About California Academy of Sciences
Renzo Piano's iconic living-roofed building in Golden Gate Park houses an aquarium, planetarium, natural history museum and four-storey rainforest in one of the greenest civic buildings ever built.
Founded in 1853, California Academy of Sciences has been welcoming visitors for over 173 years. Today it draws approximately 1,500,000 visitors annually, making it one of the most-visited natural history museums in the world. Located in San Francisco, United States, the museum holds a rating of 4.7 out of 5 based on 17,000 traveller reviews, reflecting its enduring appeal to both first-time visitors and returning enthusiasts.
Why California Academy of Sciences ranks #111
Our editorial ranking blends data from TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice awards, AECOM/TEA annual attendance figures, and coverage in leading travel publications including Condé Nast Traveler, Time Out, National Geographic and The Times. At #111 in our composite ranking, California Academy of Sciences represents the kind of institution that rewards a deliberate visit — less visited than the mega-museums, but no less rewarding in what it offers. Key recognitions include: LEED Platinum, Architectural icon.
Must-see highlights
With a recommended visit time of 3–4 hours, planning your route through California Academy of Sciences is essential. Here are the standout works and spaces that should be at the top of your list:
- ◆Living Roof
- ◆Steinhart Aquarium
- ◆Morrison Planetarium
- ◆Rainforest dome
- ◆Albino alligator
Recognition & awards
California Academy of Sciences has received recognition from multiple authoritative sources in the museum and travel industry:
Planning your visit
Opening hours: Mon–Sat 9:30–17:00, Sun 11:00–17:00.
How long to spend: Most visitors recommend setting aside 3–4 hours for a thorough visit. If you are short on time, focus on the highlights listed above and consider purchasing a skip-the-line ticket to maximise your time inside.
Getting there: California Academy of Sciences is located in San Francisco, United States at coordinates 37.7699°N, -122.4661°E. View on Google Maps →
Visitor tips: Given the size of this museum, comfortable shoes are essential. Consider splitting your visit across two days if your schedule allows. Check the official website for any temporary closures, special exhibitions and advance booking requirements.
History of California Academy of Sciences
California Academy of Sciences was established in 1853, making it a well-established institution with over a century of history. Over the centuries, it has grown from its original collection to become a major cultural landmark in San Francisco. With 1,500,000 annual visitors, it plays a vital role in United States's cultural tourism economy and stands as one of the most important natural history museums in the Americas region.
Other top natural history museums
If you enjoy natural history museums like California Academy of Sciences, you may also want to explore these highly-ranked institutions in the same category:
- #15Smithsonian National Museum of Natural HistoryWashington, United States
- #16American Museum of Natural HistoryNew York, United States
- #17Natural History MuseumLondon, United Kingdom
- #44Field Museum of Natural HistoryChicago, United States
- #58Smithsonian National Zoo (& Conservation)Washington, United States
More museums in San Francisco
San Francisco is home to 4 museums on our editorial ranking. If you are visiting the city, consider combining your trip to California Academy of Sciences with these nearby institutions:
- #70Asian Art Museum🖼️ Art & Encyclopedic
- #71SFMOMA🎨 Modern & Contemporary
- #110Exploratorium🔬 Science & Industry
Frequently asked questions
What are the opening hours of California Academy of Sciences?
Mon–Sat 9:30–17:00, Sun 11:00–17:00. We recommend checking the official website before your visit as hours may change on public holidays or during special events.
How long should I spend at California Academy of Sciences?
Most visitors recommend spending 3–4 hours for a comprehensive visit. If you are short on time, prioritise the must-see highlights listed above.
Where is California Academy of Sciences located?
California Academy of Sciences is located in San Francisco, United States. The exact coordinates are 37.7699°, -122.4661°. You can find directions via Google Maps.
What is California Academy of Sciences known for?
Aquarium, planetarium, rainforest, museum — under one living roof. Key highlights include Living Roof, Steinhart Aquarium, Morrison Planetarium. The museum holds a 4.7/5 rating from 17,000 reviews.
How many people visit California Academy of Sciences each year?
California Academy of Sciences receives approximately 1,500,000 visitors per year, making it one of the most-visited museums in United States.
When was California Academy of Sciences founded?
California Academy of Sciences was founded in 1853, making it 173 years old. It is categorised as a natural history museum in our directory.
