Ten Best Things to See at the California Academy of Sciences

Pacific Coast Highway Travel picks the ten best things to see at the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco, one of the city’s top attractions.

Entrance to the California Academy of Sciences

The California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco is one of the most innovative natural history museums in the world. Located in Golden Gate Park, this world-class institution combines a planetarium, an aquarium, and a natural history museum under one living roof.

With interactive exhibits, rare wildlife, and cutting-edge science, there’s something for everyone.

Below are the ten best things to see at the California Academy of Sciences, each offering a unique and unforgettable experience.

Ten Best Things to See at the California Academy of Sciences

1. The Rainforests of the World Exhibit

Rainforest Exhibit at the California Academy of Sciences

Step into a lush, four-story rainforest housed within a 90-foot glass dome, where you’ll encounter free-flying birds, colorful butterflies, and exotic plants from three different rainforest environments: Borneo, Madagascar, and Costa Rica.

As you walk through the spiral ramp, you’ll observe tropical species like the flapjack tortoise, Amazonian poison dart frogs, and chameleons. The exhibit also features a flooded rainforest section where you can see piranhas and other aquatic creatures. The highlight? A butterfly emergence chamber, where you can witness new butterflies breaking free from their chrysalides.

This immersive experience teaches visitors about biodiversity, deforestation, and conservation efforts to protect these vital ecosystems. The humidity, sounds, and sights make you feel like you’ve been transported straight into the jungle.

2. The Steinhart Aquarium

Claude the Albino Alligator at the California Academy of Sciences

One of the most spectacular aquariums in the U.S., the Steinhart Aquarium houses over 38,000 live animals from around the world. Its most famous residents include:

- Claude the Albino Alligator – A rare leucistic alligator who has become an Academy icon.
- The Philippine Coral Reef Tank – A stunning 25-foot-deep tank teeming with vibrant fish, sharks, and coral.
- The Amazonian Flooded Forest – Home to electric eels, arapaima (one of the largest freshwater fish), and piranhas.
- The Twilight Zone – A mesmerizing exhibit showcasing deep-sea creatures that glow in the dark.

The aquarium also features a touch tide pool, where visitors can interact with sea stars, urchins, and other marine life. With exhibits highlighting ocean conservation, the Steinhart Aquarium is both educational and awe-inspiring.

3. Morrison Planetarium

The Morrison Planetarium at the California Academy of Sciences

The Morrison Planetarium boasts one of the largest all-digital domes in the world, offering an immersive journey through space. The 75-foot dome takes visitors on breathtaking shows, such as:

- "Big Astronomy" – Exploring Chile’s powerful telescopes.
- "Journey to the Stars" – Narrated by Whoopi Goldberg, this
show delves into the life cycle of stars.
- "Dark Universe" – A deep dive into dark matter and the mysteries of the cosmos.

The planetarium also hosts live presentations where astronomers explain current space discoveries. Whether you're a space enthusiast or a casual visitor, the planetarium’s cutting-edge visuals and surround sound make it a must-see.

4. The Living Roof

The Living Roof at the California Academy of Sciences

A true architectural marvel, the Living Roof is a 2.5-acre green space covered with native California plants and wildflowers. Designed by Renzo Piano, this sustainable roof:

- Reduces energy use by insulating the building.
- Absorbs rainwater, preventing runoff.
- Supports local wildlife, including bees and butterflies.

Visitors can walk along the observation deck to admire the roof’s undulating hills, which mimic San Francisco’s natural landscape. The roof also features solar panels that provide up to 10% of the Academy’s energy. It’s a perfect example of eco-friendly design in action.

5. The Earthquake Exhibit

Located in the Earth Gallery, this exhibit lets visitors experience the power of earthquakes firsthand. Highlights include:

- A shake table that simulates the 1906 and 1989 San Francisco earthquakes.
- Interactive displays explaining tectonic plate movements.
- A real seismograph recording live earthquake data.

This exhibit is both educational and thrilling, helping visitors understand the science behind earthquakes and how to prepare for them.

6. The African Penguin Exhibit

African Penguins at the California Academy of Sciences

Meet the Academy’s beloved African penguins, which waddle, swim, and entertain visitors daily. The exhibit includes:

- A rocky shoreline mimicking their natural habitat.
- Underwater viewing for watching them glide through the water.
- Daily feedings and talks where biologists explain penguin behavior.

These endangered birds are part of a global conservation program, and the Academy works to protect their wild populations.

7. The Osher Rainforest Dome’s Canopy Walk

Macaws in the Rainforest at the California Academy of Sciences

At the top of the rainforest exhibit, visitors can walk along a suspended bridge that offers a bird’s-eye view of the lush environment below. From here, you can spot:

- Macaws and other tropical birds flying freely.
- Orchids and bromeliads growing along the canopy.
- Hidden reptiles and insects camouflaged among the leaves.

This perspective highlights the complexity of rainforest ecosystems and the importance of preserving them.

8. The Natural History Museum Collections

Natural History Exhibit at the California Academy of Sciences

The Academy houses over 46 million scientific specimens, some of which are displayed in rotating exhibits. Highlights include:

- Dinosaur fossils and ancient sea creatures.
- Gems and minerals from around the world.
- A Foucault pendulum demonstrating Earth’s rotation.

Foucault's Pendulum at the California Academy of Sciences

These collections support ongoing research in evolution, climate change, and biodiversity.

9. The Coral Reef Research Tank

Coral Reef at the California Academy of Sciences

This exhibit showcases living coral grown in the Academy’s labs, highlighting reef restoration efforts. Visitors can see:

- Scientists at work studying coral health.
- Juvenile corals being prepared for ocean reintroduction.
- Interactive displays on reef conservation.

It’s a rare opportunity to witness marine science in action.

Our Pick of the Guides

10. The Science Today Exhibit

This ever-changing space features cutting-edge discoveries from Academy researchers. Recent topics include:

- DNA barcoding of species.
- Climate change impacts on ecosystems.
- New species discoveries from recent expeditions.

Visitors can engage with real scientists and even contribute to citizen science projects.

The California Academy of Sciences is more than just a museum—it’s a hub of exploration, education, and conservation. Whether you’re marveling at penguins, walking through a rainforest, or gazing at the stars, every exhibit offers a unique blend of fun and learning. A visit here is a must for anyone traveling to San Francisco!

More Information

Visit the California Academy of Sciences website.

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