thirteen things to keep in mind when Visiting  california academy of sciences

Opening hours

The California Academy of Sciences opens at 9.30 am and closes at 5 pm from Monday to Saturday. On Sundays, it opens at 11 am and closes at 5 pm.

Duration required

It'll take around 2 hours at the California Academy of Sciences to explore all the must-see exhibits and an extra 2 hours to explore the planetarium shows, 3-D shows, check out rainforest exhibits, etc.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit the California Academy of Sciences is after 2 pm on weekdays because the crowd has left. Weekends and school holidays attract bigger crowds.

Book in advance

Booking California Academy of Sciences tickets online in advance is cheaper and helps to skip the long lines at the ticketing counter.

Planetarium

The planetarium is one of the museum's most popular attractions. Witness the wonders of the universe and beyond through the spectacular digital visualizations at the Morrison Planetarium.

Osher Rainforests

The Osher Rainforest is a stunning 27 meters (90 feet) glass dome engulfing a living, breathing rainforest. It is home to more than 1,600 live plants and animals.

Kids activities

If you visit the California Academy of Sciences with children, you must try a few things: Discovery Pool, Curiosity Grove, Children’s Eel Garden, and Naturalist Center.

Wear comfortable shoes

The museum is quite large, and a lot of walking is involved, so wear comfortable shoes for a better experience.

Restaurants

The museum has several dining options, including a café and a restaurant. Take a break and enjoy a meal or snack while taking in the museum's beautiful surroundings.

Bring a camera

The museum's exhibits and architecture are photogenic, so be sure to bring your camera and capture some memories.

General Admission

This ticket gives you complete access, including the Natural History Museum, Planetarium, Aquarium, Osher Rainforest, and Living Roof, and participate in various daily programs.

Nightlife

The Cal Academy offers a VIP nightlife experience every Thursday from 6 pm to 10 pm, featuring exhibits, cocktails, and music. This event is exclusive to guests aged 21 and older.