
California Academy of Sciences General Admission Ticket
Traveler rating
4.2/5
Based on 622 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is California Academy of Sciences General Admission Ticket worth booking?
California Academy of Sciences General Admission Ticket is a 3-hour experience in San Francisco, United States, from $49 per person. It scores 67 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.2/5 rating across 622 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 67 / 100
- Rating
- 4.2/5 (622)
- Duration
- 3 hours
- From
- $49 per person
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.
What you get
About this experience
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.
What's included
Included
- Instant-access admission to the California Academy of Sciences
Not included
- Formal tour
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Food and drinks
- Gratuities (not required)
What you'll see and do
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.
60 minutes here · Admission included
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.
60 minutes here
Morrison Planetarium
The 75-foot planetarium dome screen will immerse you inside cutting-edge visualizations and hyper-realistic virtual environments. From faraway galaxies to the working of our own planet, zoom through the cosmos like never before. Choose from multiple different award-winning show options and times available each day. Planetarium show passes are included in the price of admission and can be reserved at the planetarium pass pick-up desk across from the planetarium entrance.
60 minutes here
Step inside a glass dome filled with a lush four-story rainforest teeming with over 1,600 plants and animals. Mingle with free-flying birds and butterflies to exotic reptiles, golden-silk orb weaver spiders, enormous Amazonian fish, and more. At each stage of the journey, you'll come face-to-face with some of the incredible animals that call these forests home.
30 minutes here
Golden Gate Park
California Academy of Sciences is located within Golden Gate Park
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
San Francisco
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- fil, en, zh-CN, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- California Academy of Sciences
Know before you go
- 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
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 622 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Value for money
4 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Good for families
3 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Traveler reviews
622 verified traveler reviews for California Academy of Sciences General Admission Ticket. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Rainforest & Science
Amazing museums. Really enjoyed them. However, when ticket was purchased it never warned the venue closes in 1.5 hrs. Only on the 1st Thursday of the month. So I would caution purchasers to check hours of operation before booking. This venue has evening hours except as noted. Made the cost not worth the time.
via Tripadvisor
Hours of interest for any age.
Every time I visit SF with my family we all agree that we will go back to CA. Academy. We all learn so much. There is also a nice cafe and they serve wine for a bit of relaxation. This time we saw so many butterflies in the rainforest. This is the best time spent in SF with any age. I highly recommend it!
via Tripadvisor
Great multi-sensory museum for all ages
This is a great place to beat the heat or cold while learning a ton and having fun. All ages will enjoy this museum.
via Viator
Me and my grandson had a...
Me and my grandson had a wonderful time and a great experience. However everything was so expensive and parking was a little bit of a hassle. I would definitely go again but would not buy anything there prices are to high
via Viator
Great way to see lots of exhibits and check out the roof!
Visited with my family because we wanted to get out of the rain. Compared to the museums I have been to, it was reasonably priced (we are out of Boston). We loved the walk up to see the various levels of the rainforest and the butterflies at the top! We also loved seeing all of the aquarium exhibits- much more than what I read in the description.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 3 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $49 to $55
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 218
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by California Academy of Sciences, who run 3 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 62.1.
See everything California Academy of Sciences runsWhy this scores 67
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
California Academy of Sciences General Admission Ticket: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for San Francisco.
How much does California Academy of Sciences General Admission Ticket cost?
+
Prices start at $49 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in San Francisco usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does California Academy of Sciences General Admission Ticket take?
+
Plan for about 3 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in San Francisco is not rushed.
Is California Academy of Sciences General Admission Ticket worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 67 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.2/5 across 622 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in San Francisco, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule California Academy of Sciences General Admission Ticket?
+
Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is California Academy of Sciences General Admission Ticket suitable for kids and families?
+
Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book California Academy of Sciences General Admission Ticket?
+
Around 218 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in San Francisco can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
+
Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in San Francisco and add a light layer if any part of the 3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does California Academy of Sciences General Admission Ticket start and how do I get there?
+
The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central San Francisco within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in San Francisco?
+
San Francisco packs Alcatraz, Muir Woods, Napa and the bay into day-trip range, which makes booking order matter more than anywhere else in the US. Alcatraz sells out weeks ahead, wine-country vans fill on weekends, and the best food walks in the Mission and Chinatown cap at a dozen people. Our ranking favours small groups and guides who live in the neighbourhood they walk. On Outty we rank every San Francisco experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Small Group Yosemite and Giant Sequoias Day Trip from San Francisco, Golden Gate Bridge Muir Woods Sausalito with Optional Alcatraz, Chinatown, North Beach, Little Italy: 7 Tastings & History. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit San Francisco?
+
September and October, the city's real summer, once the fog season breaks. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in San Francisco?
+
Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
+
Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in California Academy of Sciences General Admission Ticket?
+
Included: Instant-access admission to the California Academy of Sciences. Not included: Formal tour; Hotel pickup and drop-off; Food and drinks; and Gratuities (not required). Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
What languages is California Academy of Sciences General Admission Ticket offered in?
+
It is offered in Filipino, English, Chinese and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for California Academy of Sciences General Admission Ticket?
+
Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is California Academy of Sciences General Admission Ticket wheelchair or stroller accessible?
+
The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Specialized infant seats are available; and All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to California Academy of Sciences General Admission Ticket if the weather is bad?
+
It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in San Francisco. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about California Academy of Sciences General Admission Ticket?
+
Across 622 reviews averaging 4.2 out of 5, recurring themes include value for money, knowledge and storytelling, good for families. Travelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Ready to lock in your spot?
Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for California Academy of Sciences General Admission Ticket.
Pick your date




