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San Francisco: California Academy of Sciences Entry Ticket

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$45.00 /person
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About the activity

Explore San Francisco’s California Academy of Sciences. Visit the aquarium, rainforest, planetarium, and museum, plus Vivid, a sensory exhibit immersing yourself through six unique ecosystems.

  • Free cancellation
    Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
  • Instant confirmation & Mobile tickets
    Receive your ticket right away. Use your phone or print your voucher.
  • Skip the line
    Get priority entry.
  • Valid
    1 day
  • Includes
    • General entry ticket
    • All exhibits and shows (including Tiny Chef, Big Impact until May 31, 2026 and the new Vivid: Immerse Your Senses Exhibit running May 22 - September 6, 2026)
    • Food and drinks
Highlights & Description

Highlights

  • Meet nearly 60,000 animal residents
  • Explore hands-on exhibits and enjoy a diverse range of public programs.
  • Gain entry to all shows and exhibits with new exhibits opening every year.
  • Feel a sense of wonder as you discover the magic of the natural world.
  • Experience "Vivid" exhibit - a sensory journey through six unique ecosystems

Description

Discover the California Academy of Sciences located in the heart of Golden Gate Park where you can experience the only place on Earth with an aquarium, planetarium, rainforest, and natural history museum all in one day. With hands-on exhibitions, shows, and public programs, you’re in for an action-packed science adventure.

Plunge into the world’s deepest living indoor coral reef, home to nearly 60,000 live animals, representing more than 1,000 unique species. Meet a colony of playful penguins in African Hall.

Catch the latest 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. Step inside a lush, four-story rainforest teeming with life – from free-flying birds to exotic reptiles, amphibians, and more.
Investigate hundreds of specimens and dabble in hands-on activities for children and adults alike in the Naturalist Center.

The adventure continues outside with unique rooftop views on the 2.5 acre living roof. Then, take an opportunity to activate your child’s curiosity about the natural world in our outdoor nature play and exploration space, Wander Woods.

Special Exhibits:

Vivid: Immerse Your Senses (New!)
Dates: May 22 – September 6, 2026
Be transported to six unique ecosystems that reveal Earth's mysterious, magical worlds through ultra high-resolution video projections, ambient soundscapes, nature-inspired scents, and interactive animal avatars. 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.

Tiny Chef, Big Impact
Dates: Ends May 31, 2026
We're going BIG on TINY. Visit the California Academy of Sciences this December to view the world through the whimsical lens of celebrated social media stop-motion star Tiny Chef. Opening Saturday, December 13, Tiny Chef, Big Impact features a newly-created 20-minute film that brings Chef to the Morrison Planetarium big screen with a hilarious presentation that underscores how even the tiniest actions can make a big difference for our planet. Plus, don’t miss an exhibition of Tiny Chef props, a memorable photo op, custom merchandise, and more! On view through Spring 2026.

Good to know before you go
  • Children under 4 are not permitted inside the Planetarium
  • Tiny Chef images credited to Tiny Chef Productions LLC
Meeting point

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the cancellation policy for this activity?
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
2. When will I receive the confirmation of my booking?
You will receive an email notification right after your successful payment. If you don't see it in your inbox, check your spam or junk mail folder. When the payment is completed you have the option to download your ticket directly.
3. What does the 'skip the line' ticket mean?
'Skip the line' tickets provide the fastest possible entry with no or very little queuing.
4. Are mobile tickets enough or do I have to print them?
Tickets don't need to be printed. You can show your ticket from your smartphone as a PDF.
  • Adults
    19-99 years
  • Youth
    13-18 years
  • Children
    3-12 years
  • Infants
    0-2 years
May 2026
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