What To Do In San Francisco

Explore California can take you to hidden spots throughout the great city of San Francisco. We invite you on a customizable adventure that will take you to neighborhoods and attractions that locals love! We offer discounted tickets to one of our favorites - The Academy of Sciences. Come explore with us and learn what San Francisco has to offer!

Off the Beaten Path!

Prepare yourself to make memories that will last a lifetime as you travel down the scenic California Coast!

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Overview

The California Academy of Sciences is a multifaceted scientific institution committed to leading-edge research, to educational outreach, and to finding new and innovative ways to engage and inspire the public.

The Academy's mission - to explore, explain and protect the natural world - extends to all corners of the institution; from a research expedition in the highlands of Papua New Guinea, to a teacher training program in a California classroom, to an interactive game on the museum exhibit floor.

The Academy is the only place on the planet with an aquarium, a planetarium, a natural history museum, and a 4-story rainforest all under one roof. It’s a stunning architectural achievement with hundreds of unique exhibits and nearly 40,000 live animals

The Building

It's as if the new Academy brings the whole universe under one roof - an aquarium, a planetarium, a natural history museum and more! 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 insulated with recycled blue jeans.

Exhibiits

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.

Research Center

How has life evolved, and how can it be sustained?" It's the quest to answer these two questions that is the driving force behind Academy research. The Academy supports 46 world-class scientists and hundreds of researchers in 11 fields of study. It's their collective effort that is pushing the scientific envelope and that forms the foundation upon which the public-facing Academy sits.

Adult Themed Evenings

Come find out why Nightlife at the California Academy of Sciences is the hottest event on everyone's social calendar! As the sun goes down, this famous San Francisco museum is transformed into a lively venue filled with music, provocative science and exhibits! Choose to enjoy unlimited cocktails prior to your behind-the-scenes tour with an optional Nightlife VIP Tour upgrade. Reserve your tickets now and get ready for an educated and fun evening at the Academy!

Science goes sexy! Come see what happens when science and the San Francisco nightlife scene converge. This is the perfect, child-free way to explore the museum after hours. Upon arrival at the Academy, you'll receive express entry into the museum. Mingle with friends, enjoy drinks at the bar with upbeat music and simply relax as the world around you transforms into a nightlife scene you've never witnessed before! Alternatively, select the VIP Tour Upgrade with Cocktails option at time of booking and you'll gain access to the reserved bar area for unlimited cocktails prior to the commencement of your guided tour.Join a one-hour behind-the-scenes tour, with a private viewing of some of the Academy's renowned gem and mineral collection. Learn all about the various exhibits and animals, interact with some of the Academy's scientists and discover fun facts about our planet's diversity and biology.Then you're on your own to explore the Academy at your leisure! Head over to Penguin Hall, hang out with Claude the albino alligator and gain VIP access to the four-story rainforest! During this time, there will be food and additional cocktails available for purchase. Your ticket also includes a reserved pass for the 8:30pm Planetarium Show.

Copyright © 2010 Explore California Travel, LLC. *This is a limited time offer, prices are subject to change. Please check the “Packages” section for our lateste prices and schedule. Explore California operates fully insured PUC/TCP-licensed vehicles. Tour prices include two nights lodging and two breakfasts. We are not responsible for loss or damage of personal property on tours. We are not responsible for delays due to accidents, breakdowns, or adverse traffic and weather conditions on tours. We reserve the right to modify stops, vehicle, visits or activities based on weather conditions, group needs or conditions out of our control. Cancellations or changes must be made 72 hrs before trip departure to get partial refund, or at least 8 days in advance if the reservation includes hotel accommodation. Cancellations and changes are subject to a 10% or $40 fee, whichever is greater.