California Academy of Sciences General Admission Ticket
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
Embark on a science adventure when you visit the world's only aquarium, planetarium, rainforest, and natural history museum - all under one living roof! And to make it as easy as possible, this ticket includes instant access, meaning you don't have to go to a separate kiosk to redeem your ticket — just present it at the California Academy of Science's entrance and be on your way.
New Exhibits!
Tiny Chef, Big Impact /Dec. 13 - Spring 2026
We're going BIG on TINY. Starting Saturday, December 13, beloved internet star Tiny Chef takes over the California Academy of Sciences with a whimsical new planetarium film and mini-exhibit celebrating how even tiny actions can make a big impact for our planet.
IMPORTANT PLEASE NOTE:
Early Closure:
We will close at 3:00 PM on February 24, 2026
Full Closure:
We will be closed all day on February 25, 2026
Please check the website link that can be found in your voucher for the latest information before your visit.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Planetarium passes are free and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. When you arrive at the Academy, scan the QR code posted in the lobby to reserve a showtime. Please note that shows may not be appropriate for children under 7, and children under 4 are not permitted.
Sustainable, grab-and-go food and drinks are available for purchase at the Academy Café and Terrace Restaurant
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
California Academy of Sciences
Explore hands-on exhibits as you stroll beneath the bones of some of the planet's largest inhabitants. Meet the charismatic African penguin colony while a biologist feeds them and answers your questions, be dazzled by nearly 400 dazzling specimens from the Academy's renowned geology collection, and more. Plus, uncover the surprising connections between California’s unique species, places, and people in our newest exhibit - California: State of Nature! With scientific specimens, engaging interactives, illuminating multimedia, and fascinating models, we’ve got everything for you to explore our state’s unparalleled biodiversity across four ecosystems.
Steinhart Aquarium
Home to nearly 60,000 live animals, representing more than 1,000 unique species, you can experience one of the most biologically diverse and interactive aquariums. Plunge into the world's deepest living indoor coral reef, encounter over a dozen species in the Venom exhibit, and descend into the little-known “Twilight Zone” to learn about the diverse marine life of the pitch-black sea.
What‘s Included
Instant-access admission to the California Academy of Sciences
Formal tour
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Food and drinks
Gratuities (not required)
Options
California Academy of Sciences General Admission Ticket
Reviews
586 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Interesting, but expensive for what it offers
fiorell4,,Jan 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00interesting and well organized, but I expected more. The building is beautiful and modern, and the idea of combining aquarium, rainforest and planetarium under one roof is great. The dome with the tropical forest and the aquarium on the lower floor are the most successful parts, especially for those traveling with children. Having said that, for a price close to $50 each I expected something more. Some areas are smaller than I imagined and at certain times there are a lot of crowds, which makes it difficult to enjoy the exhibitions well.
A Perfect Three Hours with Kids from 4-8 years old
jaseaton,,Jan 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We brought our three grandkids -- ages 4, 6, and 8 -- months Academy and had a wonderful time. The Academy is basically an aquarium/tropical forest mash-up. The exhibits do a great job of fascinating kids about the strategies different creatures use for camouflage, hunting, and more. Lots of marine life including a shark, all sorts of fish and penguins and jellyfish; butterflies flitting about visitors' heads; frogs of amazing colors. After our visit, we ate in the Terrace Cafe: tasty options at a moderate o price.
Expensive but also great
DaniC988,,Dec 31, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a small look around here and it was more than we could have imagined. The aquarium was amazing. The planetarium was brilliant.
mus go to here
johnsW5091RV,,Dec 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00it is a good experience to go with my family and teach your child to explore more knowledge , good jobbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbb
A Day Out.
Barry M,,Dec 8, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Very interesting experience. Pleasant surroundings. Knowledgeable staff. Plenty of exhibitions. Great cafe.
Wear comfortable shoes,...
consonya w,,Dec 4, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Wear comfortable shoes, lots of walking. Rainforest exhibit is hot and humid. Worth the admission price.
Academy of Science for the win!
Carol L,,Nov 12, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00The academy of science is an absolutely amazing place to bring kids of all ages. There are interesting exhibits and activities for toddlers to teens.
Good museum in general
Maquiro,,Oct 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Overall it is a very good museum, has several sections for all tastes and even has a playground for children. Obviously there are also souvenir shops and where they sell some food. Access is very easy, only with the QR of the digital ticket, when we arrived there was nothing in line. What was kind of complicated was the parking lot, we had to get to the big park early and from there we had to walk a good stretch to the museum. I went with a baby almost a year old, yet many exhibitions caught her attention.
Over-rated
debp2,,Oct 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
2.00Nearly $50 per person for a museum with absolutely no cohesion or science for that matter. Very disappointed in the displays, explanations, and incoherent and disjointed layout. If you have been to other science museums around the world, you will totally understand my comment. The Tellus Museum in Cartersville, GA (yes Marjorie Taylor Green's District) is 10 times better. So disjointed with explanations that never actually said anything. Get over yourself and improve. You have so many resources at your fingertips and this is what you produce?
Cool place but overpriced, especially when half the museum is closed - check ahead of your visit!
forcor,,Sep 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00I'd been meaning to visit the revamped building ever since it opened. I was in San Francisco for the day yesterday and finally checked it out. The rainforest dome was definitely the highlight, with butterflies fluttering all around and so many interesting little creatures to spy on. I was disappointed that the planetarium was closed the day of my visit - no reason given - and that the "Shake House" earthquake simulation was out of order. And some other exhibit spaces were closed for re-installation. Hey, it happens - but if anyone from the Academy of Sciences is reading this, maybe consider offering discounted tickets on days when some areas are closed? I was frustrated that I had to pay the regular $49 ticket price - already quite steep for this kind of attraction - when I couldn't see many of the cool offerings. A visitor with luckier timing could pay the exact same price on a different day and experience so much more than I did. Doesn't seem fair.
From US$49.00
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Operated by California Academy of Sciences