{"id":413,"date":"2017-09-15T06:02:23","date_gmt":"2017-09-15T06:02:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/goldenhorizontravel.com\/blog\/?p=413"},"modified":"2021-04-24T18:28:30","modified_gmt":"2021-04-24T18:28:30","slug":"visit-california-academy-of-sciences-aquarium-planetarium-and-natural-history-san-francisco-golden-gate-park","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/goldenhorizontravel.com\/blog\/california-academy-of-sciences\/","title":{"rendered":"Visit California Academy of Sciences Things to See"},"content":{"rendered":"

Visit California Academy of Sciences Things to See<\/h2>\n

\"Visit<\/p>\n

A world-class Aquarium, Planetarium, & Natural History Museum Experience the Wonders of all Under One Roof. The Perfect getaway for all ages located in the in San Francisco Golden Gate Park<\/p>\n

California Academy of Sciences is a natural history museum in San Francisco<\/strong>, and considered among the largest museums of natural history in the world, housing over 26 million specimens. The Academy began in 1853 as a learned society and still carries out a large amount of original research, with exhibits and education becoming significant endeavors of the museum during the 20th century.<\/p>\n

Completely rebuilt in 2008, the building covers 400,000 square feet (37,000 square meters) and is among the newest natural history museums in the United States. The primary building in Golden Gate Park reopened on September 27, 2008.<\/p>\n

Besides its world-renowned function as source of public science education through its museum, the California Academy of Sciences also operates the prestigious Institute for Biodiversity Science and Sustainability as its research arm, contributing some of the world’s most important research in the fields of taxonomy, phylogenetics, and biodiversity studies. Although one aspect of the IBSS is available for view by museum patrons at the science “project lab” exhibit, most of the research happens in laboratories and facilities “behind the scenes” and not observable by the public. In fact, unbeknownst to most patrons, research and administrative facilities occupy nearly 50% of the Academy’s physical structure.<\/p>\n

Kimball Natural History Museum – generally encompasses the entire museum outside the planetarium, rainforest, and aquarium, and comprises Africa Hall (the Academy’s oldest running exhibit), the East Wing (which includes the Foulcault pendulum, also a carry-over exhibit from the older, pre-2008 renovation of the Academy), the West Wing (which currently houses several geophysical exhibits), the science “Project Lab” which features real, live scientists working on real, live research projects and who can be viewed doing their work from outside the lab by public visitors, as well as several smaller exhibits distributed throughout the remainder of the Academy building.<\/p>\n

Morrison Planetarium – features the world’s largest completely digital planetarium dome measuring in at 27.5 meters (90 ft.) in diameter with a 23-metre (75-foot) diameter screen<\/p>\n

Rainforests of the World – rainforest exhibit enclosed in a 90-foot (27 m) glass dome<\/p>\n

Steinhart Aquarium – includes exhibits of coral reef, tidepool, and swamp habitats; as well as a colony of African penguins<\/p>\n

\"Steinhart<\/p>\n

California Academy of Sciences Featured Exhibits<\/strong><\/p>\n

Steinhart Aquarium<\/strong>: The Steinhart Aquarium is one of the most advanced and biologically diverse aquariums in the world, home to the world’s deepest indoor living coral reef, an albino alligator, a colony of African penguins, a shark lagoon and more than 38,000 live animals representing over 900 species. Through partnerships with Academy scientists, who travel the world in search of new and little-known species, Steinhart\u2019s biologists often display animals you won\u2019t find in any other public aquarium.<\/p>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

Morrison Planetarium<\/strong>: Our planetarium is home to one of the largest and most advanced all-digital domes in the world. The Academy\u2019s Visualization Studio produces award-winning original planetarium shows that tell stories about faraway galaxies\u2014and our home planet Earth\u2014using scientific data to depict the most current discoveries.<\/p>\n

Kimball Natural History Museum<\/strong>: The Kimball Natural History Museum explores some of the most significant discoveries and issues of our time. Explore majestic dioramas of African landscapes and animals and immerse yourself in exhibits that examine the evolution\u2014and future\u2014of life on Earth. And don\u2019t miss our earthquake simulator, the Shake House, while learning about the natural forces that have shaped the Bay Area.<\/p>\n

Osher Rainforest<\/strong>: Explore our lush, four-story rainforest, housed in a 90-foot glass dome and teeming with life from some of the most biodiverse places on Earth\u2014from an ant colony and free-flying birds and butterflies to enormous Amazonian fish.<\/p>\n

\"Explore<\/p>\n

Program Highlights<\/strong><\/p>\n

Want even more out of your Academy experience? Along with dozens of daily programs on the museum floor, there are plenty of ways to see and learn more during your visit and after hours.<\/p>\n

Behind-the-Scenes\u00a0Tours<\/strong>
\nBook a special guided tour to get a closer look at our live animals, discover our scientific collections, or learn what makes our museum the greenest in the world.<\/p>\n

Nightlife<\/strong>
\nOn Thursday nights, adults 21 and over can enjoy live music, cocktails, and special activities and entertainment in addition to exploring the entire Academy after dark.<\/p>\n

Lectures &\u00a0Workshops<\/strong>
\nThe Academy partners with scientists from institutions around the world to host lectures on a wide range of topics. Astronomy buffs can learn more about discoveries within the final frontier at our Benjamin Dean Astronomy Lecture series.<\/p>\n

Penguins and Pajamas Sleepovers<\/strong>
\nSpend a night under the starfish! Explore all our exhibits after-hours, enjoy evening snacks and a wild story time, and choose where to roll out your sleeping bag\u2014next to colorful fish or playful penguins? \u2014at this family event.<\/p>\n

How to contact California Academy of Sciences? <\/strong>
\nHave questions about the Academy? You can contact them directly at
\ninfo@calacademy.org
\n(415) 379-8000
\nHow to save money and bring the cost of museums entrance fees down in San Francisco? \u200bYou can now save up to 40% on admission to the Academy and three other must-see San Francisco attractions and museums with CityPASS\u2014plus 3-days unlimited Cable Car rides & Muni bus Passport.<\/p>\n

Purchase\u00a0a CityPASS<\/strong>
\nwww.citypass.com http:\/\/www.citypass.com\/san-francisco<\/p>\n

Save 42% on the top 4 San Francisco attractions plus unlimited cable car rides\u00a0Read more at<\/p>\n

\"CityPASS\"<\/p>\n

Tours and Specialty Programs<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Tours<\/p>\n

Enjoy an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at the\u00a0Academy\u2019s exhibits, live animals, and research endeavors.\u00a0Peek into our vault of rare gems, traverse the Aquarium pipes, and learn why we’re the greenest museum on Earth.
\nCheck out our new Private Animal Encounter Tour: Get up close and personal with one of the Academy’s live animals!\u00a0Learn more https:\/\/www.calacademy.org\/<\/p>\n

\"Behind-the-Scenes<\/p>\n

Behind-the-Scenes Tours<\/strong><\/p>\n

There is a whole other side of the Academy\u00a0to experience beyond the walls of the museum! Our popular Behind-the-Scenes Tours are offered daily. Dive deep down into our Aquarium to see how our\u00a0complex and efficient operations keep\u00a0our animals happy and healthy. Enter our scientific collections\u00a0to view specimens from around the world.\u00a0Our tours are an excellent way to feel a little closer to the Academy and experience it in a whole new light.
\nGo behind the scenes<\/strong> https:\/\/www.calacademy.org\/<\/p>\n

\n

NightLife VIP Tours<\/strong><\/p>\n

Looking for an entirely different NightLife experience? Join us for a NightLife VIP Tour, offered every Thursday night for visitors ages 21 and over. Go behind the scenes and discover sparkling gems, and enjoy\u00a0an open bar, express entry, reserved planetarium seats, and your own private area to mingle before your tour\u2014who could ask for more?<\/p>\n

Large Group Tours<\/strong><\/p>\n

Have a large group of over 14 people? Let us facilitate a behind-the-scenes experience for you. We have both day and evening options for large group tours.<\/p>\n

Private Animal Encounter Tour<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Private<\/p>\n

This private tour offers a more intimate and exclusive experience for smaller groups. Guests will enjoy all the benefits of our Behind-the-Scenes tours and also have an up-close-and-personal experience with one of our Education Program animals.<\/p>\n

Birthday Parties<\/strong><\/p>\n

Birthday parties at the Academy have a new look! Perfect for children ages 2-10, book your party with us and get exclusive access to a party room where your group will enjoy admission to the Academy, priority access to exhibits, cupcakes, and more.
\nThrow a party<\/strong>
\nPenguins+Pajamas Sleepovers<\/p>\n

Experience your own night at the museum! Explore the exhibits after-hours, enjoy\u00a0a private planetarium show, and\u00a0settle in for story time after snacking on milk and cookies. Roll out your sleeping bag next to the penguins in African Hall, the swaying kelp of the California Coast tank,\u00a0or even face-to-face with\u00a0Claude, our albino alligator.
\nSpend the night<\/strong><\/p>\n

Dining at the Academy<\/strong><\/p>\n

Come and explore the delicious side of the Academy! From the Caf\u00e9’s wide selection of multicultural cuisine, fresh pastries,\u00a0and gourmet coffee, to The Terrace’s seasonal share plate menu and craft beer and wine selection, you’ll find delicious options to please every palate.<\/p>\n

The Terrace<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Terrace Restaurant features seasonal dishes with locally sourced ingredients, served in a beautiful outdoor setting. We invite you to the West Garden to relax with a glass of wine or try our very own “Academy”\u00a0beer, brewed by Magnolia Brewing Company. There’s no need for a reservation at The Terrace, and the fast-casual service will ensure that your meal arrives as quickly as possible.<\/p>\n

The Academy Caf\u00e9<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Academy Caf\u00e9 menu honors the incredible agricultural bounty of California and highlights local, sustainable, and seasonal ingredients. Discover our popular sushi station,\u00a0From the Pacific, create your own healthy rice bowl at\u00a0Street Foods, select from an assortment of fresh sandwiches and salads at\u00a0The Deli\u00a0or grab something hot at the\u00a0Pizza Oven\u00a0and\u00a0The Grill. Come dine with us!<\/p>\n

Executive Chef Dani Volpi<\/strong><\/p>\n

With experience\u00a0in two Michelin star restaurants, as well as San Francisco\u2019s own Delfina, Chef Dani Volpi brings a rich culinary background of Danish, Italian, and Californian cuisine to his craft. His passion for sourcing local ingredients and enforcing strict sustainability guidelines aligns closely with the Academy’s mission.<\/p>\n

Sustainable Operations<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Academy Caf\u00e9 and The Terrace Restaurant are proud to support the Academy\u2019s commitment to sustaining life on Earth. Our menus are driven by sustainable, seasonal, and locally-sourced ingredients, highlighting California\u2019s unique regional bounties within a 250 mile radius. The Academy Caf\u00e9 and The Terrace are proud to be Certified Green Restaurants.<\/p>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

You can now book a private custom tour of San Francisco combined with a guided tour of California Academy of Sciences. Learn more<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Visit California Academy of Sciences Things to See A world-class Aquarium, Planetarium, & Natural History Museum Experience the Wonders of all Under One Roof. The Perfect getaway for all ages located in the in San Francisco Golden Gate Park California Academy of Sciences is a natural history museum in San Francisco, and considered among the… Continue reading Visit California Academy of Sciences Things to See<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[10],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/goldenhorizontravel.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/413"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/goldenhorizontravel.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/goldenhorizontravel.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/goldenhorizontravel.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/goldenhorizontravel.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=413"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/goldenhorizontravel.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/413\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/goldenhorizontravel.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=413"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/goldenhorizontravel.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=413"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/goldenhorizontravel.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=413"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}