Cal Academy Of Sciences

By patrick

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One of San Francisco's newest and top attractions, the California Academy of Sciences is a rainforest, aquarium, museum, and observatory all in one. The 412,000 square foot structure is not only physically impressive, but it just may be the greenest museum on the planet, with a 2 ½ acre Living Roof, an expansive solar canopy, an extensive water reclamation system, and walls insultated with recycled blue jeans.

The deepest coral reef exhibit in the world, a 4-story tropical rainforest, a towering T-Rex skeleton, a colony of African penguins, a fully-immersive digital screen by which to fly to the farthest reaches of the Universe: These are just a handful of the many exciting venues, exhibits and animals found within the new Academy.

The building opened in September 2008, costing $500 million and built over 10 years.


The Academy is located inside the Golden Gate Park, situated next to the De Young museum (which is also a great attraction to see if you're in the area and have the energy for it). But the Academy itself can easily take most of your day.

Access by bus or car. If you drive, there is an underground parking garage that costs about $3-4 per hour. It is very convenient though.

The Academy costs $25 for adults and $20 for students. It is free on the third Wednesday of every month, but get there early if you do take this route (arriving at about 8:30am would be good).




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