What makes it 86% Couple-Friendly: Pairs can enjoy daytime exhibits together and attend the 21+ NightLife with cocktails and music, plus quiet roof views, making it a varied, date-friendly stop without logistical hassles.
Why 3–4 hours visit duration is ideal for couple trip: Allows time to explore the aquarium, rainforest dome, planetarium show, and living roof without rushing.
Osher Rainforest Dome:
Wander four stories of free-flying birds, butterflies, and tropical plants.
Tip: Go early to catch birds at peak activity and avoid midday crowds.
Morrison Planetarium Show:
Experience immersive space shows under a 75-foot dome.
Tip: Arrive 30 minutes before showtime to claim a free planetarium pass.
Steinhart Aquarium & Tidepool:
See over 1,000 marine species and touch starfish in the tidepool exhibit.
Tip: Visit the tidepool early when staff are on hand to guide interactions.
Living Roof Walk:
Stroll 2.5 acres of native California plants with city and park views.
Tip: Pause by the weather station panels for panoramic photos at sunset.
NightLife After Hours:
Enjoy live music, cocktails, and hands-on science in evening hours (21+).
Tip: Buy NightLife tickets online; events run Thursdays 6–10 pm and sell out fast.

Divya Devakumar
A perfect mix of science, nature, and wonder 🌿🪐 — loved exploring the rainforest dome, aquarium, and planetarium at the California Academy of Sciences! The facility is well-maintained, staff are professional and helpful, and the overall experience is both inspiring and informative. Truly a SF must-visit! 💚
Timothy McQuide
Interesting museum and aquarium. Located across from the DeYoung Museum. Interesting displays with an albino alligator named Claude. There is an enclosed area that you can walk through with many butterflies flying free. There is a small cafe on site.
Jonathan Phan
Located at 55 Music Concourse Dr, San Francisco, this museum is a standout destination that combines science, sustainability, and immersive design. Inside, you’ll find a world-class aquarium, a planetarium with rotating shows, a four-story rainforest dome, and natural history exhibits—all under a living roof covered in native plants. The layout is intuitive, and interactive displays make it engagi...
Robert Curtis
Wow this place was awesome! A great place for all ages to enjoy. View dinosaur bones and many marine species. A Huge indoor atrium that is home to many different species of butterflies that fly everywhere around you...its quite an exciting experience. On the bottom level is the aquarium with many tanks with colorful fish and coral reefs. There is also a natural history museum with life size animal...
Tae K
The California Academy of Sciences is an amazing place that we keep coming back to. It’s spacious and packed with so much to see and explore. One of our favorite parts is taking the elevator down from the rainforest to the aquarium—it’s such a fun transition. The large tank in the aquarium always captures our attention, and we can spend a long time just watching the marine life. Cloud, the white ...
Visit in spring or fall on weekday mornings for clearer roof views and fewer crowds. In December, check the Light & Sound holiday shows in the planetarium.
Explore These Activities
| Item | Cost (Approx.) | 
|---|---|
| General admission (2 adults) | USD 98 | 
| NightLife tickets (2) | USD 30 | 
| Lunch at Academy Café (2) | USD 30 | 
| Souvenirs | USD 20 | 
| Total Estimated | USD 178 | 
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Address: 55 Music Concourse Dr, San Francisco, CA 94118, USA
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