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.
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.
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.

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 ...
Summer in SF often brings fog; pack a warm jacket for the outdoor Living Roof and park approach.
Explore These Activities
| Item | Cost (Approx.) | 
|---|---|
| General admission | USD 25 | 
| Snack at Academy Café | USD 10 | 
| Souvenir from gift shop | USD 15 | 
| Total Estimated | USD 50 | 
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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