California Academy of Science

Location

San Francisco
United States
37° 46' 12.36" N, 122° 27' 59.0652" W
US
General info: 

The California Academy of Sciences is one of the largest museums of natural history in the world.

This huge complex delivers the wonders of the world in one package. Here you can see the stars in the planetarium though real time data provided by NASA, experience a tropical paradise under the rainforest dome or watch as a diver plunge into the world’s deepest coral reef exhibit. The academy is full of cool things to explore and it is likely the day will run out before things to see.

The academy is also one of the most innovative and most eco-friendly museums in the world. With its energy-generating solar panels, 2 ½ acre Living Roof, radiant sub-floor heating and wall insulation made from recycled jeans it does push the envelope of sustainable architecture.

Getting there: 

The museum is located in the Golden Gate Park.
Inside Golden Gate Park there is a free shuttle bus that circulates the area with about 15min frequency.

To get to the park by Muni:
The #44-O'Shaughnessy bus stops across from the Academy at the Music Concourse on Tea Garden Drive (southbound) and in front of the Academy on Music Concourse Drive (northbound).
The #5-Fulton stops at 8th Avenue and Fulton Street
The N-Judah Muni Metro streetcar stops at 9th Avenue& Irving Street.

Costs: 

Entrance fees:
Adult $34.95
Senior (ages 65 and over) $29.95
Student $29.95
Youth (ages 12-17) $29.95
Child (ages 4-11) $24.95

Hours:
Daily: 9:30 am – 5:00 pm
Sunday: 11:00 am – 5:00 pm

Interesting places nearby

Hoodoo has been a favorite of winter sport families from the Willamette Valley and Central Oregon for many years. Located atop Santiam Pass, guest can get there from either side of the Cascade Range.

Homewood Mountain Resort boasts some of, if not the best views in California’s entire Lake Tahoe region.

Few ski resorts can match Heavenly's scenic beauty and expansive network of lifts, terrain, trails, and snowmaking.

Donner Ski Ranch was first utilized for skiing in 1937 and is located high atop historic Donner Summit. The area's first rope tow was located at the base of the current lodge.

Diamond Peak has a vertical drop of 1,840 feet with a high base and summit elevation that captures plenty of snow. It is located at Incline Village on the North Shore of Lake Tahoe.

Boreal, conveniently located on Interstate 80 in Northern California’s Lake Tahoe Region, is a mountain that has a strong following of jibbers and freestyle skiers and riders alike. Boreal is open from 9 a.m.