibility. This tour provides an immersive experience into California's biodiversity through interactive exhibits and live performances, making it perfect for science enthusiasts, families, and nature lovers.
California Academy of Sciences: Rainforest Dome
Your tour stops at the rainforest dome where you'll explore a living ecosystem under one roof. This unique feature covers 90,000 square feet and houses thousands of exotic plants and animals from around the world, including over 40 species of birds and reptiles. The rainforest dome was completed in 2018 as part of an extensive renovation project that aimed to enhance visitor experience while preserving natural habitats. Visitors can spend up to two hours exploring this biodiverse environment, which is home to rare and endangered species such as the golden lion tamarin and the green-winged macaw. The rainforest dome stands out from similar attractions with its innovative design that allows for year-round exploration of tropical ecosystems, making it a must-see destination for nature lovers.
California Academy of Sciences: Steinhart Aquarium
Your tour stops at the Steinhart Aquarium where you'll encounter over 60,000 incredible creatures in vibrant exhibits. This iconic attraction features more than 40 habitats and showcases a wide range of marine life including colorful coral reefs, playful penguins, and exotic rainforest birds. The aquarium was established in 1923 and underwent significant renovations in the early 2000s to enhance its educational value and visitor experience. Visitors can spend up to three hours exploring various exhibits such as the Philippine Coral Reef, which features over 50 species of coral and more than 1,800 fish; the Piazza Africa, home to hippos, crocodiles, and penguins; and Claude's habitat in the swamp exhibit. The Steinhart Aquarium stands out from similar institutions with its commitment to conservation efforts and interactive exhibits that engage visitors of all ages.
Tour Highlights
• Discover unique science at California Academy of Sciences
• Explore rainforest dome with 40 species of birds and reptiles
• Spend up to three hours in Steinhart Aquarium exploring habitats
• Audio guides available in English, Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese
• Live performances featuring adorable baby reindeer during holiday season
• Interactive exhibit California: State of Nature exploring ecosystems
• Meet Claude the albino alligator resident since 1982 at Steinhart Aquarium
• Immerse yourself in vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life exhibits
Perfect for science enthusiasts, families, and nature lovers, this sightseeing tour provides an immersive experience into California's biodiversity through interactive exhibits and live performances. The four-hour format allows you to explore the rainforest dome with 40 species of birds and reptiles, spend up to three hours in Steinhart Aquarium exploring various habitats, and meet Claude the albino alligator resident since 1982 at the Steinhart Aquarium, giving you a comprehensive overview of California's natural wonders.
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