Visiting the California Academy of Sciences - Admission, Tips & More

By Katie Sagal

The California Academy of Sciences (CAS) is "an aquarium, rainforest, planetarium, and natural history museum--all under one living roof." The building itself is a modern marvel with its 2.5 acre 'living roof' comprised entirely of native plants, grasses, and shrubs. As a bonus, its LEED-certified design makes it the world's greenest museum. Check out our helpful guide for visiting the California Academy of Sciences, packed full of tips for visiting, ways to save on admission, other nearby attractions, and much more.

Looking for California Academy of Sciences Tickets?

We’ve got you covered – California Academy of Sciences admission is available with the below money saving options, so you can choose the attraction pass that’s right for you: 1. All-Inclusive Pass – All you can do. Includes admission to dozens of attractions. 2. Explorer Pass – Choose as you go. Includes admission of up to 5 attractions. 3. Build Your Own Pass – Select the attractions you want to visit prior to visiting. See all available passes, attractions & prices – Learn more.

Tips for Visiting the California Academy of Sciences

Image of Electronics, Mobile Phone, Phone, Animal, Bird, Penguin, Image credit: California Academy of Sciences
  • Get to the Academy early to get a timed ticket to the Planetarium Show and beat the largest crowds.
  • Download the free Academy Insider App for iPhone to enhance your visit. This app contains exhibit info, self-guided tours, a live daily programs feed, museum maps, and more.
  • Outside food and beverages are welcome in the Academy and can be consumed at designated areas in the museum in the indoor Piazza and outdoor eating area. Water fountains are located on level 1 next to the elevators.
  • Dress in layers. The rainforest exhibit is hot and humid so you'll appreciate being able to lighten up a bit when you're exploring.
  • Tips for visiting with a family:
    • Strollers are not available for rent at the Academy, but they are allowed in the museum (with the exception of the Shake House exhibit). Elevators are located next to the Academy Café and the Swamp.
    • Changing tables are available in all restrooms on the museum floor and a family restroom next to the swamp
  • Check the calendar of events online to see if you can coordinate your visit with any fun upcoming events. They often have special events around the holidays, for example, so keep an eye out if you're visiting in the fall or winter.
  • Planning a class field trip? Check out the Academy's grade-specific Free Educator Guides.

What to Do There

The Academy is home to lots of fun, fascinating, and informative exhibits. In fact, it's the only place in the world where you can explore an aquarium, planetarium, and natural history museum all under one roof. A few exhibit highlights include:

NEW! Pterosaurs: Flight in the Age of Dinosaurs

Image of Indoors, Museum, Image credit: California Academy of Sciences
This exciting new exhibit is one for the dinosaur lovers of all ages. It has a specific focus on the Mesozoic era and the fascinating pterosaurs that roamed the skies. Featuring a sample of the 150 different different species of flying dinosaur, it's also an amazing collection of newly-discovered fossils and realistic dioramas. The fossils are a particular highlight of this exhibit. Because pterosaurs were much lighter than other dinosaurs, their bodies have been less successfully preserved over the millennia. Fortunately, this exhibit features fossils from a still-unknown species of giant pterosaur and the first known fossilized pterosaur egg!

Tusher African Hall

Play the livestream above for a sneak peek at the African Hall's most popular exhibit--a colony of African penguins. In addition to the playful penguins, the African Hall explores other African wildlife and the evolution of the human species with immersive dioramas portraying scenes from 7 million years ago to today. Insider tip: Visit this exhibit around 10:30 am or 3:00 pm to catch the penguins' daily feeding and an informative presentation and feel free to ask the knowledgeable trainers questions.

Color of Life

Image of Photography, Child, Female, Girl, Person, Adult, Male, Man, Image credit: Kathryn Whitney, California Academy of Sciences
Learn about the different roles that color plays among different species of the live animals and environments in this exhibit. You'll be able to explore how color affects animal behavior, how it's used for communication, attraction, choosing a mate, camouflaging, and more to help species survive and thrive.

Whales: Giants of the Deep

Image of Animal, Mammal, Sea Life, Whale, Fish, Shark, Image © Brandon Cole
Check out the massive collection of whale skeletons in the immersive and informative whale exhibit. You'll find out the functions they serve in the ocean food chain, what threatens difference species' well being, and the work that Academy scientists are doing to help protect these large animals.

Morrison Planetarium

Image of Astronomy, Outer Space, Planet, Globe, Image credit: Tim Griffith
The Academy's 75-foot dome is a way to experience the cosmos like never before on one of the most accurate and immersive digital universes. Shows at the Planetarium explore a range of topics, including traditional star shows and special films, live broadcasts from Academy scientists in the field, or films that explore the fragile ecosystems of the planet Earth. Insider tip: As soon as you arrive at the Academy, be sure to stop by the Planetarium kiosk when you arrive to receive your timed ticket for a show. What to expect: the dome itself mimics the tilt of planet Earth and the frame of the dome supports a NanoSeam projection screen which portrays a seamless picture for a true-to-life view. Visitors have described a sensation of flying when watching a presentation in the Morrison Planetarium.

Kimball Natural History Museum

Image of Boy, Child, Male, Person, Shoe, Photography, Image credit: California Academy of Sciences
Experience what it feels like to be caught San Francisco's two biggest earthquakes, a 6.9 and 7.9-magnitude, from inside The Shake House, a Victorian-era "Painted Lady" house. Next, explore what's under the Earth's surface in the walk-through replica that illustrates the forces and phenomena that drive the movement of tectonic plates.

Osher Rainforest

Image of Garden, Nature, Outdoors, Land, Rainforest, Tree, Vegetation, Potted Plant, Child, Female, Girl, Person, Zoo, Adult, Male, Man, Woman, Shoe, Dress, City, Handbag, Walking, Urban, Photography, Image credit: Chris Picon
Housed within an impressive, 90-foot diameter glass dome, this four-story neotropical rainforest is the largest of its kind in the world. With temperatures of 82-85 degrees and humidity at 75% and above, you'll feel like you've been transported to an actual rainforest. The dome contains three levels of rainforest from three distinct ecosystems: a Bornean forest floor, a Madagascan mid-story, and the canopy of a Costa Rican forest. In addition to diverse plant life, the rainforest is home to over 1,600 animals, including 250 free-flying birds and butterflies and almost 100 exotic reptiles and amphibians.

Steinhart Aquarium

Image of Animal, Aquarium, Fish, Sea Life, Water, Aquatic, Person, Adult, Male, Man, Hat, Outdoors, Image credit: California Academy of Sciences
Get an amazing underwater view of aquatic life. The Steinhart Aquarium is one of the most biologically diverse and interactive aquariums in the world with nearly 40,000 animals and 900 unique species. Be sure to check out the Philippine Coral Reef, a 25-foot deep tank featuring a large, live coral ecosystem. You'll see colorful fish native of the coral reefs and mangroves of the Philippines, one of the most diverse reef ecosystems in the world. Insider tip: Head to the lower level of this exhibit at 11:30 am or 2:30 pm to catch the daily Coral Reef Dive. A diver will plunge in the tank and answer any reef-related questions.

Living Roof

Image of Slope, Nature, Outdoors, Scenery, Vegetation, Image credit: Tim Griffith
Learn about the power of green on the iconic "Living Roof" of the California Academy of Sciences. The roof consists entirely of California native grasses, shrubs, and plants that make an inviting home for many local wildlife, including birds, insects, butterflies, people, and more.

The Swamp

Image of Animal, Lizard, Reptile, Crocodile, Image credit: Kathryn Whitney, California Academy of Sciences
Meet an albino alligator known as Claude, colorful freshwater fish, reptiles, arachnids, and alligator snapping turtles that live in the Swamp. Go to the lower level of this exhibit for an underwater eye-to-eye view of Claude and more of the Swamp's other wildlife. You'll learn all about Claude's albinism and life in American swamps for alligators, how the alligator snapping turtles have strategically evolved to entice prey, and more. Insider tip: Gather beneath the moss-draped bald cypress to catch a presentation about the life of the American alligator, 3:30 pm daily.

Things to Do Nearby

The California Academy of Sciences is located in Golden Gate Park, the largest park in the country. Make a day of exploring the park and all the attractions inside by checking off all of the top things to do in Golden Gate Park:

  • Picnic in the park. Find a comfortable spot to park yourself for a mid-afternoon break and take in your surroundings.
  • Explore all things art at the world-class de Young Museum, located right across the way from the CAS and stop by the Japanese Tea Garden and San Francisco Botanical Garden nearby, too.
  • Take a stroll through the Conservatory of Flowers for an up close look at the seasonal blossoms.
  • Rent a bike for the day and use it to make the most of your time at the park by biking around to each attraction and getting to know the trails (the CAS even has a camera security area to lock bikes).
  • Check out the Dutch wind mills near Ocean Beach on the westernmost side of the park.
  • Let the kids run around and get out any extra energy at the Koret Children's Quarter Playground on the easternmost side of the park.

Check out our San Francisco neighborhoods guide and plan to visit attractions by area to get the most out of your trip. We also have a guide for getting around San Francisco to help plan, too.

Places to Eat Nearby

If you're planning to spend the day at the California Academy of Sciences and Golden Gate Park, there are a couple of dining options nearby, including: Academy Café - Head to the Academy Café for an indoor-outdoor setting and family-friendly fare with a menu that highlights local, sustainable, and seasonal ingredients year-round. Their menu is a great way to experience the food cultures of California regions and San Francisco. The Terrace - Admission to the Academy gets you access to The Terrace, a farm-to-table dining experience with easy, fast-casual service. Located in the Academy's West Garden, you can dine amidst sculptures by artist Maya Lin and enjoy the weather and beautiful views. Insider tip: Happy Hour is daily from 2:00 pm-4:00 pm, buy a glass of wine or beer and get a second free. de Young Café - Located in the de Young Museum, the de Young Café features a variety of American and European classic dining options for morning, mid-day, and afternoon. Pack a picnic - One of the best ways to experience the Golden Gate Park like a local is to pack a picnic lunch and dine al fresco. There are lots of grassy areas, benches, and inviting places to pull up a blade of grass and enjoy a picnic lunch.

Save on Admission

No trip to San Francisco is complete without experiencing the California Academy of Sciences. Save up to 55% with the Go San Francisco® Card All-Inclusive Pass or San Francisco Explorer Pass®, depending on the pass you choose, on combined admission to the Academy and other top museums, tours, cruises, and activities. Pay nothing at the gate. Or, Build Your Own Pass and save 20% guaranteed when you buy two or more attractions together.

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10+ Things to Do at Fisherman’s Wharf During Your Trip to San Francisco

San Francisco is a cultural mecca, filled with art and inspiration at every turn. It’s the perfect vacation destination for couples and families with diverse interests, too, because there truly is something for everyone in the City by the Bay. You can explore unique museums, relax on sightseeing cruises, and discover something new on a tour – all without leaving the popular neighborhood of Fisherman’s Wharf! If you’re looking for things to do at Fisherman’s Wharf and nearby areas during your trip to San Francisco, check out our list of the best local activities and attractions, including... Hop On Hop Off Sightseeing Tour Golden Gate Bay Cruise Aquarium of the Bay Angel Island Round Trip Ferry Madame Tussauds San Francisco Bike Rentals And more! Save on Fisherman’s Wharf Attraction Admission Admission to many of these top San Francisco attractions and activities and more are included on the Go San Francisco® Card. Choose as you go from many top attractions and save up to 60% on combined admission vs. paying at the gate. See all available passes, attractions & prices – Learn more. Escape From the Rock Cruise Spend 90 exciting minutes on a journey around the country’s most intimidating former prison: Alcatraz Island. Recently voted the top site in America, Alcatraz is filled with stories both thrilling and chilling. Hear all about daring escape plans and the daily lives of prisoners who once inhabited this eerie isle on a fully-narrated cruise – complete with full sound effects! Getting In: Escape From the Rock tickets are included with the Go San Francisco® Card. Bridge 2 Bridge Cruise Sail under the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and the impressive Bay Bridge on this comprehensive cruise. This exciting 90-minute excursion will escort passengers by major landmarks and attractions, including Alcatraz Island, the Ferry Building, and even AT&T Park. It's actually the only cruise that escorts you under both bridges, so this cruise is a nice unique option. Getting In: Bridge 2 Bridge Cruise tickets are included with the Go San Francisco® Card. Golden Gate Bay Cruise A shorter but no less interesting cruise option out of Fisherman’s Wharf is the Golden Gate Bay Cruise. Enjoy an hour filled with informative narration about important local sights and sounds, with chances to see top attractions like Angel Island State Park, Alcatraz Island, and of course, the Golden Gate Bridge. When you return to port, be sure to keep an eye out for the USS Pampanito (see below for more on that) and the famous Pier 39 sea lions. Getting In: Golden Gate Bay Cruise tickets are included with the Go San Francisco® Card. Aquarium of the Bay Animal lovers won’t want to miss this delightful aquarium with a specific focus on the marine life of the San Francisco Bay. Walk through their amazing glass tunnels for a chance to see 20,000 aquatic critters, from petite moon jellies to large sevengill sharks. Kids will especially love the Touch the Bay exhibit! Especially popular exhibits include the jellyfish tank in "Go With the Flow" and the four playful river otters that call the Aquarium home. Getting In: Aquarium of the Bay tickets are included with the Go San Francisco® Card. Angel Island Round Trip Ferry Spend some time on Angel Island, one of the top historical attractions in the Bay Area. The island itself is a California Historical Landmark because of its eclectic history, featuring at various points in time military installations and an immigration center. A visit here also provides unparalleled views of the San Francisco skyline. Getting In: Angel Island Ferry tickets are included with the Go San Francisco® Card. USS Pampanito A World War II veteran, this Balao class submarine is today a National Historic Landmark. Enjoy a pre-recorded tour (via headset) that escorts you throughout the ship and highlights each distinct area with fun information. Because this is an historic vessel still undergoing preservation, you'll also get to learn about plans for the future memorial site. Getting In: USS Pampanito tickets are included with the Go San Francisco® Card. Ripley’s Believe it or Not! San Francisco Head to Ripley’s for the weirdest experience of your vacation. With dozens of hands-on exhibits and intriguing artifacts, Ripley’s Believe it or Not! is a fun and fascinating place for kids of all ages to explore. Some highlights include duct tape art, wire sculptures, a mummified foot from Egypt, and much more. Adults will particularly love their Toy/Candy Factory, which features all your nostalgic childhood favs. Getting In: Ripley’s Believe it or Not! San Francisco tickets are included with the Go San Francisco® Card. The San Francisco Dungeon Enjoy seeing the dirty details of San Francisco’s shadier side brought to life in a fun and campy way at this attraction. Begin your adventure with a sudden, exhilarating drop down into the attraction. Then, you'll enjoy a 60-minute boat ride that escorts you through the city's dark past. The San Francisco Dungeon also features a number of live theatrical performers who re-enact local top local stories about historical gold mining, old San Francisco gangs, ghosts of Alcatraz, and much more. It's more fun than scary, so it's perfectly kid-appropriate, too. Getting In: San Francisco Dungeon tickets are included with the Go San Francisco® Card. Hop On Hop Off Sightseeing Bus Tour The best way to explore San Francisco begins right in Fisherman’s Wharf with a hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus tour. Learn all about top local landmarks and sites with 20+ stops in Chinatown, Union Square, the Financial District, North Beach, and more. It couldn’t be easier to customize your own trip with the ability to hop on and off, too! Getting In: Hop On Hop Off San Francisco Bus Tour by Big Bus admission is included with the Go San Francisco® Card. Madame Tussauds San Francisco With seven different themed galleries and dozens of wax figures, Madame Tussauds San Francisco is filled with lifelike recreations of actors, musicians, athletes, historical figures, and much more. Be sure to check out the “Spirit of San Francisco” exhibit, which showcases the city’s most significant cultural and historic moments. Getting In: Madame Tussauds San Francisco tickets are included with the Go San Francisco® Card. All-Day Comfort Bike Rental Explore San Francisco on two wheels with a bike rental from Blazing Saddles. This is a very bike-friendly culture, so expect many scenic paths throughout the city streets and along the waterfront – although you should also be prepared for some pretty hilly rides! Take advantage of a chance to enjoy the great outdoors and get a little exercise on your vacation, all while touring this gorgeous city. Getting In: San Francisco bike rentals by Blazing Saddles are included with the Go San Francisco® Card. Musée Mécanique If you love exploring the quirkier side of San Francisco – and trust us, there’s plenty of that to go around – then a can’t-miss attraction is the Musée Mécanique. This delightful little museum features a significant collection of privately owned mechanical musical instruments, figurines, and arcade games – all still in perfect working condition! Getting In: Admission to the Musée Mécanique is free! Activities Departing from Fisherman’s WharfFull Day Wine Country Tour Embark on a day trip out to California wine country with a convenient bus trip that picks up and drops off right on Fisherman’s Wharf. Head out to Napa and Sonoma, where you’ll tour several of the region’s best wineries. Enjoy tours and tastings at each stop, and purchase a bottle (or two!) of your favorites. You’ll learn all about California wine culture, too. Getting In: Napa and Sonoma Wine Country Tour tickets are an included attraction option with the Go San Francisco® Card Build Your Own Pass. Embarcadero & Nearby AttractionsExploratorium Kids will absolutely love the chance to spend an afternoon at San Francisco’s most interactive institution designed just for them – the Exploratorium! With hundreds of interactive exhibits that range from massive art installations to tiny tinkering opportunities, they'll never run out of things to enjoy. Be sure to check out their rotating special exhibits as well! Getting In: Exploratorium tickets are included with the Go San Francisco® Card. City Lights Booksellers & Publishers Visit one of the most iconic literary landmarks in all of San Francisco – City Lights Booksellers & Publishers. With roots stretching back to the Beat Era, this venue is steeped in history. City Lights offers three stories of amazing literature than spans every conceivable genre, so you’re bound to found something to love among these books. Getting In: Entry to City Lights Booksellers & Publishers is free. The San Francisco Maritime Museum Located in the charming Aquatic Park Bathhouse Building, the Maritime Museum features a wide variety of art and artifacts that reflects on the maritime culture of San Francisco and around the world. It’s the perfect place for anyone interested in maritime history, with its impressive collections of historic maps and photographs, engineer’s drawings, small craft, and so much more. Getting In: Admission to the San Francisco Maritime Museum is free. Remember to Save on Attraction Admission So there are our top recommendations for things to do at Fisherman’s Wharf and surrounding areas during your trip to San Francisco. Don’t forget – many of these great attraction options and more are included on the Go San Francisco® Card, which helps you save up to 60% on combined admission vs. paying at the gate. We hope you consider adding a few of these fun options to your San Francisco vacation plans.
Katie Sagal
Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco
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San Francisco 4th of July Weekend - 10+ Fun Things to Do in July

One of the best times to visit San Francisco is Independence Day - there's even more going on than usual! From bay cruises to bus tours and scavenger hunts, there are lots of fun and festive activities in the Bay Area. Since 4th of July falls on a Thursday this year, it's the perfect excuse to plan an extra long weekend in San Francisco. If you’re looking for San Francisco 4th of July Weekend ideas, check out some of these ideas! There are many local activities and fun things do in San Francisco in July, including... Fireworks from Fisherman's Wharf SoMA & the Yerba Buena Gardens Festival Golden Gate Park Events PIER 39 Activities Sightseeing Cruises and more... Save on Admission to Popular Attractions The Go San Francisco pass provides admission to a number of these attractions. Choose as you go from dozens of San Francisco attractions and activities and save up to 45% off combined admission vs paying at the gate. See all available passes and San Francisco attractions – Learn more. Please note, some of these special July and 4th of July weekend events may be separately ticketed and not included on the Go San Francisco pass. San Francisco Fireworks July 4, By Jay Huang from Pleasanton, USA (Happy New Year 2016) [CC BY 2.0], via Wikimedia CommonsEveryone's favorite 4th of July activity is watching the fireworks. San Francisco will be setting off fireworks from two locations: from the foot of the Municipal Pier and from the barges north of Pier 39. Fireworks will begin at 9:00 pm. You'll be able to see both sets of fireworks from most central locations. The synced performance is an impressive sight, but for the best views of the firework display, head to one of the following areas: Aquatic Park Ghiradelli Square The Cannery Fisherman's Wharf Coit Tower Angel Island No matter where you decide to set up camp, make sure to get there early for a good spot. Insider tip: Take public transportation to the area, as surrounding streets will be closed to cars for several hours in advance of the fireworks. Getting In: San Francisco Fireworks are free to watch. If you're opting to use public transit, a 1-Day MUNI Pass is included as an option on the San Francisco Explorer Pass. San Francisco Museum of Modern Art If you're looking for some artistic inspiration this July, stop by popular SFMOMA. It's a delightful artistic and architectural experience all around. Enjoy the unique displays and make sure you check out their exhibit on Andy Warhol, spanning three floors and featuring a dozen artworks unique to the museum. The exhibition closes on September 2. Their permanent collections are also quite impressive, with particular strengths in modern and contemporary art. Getting In: SFMOMA tickets are included with the Go San Francisco pass. Explore Golden Gate Park Image credit:Douglas Atmore / National Park Service. It's easy to turn a visit to Golden Gate Park to a full-on day trip. In addition to the number of beautiful biking and walking trails, you can browse through American art at the world-class de Young Museum. Don't miss the chance to see Specters of Disruption, an exhibition exploring disruption within nature, history and myth, culture and technology. Why not pay a visit to the California Academy of Sciences? Ranked one of the 'New Wonders of the World' by Conde Nast Traveler, the Academy is full of things to do. Enjoy a four-story living rain forest and awe-inspiring coral reef ecosystem. Plus, check out immersive space shows that will transport you beyond the boundaries of our planet. In celebration of our nation's birthday, they often have live music and fireworks displays on the 4th of July as well. Getting In: de Young Museum tickets and California Academy of Sciences tickets are included with the Go San Francisco pass. 4th of July Celebration at PIER 39 Pier 39; photograph by J. O'Neill Head to PIER 39 for Independence Day fun for the whole family. Enjoy musical performances reminiscent of the 80s and 90s live! There's tons to do on the pier on any given day, so imagine the fun you can have during their 4th of July celebration. Enjoy hours of waterfront fun and expand your explorations to Fisherman's Wharf. See what's new and weird at Ripley's Believe it or Not! or meet some of your favorite celebs in wax figure form at Madame Tussauds. Be sure to stay for the dazzling fireworks display over the San Francisco Bay at 9:30 pm. Getting In: Ripley's Believe it or Not! tickets and Madame Tussauds tickets are both included with the Go San Francisco pass. Fireworks from Angel Island Head over to Angel Island for live music, dancing, delicious food, beer and wine, and unbeatable views of the fireworks over the bay. Book your ferry tickets in advance online (this event sells out!) for round trip transportation plus a round trip Tram ride from the Cover to Battery Ledyard for the best views of the fireworks. Insider Tip: Be sure to make your ferry reservations in advance, as this is a very popular spot for locals to watch the fireworks from. Getting In: Angel Island fireworks are free to watch. Angel Island Roundtrip Ferry tickets are included with the Go San Francisco pass. U.S.S. Hornet Museum Photo by U.S.S. Hornet Museum Celebrate part of America's history by visiting the U.S.S. Hornet Museum. Her namesake stems from one of the first ships in the U.S. Navy and bears the creed: "A Heritage of Excellence". Chock full of stories and fun facts to learn about life at sea, this museum is a can't-miss. The museum will also be hosting a 4th of July party complete with live music, family activities, food and drink and a great view of the Bay Area fireworks. Insider tip: if you decide to visit for the 4th, fireworks will start around 9:15pm and we suggest bringing a warm jacket - it gets a bit chilly on the water. Getting in: U.S.S. Hornet Museum tickets are included on the Go San Francisco pass. The 4th of July celebration is a special event and is separately ticketed. San Francisco Cruises Is there anything better than enjoying the warm San Francisco sun from aboard a boat in the bay? Taking a cruise through the bay and under the bridge is a must, especially in the summertime. Choose from several top options, including the Bridge 2 Bridge Cruise, which sails beneath both the Bay Bridge and the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. Or, choose for a more expansive tour of the Bay with a Golden Gate Bay Cruise. There are also a number of specialty fireworks cruises available during the 4th of July holidays, so keep an eye out for those. Getting In: Bridge 2 Bridge Cruise tickets and Golden Gate Bay Cruise tickets are both included with the Go San Francisco Card. Fireworks cruises are separately ticketed and are not included with the pass. Madame Tussauds San Francisco Madame Tussauds is the place for fun celebrity encounters, and is one of the most popular attractions in San Francisco. 'Meet' all your favorite stars, from Serena Williams to Taylor Swift. Then, explore the museum's themed areas filled with stars and memorabilia from blockbuster movies, sports, music history, leaders and entrepreneurs. Be sure to spend some time in the Spirit of San Francisco exhibit for a unique way to experience the Bay Area, home to iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge and Lombard Street. Getting In: Madame Tussauds San Francisco tickets are included on the Go San Francisco pass. San Francisco Dungeon Experience 200 years of San Francisco history at the San Francisco Dungeon, a campy attraction that combines hilarious scares with fascinating history. Start on the part thrill ride, part theatrical performance, and be immerse yourself in the spectacle. Get a feel for Alcatraz prison life and see if you have what it takes to escape ‘The Rock,’ as you plunge into the depths of San Francisco’s underground. Getting In: San Francisco Dungeon tickets are included with the Go San Francisco® Card. Live Music at Aquatic Park July 4 Photo by California Beaches In addition to all that there is to do at PIER 39, the city of San Francisco is also hosting a live music show at Aquatic Park. Starting at 6:oo pm, enjoy a free concert in the park and stick around for the 9:30 pm fireworks display. Insider tip: arrive early to secure a good spot on the lawn! Getting in: Admission to Aquatic Park and the performances are free. Yerba Buena Gardens Festival & SoMA July Photo credit: San Francisco Travel Association/ Scott Chernis In an effort to enhance the vitality and quality of life of the Yerba Buena Gardens and San Francisco community, the Yerba Beuna Gardens Festival team hosts a summer long lineup of great events. They have a wide variety of free events like dance performances, kids shows, choral performances, art installations, and much more. All throughout July enjoy mime shows, concerts, jazz festivals and more. For dates and specific events, consult their website. You could also spend the day exploring the SoMa neighborhood (South of Market), a trendy, artsy space with lots to explore. Getting In: Yerba Buena Garden Fest events are free to attend. Fillmore Jazz Festival July, Photo by Steven Restivo Events If you love music, then you won't want to miss this iconic local event. The Fillmore Jazz Festival (on its 36th year!) will take Pacific Heights, celebrating San Francisco's long and storied musical heritage. It's also the largest festival of its kind on the west coast - so you know it's a must-see! Enjoy world-class music, sumptuous food, and tasty beverages. The festival runs from 10:00 am - 6:00 pm both days, with performers varying on each day. Getting In: The Fillmore Jazz Festival is free to attend. Remember to Save on Attraction Admission There you go - plenty of fun ideas for things to do in San Francisco in July to help you plan your 4th of July weekend itinerary. Remember, the Go San Francisco pass provides admission to many of these attractions. You can save up to 45% on combined admission vs paying at the gate. We really hope you consider adding a few of these popular options to your upcoming plans. Enjoy!
Katie Sagal
Relaxing Things to do in San Francisco
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Relaxing Things to do in San Francisco

Often, vacations can feel like a sprint to see and do everything in your limited time. In a new city or country, you want to immerse yourself in as much local culture as possible. But with only a handful of days there, fitting it all in can be stressful. But it needn't be. After all, vacations should also be about relaxing. So, if you want to take your foot off the gas, check out our picks of the best relaxing things to do in San Francisco and take it easy! Including: Hop-on, hop-off Bus Tour Aquarium of the Bay San Francisco Bay Cruise Exploratorium San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and more! Hop-on, hop-off Bus Tour If you're only in town for a few days, you may want to see all the sights in one afternoon. If you think that sounds stressful, think again. Because on this hop-on, hop-off bus tour of San Francisco's most recognizable landmarks, the pressure's off. The way these tours work is that a fleet of buses run every day, with each passing the same landmarks. That means that if you want to get out and explore any of them, you can! Just hop off, take a look around, and then hop on the next bus that shows up. Your ticket lasts the whole day, so you can really take your time. So, what landmarks will you be checking out? Well, there's the famous Golden Gate Bridge & Golden Gate Park, Chinatown, North Beach, Fisherman's Wharf, Union Square, and plenty more! If you're looking for relaxing things to do in San Francisco, take your camera and hop on this landmark bonanza bus tour! Aquarium of the Bay What could be more serene and relaxing than wandering beneath the waves, wondering about all the exotic species that call it home? Not much, we thinks. So, if you're looking for chill things to do in San Francisco, why not visit the Aquarium of the Bay? Just go on a weekday, lest the crowds of tourists ruin the vibe. More than 20,000 marine animals live, laugh, and love within the Aquarium of the Bay's many tanks and underwater biomes. From otherworldly stingrays to cute, fuzzy otters, you'll struggle to find a more diverse crowd of water-dwelling wonders anywhere else. But perhaps the jewel in the Aquarium of the Bay's crown is its massive underwater walking tunnels. Take a stroll down them, and you'll be surrounded by wonderful flora and fauna. Each is over 300ft long, and they'll let you get up close and personal with myriad exotic species. San Francisco Bay Cruise If seeing the city by bus or underwater doesn't float your boat, why not see it all from atop the very waves themselves? On this cruise across the San Francisco Bay, you'll see the city's skyline from a different perspective - and a few surprises to boot! Get your snappers at the ready because the sea lions that call Pier 39 home are ripe for photography! Then, witness one of the modern wonders of the world as you sail up and under the Golden Gate Bridge. Next, a trip to Alcatraz Island will set you straight. The prison might be long-shut, but seeing the imposing island by boat is enough to send shivers down your spine. And finally, a jaunt past Angel Island will leave you wondering what life was like for immigrants back in the day. This hour-long cruise is a great way to see it all without having to lift a finger. Exploratorium Inquisitive minds apply within. If you're looking for a relaxing way to expand your mind while getting hands-on with some mind-blowing interactive exhibits, stroll cooly and calmly to the Exploratorium. The Exploratorium brings the weird and wonderful to life. Featuring a metric ton of what can only be described as 'scientific art', it aims to inspire and educate in equal measure. Wander its wonderful halls, and you'll discover parabolic mirrors, see microscopic cells blown up to massive proportions, and even touch a tornado, if you can believe that. Perfect, relaxing fun for kids and big kids alike; if you've got the little ones in tow, just let them loose and take a seat. San Francisco Museum of Modern Art Art lovers will get a chill kick out of the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. Featuring modern masterpieces from modern maestros, it's one of the most lauded modern art museums in the country. And, after a recent expansion, it's also the biggest. So, set a few hours aside to see it all! Mainstay exhibits are now joined by the Doris and Donald Fisher Collection, as well as a fresh variety of special exhibitions featuring topics like graphic art, contemporary sculpture, modern film, and more. Fans of Roy Lichtenstein, Andy Warhol, and other contemporaries will love it. But, like most museums, you're best bet is to head there on a weekday morning to beat the crowds. That way, you'll ensure your visit is one of the best relaxing things to do in San Francisco! Mission District Food and Culture Tour And finally, after a relaxing journey through things to do in San Francisco, you may have built up a bit of an appetite. Thankfully, this Mission District food and culture tour will hit the spot. If you've never been to San Francisco's Mission District before, you're in for a treat. It's the city's Latin Quarter, featuring walls bedazzled with beautiful murals, plenty of laid-back bars, and a ton of Mexican restaurants and street food vendors selling all manner of delicious treats. So, why not take a tour, learn about the area's culture and history from a knowledgeable guide, and go try some of it for yourself? With four food stops on the tour, you'll have plenty of time to tuck into tacos, flatbreads, guac, salsa, and fajitas. And those were our picks of the best relaxing things to do in San Francisco. Of course, you may want to up the ante at some point during your visit. Thankfully, Go City gives you access to some of the most exhilarating experiences in San Fran! With our All-Inclusive Pass and Explorer Pass, you can see the city's best bits for one low price.
Dom Bewley

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