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

California Academy of Sciences (solo trip)

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How Solo-Friendly is California Academy of Sciences?

90%Solo-Friendly
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What makes it 90% Solo-Friendly: The museum’s aquarium, rainforest, and planetarium give a full day of self-guided learning, the free app suggests routes, and security staff keep the indoor spaces safe for a lone traveler.

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

  • Flexible self-guided tours: Interactive exhibits let you explore at your own pace.
  • Free app support: Academy Insider App offers live program feeds and maps.

Challenges:

  • Crowds on weekends: Weekends and free days draw larger crowds, affecting exhibit access.
  • Limited seating: Planetarium shows have limited seats; reserve early to avoid missing out.
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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 solo trip?

  1. Interactive exhibits let you set your own pace.
  2. Free planetarium shows offer immersive solo stargazing.
  3. Unique habitats include a coral reef and rainforest dome.
  4. Rooftop garden provides quiet city views between galleries.

Recommended visit duration: 3-4 hours

Why 3-4 hours visit duration is ideal for solo trip: This timespan lets you explore major exhibits and catch a planetarium show without rushing.

(View California Academy of Sciences on Map)

Solo-Friendly Activities in California Academy of Sciences

Steinhart Aquarium & Tidepool:

Explore the world’s deepest living indoor coral reef and touch starfish at the Discovery Tidepool.

Tip: Visit the tidepool early to avoid crowds and bring a small backpack camera for close-up shots.

Osher Rainforest Dome:

Walk under a four-story glass canopy filled with free-flying birds, butterflies, and tropical plants.

Tip: Pause at the waterfall area to watch birds feeding close by and listen for rainforest sounds.

Morrison Planetarium Show:

Reserve a seat for an immersive 75-foot dome presentation on space with live narration.

Tip: Pick up your free show pass at the ticket desk as soon as you enter to secure a spot.

Swamp Talk & Penguin Feeding:

Catch 15-minute daily presentations featuring Claude the albino alligator and African penguins.

Tip: Check feeding times (penguins at 10:30 am & 3 pm, alligator at 3:30 pm) and arrive 10 minutes early.

Living Roof Walk:

Stroll through the 2.5-acre rooftop garden showcasing native California plants and weather stations.

Tip: Bring a light jacket; the roof can be windy and cooler than inside the museum.

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

  1. Reserve planetarium passes immediately: Head to the ticket desk at arrival to get a free Morrison Planetarium pass.
  2. Use Academy Insider App: Download before your visit to follow self-guided routes and get live updates.
  3. Visit early weekdays: Arrive at opening on a weekday to enjoy quieter galleries.
🏖️ 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)?

Summer in SF often brings fog; pack a warm jacket for the outdoor Living Roof and park approach.

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

Explore These Activities

Typical Budget for Solo Traveler (1 Adult)

ItemCost (Approx.)
General admissionUSD 25
Snack at Academy CaféUSD 10
Souvenir from gift shopUSD 15
Total EstimatedUSD 50

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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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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