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United States/Things to Do in San Francisco, couple trip

California Academy of Sciences (couple trip)

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How Couple-Friendly is California Academy of Sciences?

86%Couple-Friendly
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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.

Google
Reviews4.6/ 5
(from 5,684 reviews)
Our FAVORITE place in SF! @calacademy
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Positives:

  • Diverse Exhibits: Switch from a tropical dome to cosmic shows in one building.
  • Interactive Programs: Daily animal feedings and tidepool touch exhibits spark shared discoveries.

Challenges:

  • Peak Crowds: Weekend afternoons see longer lines at popular exhibits.
  • Limited Seating: Planetarium and NightLife shows fill quickly; plan to queue early.
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🏖️ Explore California Academy of Sciences with a local guide: GetYourGuide's 10 BEST Activities and Tours around California Academy of Sciences. Local guides know the hidden gems you'd otherwise miss, read what other travelers experienced, and book easily.

What is California Academy of Sciences?

  • A natural history museum that integrates an aquarium, planetarium, four-story rainforest dome and extensive scientific collections under one living roof
  • A research institution where scientists advance understanding of biodiversity, climate change and conservation through field studies, laboratory work and specimen curation
  • An architectural landmark designed for sustainability, featuring a 2.5-acre planted roof, solar panels, rainwater harvesting and flood-resistant construction

What is so special about California Academy of Sciences for couple trip?

  1. Explore a four-story glass rainforest dome under free-flying birds
  2. Watch live animal demos from albino alligators to penguin feedings
  3. Journey through the universe in the Morrison Planetarium
  4. Share sunset views on a 2.5-acre living roof above Golden Gate Park
  5. Attend adults-only NightLife events with cocktails and science after dark

Recommended visit duration: 3–4 hours

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.

(View California Academy of Sciences on Map)

Couple-Friendly Activities in California Academy of Sciences

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.

How to Make the Most of Your Visit to California Academy of Sciences

  1. Book Online: Reserve general and NightLife tickets in advance to skip entry lines.
  2. Early Arrival: Arrive 15–30 minutes before opening to grab planetarium passes.
  3. Use the App: Download the Academy Insider app for exhibit maps and live program schedules.
🏖️ Tour California Academy of Sciences like a local: GetYourGuide's Top 10 Activities and Tours in California Academy of Sciences. Local experts uncover hidden treasures you'd never find alone, browse authentic traveler reviews, and book your perfect adventure hassle-free.

Reviews of California Academy of Sciences

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Divya Devakumar

Divya Devakumar

Oct 2025

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

Timothy McQuide

Sep 2025

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

Jonathan Phan

Jul 2025

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

Robert Curtis

Jul 2025

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

Tae K

Jun 2025

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 ...

When is the best time to visit California Academy of Sciences (San Francisco, United States)?

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.

✈️ Ready to go? Check the latest flight deals to San Francisco on Trip.com

Explore These Activities

Typical Budget for a Couple (2 Adults)

ItemCost (Approx.)
General admission (2 adults)USD 98
NightLife tickets (2)USD 30
Lunch at Academy Café (2)USD 30
SouvenirsUSD 20
Total EstimatedUSD 178

Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve

Map of California Academy of Sciences

Address: 55 Music Concourse Dr, San Francisco, CA 94118, USA

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Looking for other Things to Do besides California Academy of Sciences (San Francisco)?

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About California Academy of Sciences

Opening Hours

Monday:9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday:9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday:9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday:9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday:9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday:9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday:11:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.

Website

Official Website

Phone Number

+1 415-379-8000

Average price

US$ 25
Book on GetYourGuide

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Average price

US$ 25
Book on GetYourGuide
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