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California Academy of Sciences: General Admission Ticket (Peak) Details

The California Academy of Sciences, based in San Franciscos Golden Gate Park, is home to a world-class aquarium, planetarium, rainforest, and natural history museum all under one living roof. Inside one of the greenest museums in the world, visitors find exhibits and experiences that can only be seen at the Academy including nearly 60,000 animals living in the aquarium, the four-story rainforest with its free-flying birds and butterflies, one of the most accurate digital planetariums in the world, a variety of interactive programs and activities, and more!

Dino Days brings 13 life-size animatronic dinosaurs across the East and West Gardens, through September 1, 2025. See the towering T. rex, the feathered Deinonychus, the duck-billed Parasaurolophus and more!

Unseen Oceans invites you to dive into the hidden depths of the sea through September 7, 2025. Strange creatures, cutting-edge science and deep-sea discoveries reveal the wonders beneath 70% of our planet.

With the California Academy of Sciences: General Admission Ticket (Peak), you’ll experience the following highlights:
  • Steinhart Aquarium - Highlights include the Philippine Coral Reef, the California Coast tank, and Twilight Zone: Deep Reefs Revealed.
  • Osher Rainforest - A glass dome houses the four-story living rainforest, where birds and butterflies fly freely among lush tropical trees, plants, and other animals from around the world.
  • Living Roof - Visit our rolling green roof for views of Golden Gate Park and beyond. California wildflowers bloom in spring while dozens of native plants provide habitat for birds, bees, and butterflies year-round.
  • African Penguins - Visit our colony of charismatic South African birds. Join a biologist for penguin feedings at 10:30 am and 3 pm daily.
  • The Swamp - Meet its most famous resident, Claude, an albino American alligator, who shares his home with a trio of prehistoric-looking alligator snapping turtles.
  • Morrison Planetarium - Reserve a ticket (free with admission) at the Planetarium kiosk to see our newest show, Expedition Reef.

Valid for one (1) day admission on the following peak dates during regularly scheduled operating hours:

2025:
  • 4/5/25 — 4/20/25
  • 5/24/25 — 5/26/25
  • 7/1/25 — 8/10/25
  • 8/30/25 — 8/31/25
  • 9/1/25
  • 9/9/25 — 9/10/25
  • 10/11/25 — 10/13/25
  • 11/9/25 — 11/11/25
  • 11/22/25 — 11/30/25
  • 12/20/25 — 12/31/25

2026:

  • 1/1/26 — 1/4/26
  • 1/17/26 — 1/18/26
  • 2/14/26 — 2/16/26
  • 4/4/26 — 4/19/26
  • 5/23/26 — 5/25/26
  • 6/19/26 — 6/21/26

Please note, reservations are required for the planetarium.

View all Museums if you're looking for other museum discount tickets.

Attractions You'll Experience

Product Types

  • Museum
  • Redemption

    Present your tickets on a mobile device (or printed tickets) at the box office/kiosk for admission.

    California Academy of Sciences is located at 55 Music Concourse Drive, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA 94118.

    Availability

    Valid for one (1) visit on the following peak dates during regularly scheduled operating hours:

    2025:
    • 4/5/25 — 4/20/25
    • 5/24/25 — 5/26/25
    • 7/1/25 — 8/10/25
    • 8/30/25 — 8/31/25
    • 9/1/25
    • 9/9/25 — 9/10/25
    • 10/11/25 — 10/13/25
    • 11/9/25 — 11/11/25
    • 11/22/25 — 11/30/25
    • 12/20/25 — 12/31/25

    2026:

    • 1/1/26 — 1/4/26
    • 1/17/26 — 1/18/26
    • 2/14/26 — 2/16/26
    • 4/4/26 — 4/19/26
    • 5/23/26 — 5/25/26
    • 6/19/26 — 6/21/26

    Please check the attraction's direct website for the most up-to-date operating hours.

    Planetarium seat tickets (free with admission) can be reserved at the planetarium kiosk upon arrival, and are subject to availability.

    Expiration

    Ticket expires upon redemption. If unused, ticket expires in full on June 30, 2026.

    E-Mail Delivery

    While most tickets are sent within minutes, please allow up to 24 hours for successful email delivery.

    Duration

    1 day

    Please Note

    • There are two places to eat at the museum: The Academy Cafe and The Terrace Restaurant.
    • The interactive map includes a sensory guide for guests with noise, visual, touch, and smell sensitivity.
    • Reservations are required for the planetarium. Upon arriving at the Academy, guests will be able to scan a QR code with their smartphone and select an entry time for these exhibits.
    • Please note that the capacity for Planetarium is limited. Planetarium shows may not be appropriate for children under 7, and we regret that we cannot permit any child under 4.
    • Refund Policy

      This ticket is non-refundable.
  • What to Bring to California Academy of Sciences

    • Drivers License/Photo ID
    • E-Ticket
    • Walking Shoes

California Academy of Sciences: General Admission Ticket (Peak)