Shreeyeh and Kiran posing and smiling inside the rainforest dome at the California Academy of Sciences. Behind them, lush greenery fills the exhibit, creating a vibrant backdrop for the photo.

Kiran and I recently visited the California Academy of Sciences, and while I knew it was a popular spot for families with kids, I didn’t expect us – two adults in our 30s – to have as much fun as we did. We thought we’d only spend about 4 hours exploring, but we ended up staying for 7 hours until the museum closed! There’s just so much to see and do that it’s easy to lose track of time. 

In this post, I’m sharing 21 things we loved about our visit and why you should definitely add this place to your SF bucket list.

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Table Of Contents

1. Marvel at the towering T Rex 

A life-sized T-Rex skeleton on display in the main lobby of the California Academy of Sciences. The towering structure greets visitors as they enter the museum.
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As soon as you walk into the California Academy of Sciences, the first thing you’ll notice is a life-sized T Rex skeleton towering over the main lobby. It’s massive so you can’t miss it.

Plus it reminded us of the one from Night at the Museum! Just below the T Rex, you’ll also spot a real bone from an Apatosaurus dinosaur. Getting a photo with the T Rex without the crowd can be tricky, so try to visit right when the museum opens, or wait a bit for the crowds to clear.

2. Step inside a rainforest in a 90-foot glass dome

The towering 90-foot glass dome that houses the four-story rainforest exhibit at the California Academy of Sciences. Visitors are seen walking around the structure.
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One of the coolest features here is the 4-story rainforest housed inside a massive 90-foot glass dome—the largest of its kind in the world! You’ll see more than 1,600 live plants and animals, including 100 exotic reptiles and amphibians.

There are also plenty of info displays throughout, so you’ll learn tons about the unique species and plant life as you make your way through. The dome is kept at over 80°F with humidity above 75%, so be prepared to feel a bit sweaty and sticky within minutes of entering.

3. Spot over 250 colorful birds and butterflies flying inside the dome

Two colorful parrots sit on a branch inside the rainforest dome at the California Academy of Sciences.
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What I loved about the rainforest dome is how the birds and butterflies aren’t caged. They fly around freely, adding to the immersive experience. We loved spotting a pair of colorful parrots and a couple of other colorful birds hidden among the branches.

And the butterflies? They get really close. It’s so common for them to land on you that there’s even a sign reminding you to gently wave off any ‘hitchhiking’ butterflies. It makes the experience feel so much more magical.

4. Zoom into a close-up view of a butterfly eating an orange slice

A close-up shot of a butterfly perched on an orange slice in the rainforest exhibit at the California Academy of Sciences. The butterfly is feeding, surrounded by a lush tropical environment.
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Head to the top floor of the rainforest dome, and you’ll see butterflies eating orange slices placed in different spots. We got an up-close view of one staying perfectly still as it enjoyed it, making it much easier to snap a great photo! While it can be tricky to capture them mid-flight, this feeding moment gave us a chance to catch one.

5. Observe 1,000+ fascinating species of aquatic animals

A stingray rests on the sandy bottom of the Steinhart Aquarium at the California Academy of Sciences.
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The Steinhart Aquarium is known as “one of the most biologically diverse and interactive aquariums on Earth.” as it’s home to 60,000 live animals and over 1,000 different species.

There’s so much to see, from the mysterious “twilight zone” to the “Venom: Fangs, Stingers, and Spines” exhibit featuring creatures that bite. For us, the aquarium was hands down the highlight of the entire museum. My favorite was watching a stingray glide through the water.

6. Walk through a 25-foot Amazonian tunnel

Visitors walking through the 25-foot Amazonian tunnel at the Steinhart Aquarium in the California Academy of Sciences. The tunnel, surrounded by a large water tank filled with tropical fish, offers a stunning view of aquatic life.
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One of the best photo spots in the Steinhart Aquarium is the 25-foot Amazonian tunnel, where you walk right beneath tropical fish in a100,000-gallon water tank. If you’re hoping for a picture without the crowd, head here right when the museum opens. There are 2 long benches on either side if you’d like to relax and watch the fishes as well.

7. Keep an eye out for the bright orange Garibaldi fish

A vivid orange Garibaldi fish, California’s official state fish, swims over a bed of rocks in the Steinhart Aquarium at the California Academy of Sciences. Its bright color stands out against the rocky background.
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We saw a Garibaldi fish, California’s official state fish for the first time! These fish are such a vivid orange, they almost seem to glow. While we didn’t spot too many Garibaldi in the aquarium, it was a fun little challenge to find them swimming among the other colorful species. It’s also one of the reasons why California is called the Golden State.

8. Witness a diver in the world’s deepest indoor living coral reef

A diver inside the Philippine Coral Reef exhibit at the California Academy of Sciences, surrounded by colorful fish as a marine biologist explains the ecosystem to visitors. The diver is using an underwater microphone and engaging the audience.
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The 25-foot-deep Philippine Coral Reef tank at the Steinhart Aquarium is one of the largest living coral reef displays in the world. During the daily “Coral Reef Dive” program (11:30am and 1:30pm), you can watch a diver suit up in scuba gear and dive into this tank.

The diver uses an underwater microphone to answer your questions while swimming among the colorful fish, eels, starfish, and coral. We saw one of the fishes constantly swim around the diver’s head

9. Watch fish darting around at feeding time

A variety of colorful fish swimming in the Steinhart Aquarium at the California Academy of Sciences during feeding time. The fish are darting around, eagerly chasing food.
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One of the most exciting parts of the “Coral Reef Dive” is watching the fish darting around at feeding time. As soon as the food is released, schools of fish swim rapidly from one side of the tank to the other, eager to get their share. 

10. Try to spot Finding Nemo’s Dory

A regal blue tang swims through the coral reef exhibit at the California Academy of Sciences. Its vibrant blue and yellow colors stand out against the underwater landscape.
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Keep an eye out for the regal blue tang fish, aka Dory from Finding Nemo! These bright blue fish with black markings and yellow tails can be hard to spot in the aquarium. Aside from being Disney stars, they play an important role in reef ecosystems by helping control algae levels through grazing. 

11. Stand in awe of an 87-foot-long blue whale skeleton

An impressive 87-foot-long blue whale skeleton is suspended from the ceiling in the West Hall of the California Academy of Sciences. The skeleton showcases the massive size of the largest animal on Earth.
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Check out the massive 87-foot-long blue whale skeleton in the West Hall. Seeing it up close really makes you appreciate just how enormous these animals are. You’ve probably heard that blue whales are the biggest creatures on Earth, but standing right under this giant skeleton is a whole different experience.

12. Feel the force of two of San Francisco’s biggest earthquakes

The exterior of The Shake House exhibit at the California Academy of Sciences, where visitors can experience simulated earthquakes.
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As Bay Area residents, earthquakes are always on our minds, even though they’re completely out of our control. We’ve felt small quakes in the 2-3 magnitude range where we live, but we’ve been fortunate enough to avoid anything major.

That’s why it was both fascinating and a little nerve-wracking to step inside The Shake House in the West Hall, where you can experience the force of a 6.9 and 7.9 magnitude earthquake. Feeling these simulated quakes really puts into perspective how intense the impact would be on your home and daily life.

13. Watch a marine biologist feed African penguins

A marine biologist feeds a group of African penguins by hand in the African Hall at the California Academy of Sciences. The adorable penguins eagerly reach for the fish, while the staff carefully monitors their feeding.
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One of the cutest things you’ll ever see is the African penguins being fed in the African Hall, which happens daily at 10:30 am and 3 pm. Watching them waddle and grab fish right out of the staff’s hand is heartwarming!

These penguins are from The Penguin Islands off the coast of Namibia and are the only penguin species to breed in Africa. Sadly, they’re at serious risk of extinction, so biologists and researchers are working hard to protect them.

When Kiran asked the marine biologist how do they make sure that they aren’t overfeeding or underfeeding the penguins, she mentioned that each penguin has a colored band on its wing to identify who’s who. 

14. Be hypnotized by the 30-foot Foucault pendulum in action

A Foucault Pendulum swings gently above a compass rose at the California Academy of Sciences. The golden brass ball demonstrates the Earth's rotation as it swings back and forth, knocking over pegs to show the planet's movement.
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This is another big attraction where a 30-foot Foucault pendulum swings continuously in a steady rhythm. Located in the East Hall, this massive pendulum has a 235-pound brass ball attached to the cable. It knocks over domino-like markers every 35-40 minutes, proving that the Earth is rotating, since there are no external rotational forces acting on the pendulum itself.

15. Learn about the sustainability efforts of the Living Roof

A lush green section of the Living Roof at the California Academy of Sciences, dotted with circular skylights. The undulating grassy hills create a natural landscape that blends into the surrounding environment.
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Head up to the topmost floor of the California Academy of Sciences to the Living Roof. Covering 87% of the 2.5-acre rooftop, it features over 1.7 million plants that help insulate the building, reduce energy needs, and capture storm water to prevent runoff.

Weather stations on the roof control the building’s automated systems, keeping temperatures just right. Lined with solar panels, the roof also converts carbon dioxide into oxygen, supporting a healthy ecosystem for both wildlife and visitors while showcasing the Academy’s commitment to sustainability.

16. See and touch sparkling gems

A giant quartz crystal formation is displayed in the Gems and Minerals exhibit at the California Academy of Sciences. Its jagged, sparkling surfaces reflect light, showcasing the natural beauty and intricate formations of the mineral.
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The Gems and Minerals exhibit is a literal hidden gem tucked away on the 3rd floor of the Academy. While it’s smaller compared to the rainforest and aquarium, it’s packed with uniquely shaped and colorful minerals.

You’ll spot a massive piece of copper sticking out of the wall and get the chance to touch a large Amethyst stone. A staff member even offers smaller minerals for you to feel up close. And don’t miss the giant quartz crystal – it’s huge and taller than I am! 

17. Notice minerals glow under UV light

An array of glowing translucent minerals displayed under UV light in the Gems and Minerals exhibit at the California Academy of Sciences.
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In the Gems and Minerals exhibit, there’s a fun interactive section where you can press a button to dim the lights and watch minerals glow under UV light.Watch the fluorescent colors come to life! This display also teaches you about the differences between opaque and translucent minerals, and you get to see colorful gems sparkling in the light.

18. Engage with hands-on activities, books, and specimens at the Naturalist Center

Inside the Naturalist Center at the California Academy of Sciences, various animal skulls and bones are displayed on a table. The interactive exhibit allows visitors to engage with real specimens, deepening their understanding of natural history.
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The Naturalist Center is another hidden gem you might miss unless you spot it on the visitor map. This center is filled with books, hands-on activities for both kids and adults, and real specimens like skulls and bones. It’s the perfect place to dive deeper into natural history, and you could easily spend a few hours exploring everything in the center.

19. Admire a miniature LEGO version of the California Academy of Sciences

A detailed LEGO model of the California Academy of Sciences sits on display, complete with a miniature version of the Living Roof.
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Near the Planetarium, you’ll find an impressive LEGO replica of the California Academy of Sciences. Originally featured in Legoland California, this detailed model showcases the museum’s iconic Living Roof and surrounding features. It’s fun to spot all the intricate details in the miniature version.

20. Look up to see 400 California sea lion skulls 

An overhead display of California sea lion skulls arranged in a grid at the California Academy of Sciences, highlighting the museum's extensive collection for scientific study.
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Don’t forget to look up when you’re near the Collections Gallery – you’ll spot 400 California sea lion skulls displayed overhead. If Kiran hadn’t told me, I would’ve totally missed it!

These skulls represent only a fraction of the Academy’s extensive sea lion collection, which is the largest in the world. This vast collection is crucial for scientists studying the health of California’s sea lion population and understanding the impacts of pollution, disease, and other threats.

21. Watch a show in the 75-foot planetarium dome

A stunning view of Earth projected in the California Academy of Sciences' planetarium show, offering a close-up look at our planet from space against the dark backdrop of the universe.
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Before you leave the museum, make sure to catch a show in the 75-foot planetarium dome. The massive screen wraps around you, making it an unforgettable experience. We watched Passport to the Universe, narrated by Tom Hanks, which took us on a journey through the Solar System, the Virgo Supercluster, and beyond. It’s a mind-blowing way to see just how small we really are in the grand scheme of the universe.

Things To Know Before Visiting California Academy of Sciences

View of the lush greenery inside the California Academy of Sciences' rainforest dome, showcasing the vibrant plant life and walkways above a water feature, all housed within the large glass structure.
Image Credit: Bae Area and Beyond

Once we entered, I definitely felt a bit stressed and really wanted to see it all before we left. Based on what we did and wish we did, here’s are my recommendations:

➡️ You need to reserve the planetarium shows at the museum. Do that as soon as you enter. You do that by looking for a sign in the lobby with QR codes to reserve. But don’t worry if you don’t. There’s a stand by line where you could wait to get in – that’s what we did. It’s a first come first serve in the stand by line – but the planetarium is HUGE so you’re most likely to be able to get in. 

➡️ Just a heads up: “Planetarium shows may not be appropriate for children under 7, and we regret that we cannot permit any child under 4.” So, if you’re visiting with younger kids, keep that in mind when planning your visit!

➡️ As with any busy attraction, it’s best to arrive as early as possible. We aimed for 9:30 am on a Saturday, right when the museum opened, but ended up entering around 10am. If it’s your first time visiting, getting there early gives you plenty of time to explore and see as much as possible before the crowds pick up.

➡️ With so much to see, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, especially once you see the Visitor Map. To avoid info overload, take a short break after each attraction or exhibit. It’ll give you time to recharge and really absorb everything you’ve experienced!

➡️ I recommend starting with the attraction you’re most excited about or where you want to get the best photos. We chose the rainforest first, and we were glad we did since they only allow a limited number of people inside at a time. By going early, we avoided waiting in line later in the day. Another good option is heading to the aquarium first, especially if you want a photo under the iconic tunnel without the crowds.

➡️ The rainforest closes at 4:45 PM (15 minutes before the museum closes) and the last entry is at 4:30 PM so plan accordingly. We spent a little more than an hour there. 

➡️ The museum is open every day of the year. Last entry is at 4 PM. (an hour before closing.)

➡️ If you’re a Bay Area resident and have a library card, you can visit for free via the Discovery & Go program. Ask the librarian at your local library for more info. 

Frequently Asked Questions

A lizard resting on a branch inside a terrarium exhibit at the California Academy of Sciences, blending into its naturalistic habitat among greenery and wooden logs.
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What is the California Academy of Sciences?

The California Academy of Sciences is a world-recognized science museum that features an aquarium, a planetarium, a natural history museum, and a rainforest, all under one roof.

Where is the California Academy of Sciences located?

The California Academy of Sciences is located in the Golden Gate Park in San Francisco.

How long does it take to explore the entire museum? 

If it’s your first visit, plan to spend the entire day at the California Academy of Sciences. There’s so much to see and do that you’ll want plenty of time to take it all in. We recommend visiting Monday-Saturday when they’re open from 9:30am to 5pm for the most time. On Sundays, the museum is open from 11am to 5pm, so you’ll have a bit less time to explore.

Can you enter and exit the museum on the same day?

Yes, you can! Just let the staff member near the exit know, and they’ll place an invisible stamp on your hand. When you return, they’ll check it, and you’ll be able to re-enter without any issues.

How much does it cost to visit the California Academy of Sciences?

Ticket prices for the California Academy of Sciences vary depending on when you buy them. It ranges from $40-47 per person.

If you purchase your tickets by midnight the day before your visit, you’ll save money compared to buying them on the same day – typically $3-5 per ticket or even more if you book further in advance. If you’re planning to visit other San Francisco attractions, use City Pass or Go City for additional savings.

Children 2 and under, as well as Academy members, always get in for free. It’s a good idea to plan ahead and take advantage of these offers for a more budget-friendly visit!

Is It Worth Visiting The California Academy of Sciences?

A vibrant, colorful bird with green, red, and yellow feathers perched inside the California Academy of Sciences, offering visitors a chance to see exotic wildlife up close.
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Definitely! The California Academy of Sciences is a place you can easily spend the whole day exploring, and it’s great for all ages. From the towering T-Rex skeleton to the deep-sea creatures in the aquarium and the immersive rainforest dome, the museum is both fun and educational, making it a must-see in San Francisco.

If it’s your first time visiting, arriving early and planning ahead will help you get the most out of your day. Be sure to reserve planetarium tickets and take breaks between exhibits to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

While tickets can be a bit pricey, using discounts through City Pass or Go City makes it more affordable. With so much to see, from the massive blue whale skeleton to the free-flying butterflies, it’s worth every penny.

Whether you’re a local or visiting San Francisco, the California Academy of Sciences is an unforgettable experience. You’ll walk away with a greater appreciation for the natural world and probably find a new favorite exhibit along the way!

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