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.

Continue reading

Blog

San Francisco Itinerary – 3 Days in San Francisco for First Timers

Traveling to San Francisco for a long weekend? If you’ve got 3 days in San Francisco to plan, check out this suggested list of things to do for ideas. This popular San Francisco itinerary is designed to showcase a wide variety of attractions and activities, and to appeal to visitors really looking for that authentic “San Francisco experience.” This 3 day itinerary includes: Hop-on Hop-off Big Bus Sightseeing Tour California Academy of Sciences de Young Museum Legion of Honor SFMOMA Aquarium of the Bay Exploratorium Escape From the Rock Madame Tussauds San Francisco Bridge 2 Bridge Cruise Ripley's Believe it or Not! Only have a few days in San Francisco? We’ve also put together a 1 day and 2 day itinerary. Save on Attraction Admission Pick up a 3-Day Go San Francisco® Card and save off combined admission vs paying at the gate. Remember, this 3 days in San Francisco itinerary is just one of many ways to experience San Francisco. The Go San Francisco® Card gives you the flexibility to create your own itinerary, so you can choose from dozens of top attractions and create a vacation tailored to your interests. Looking for more things to do? - we've got a list of how to spend 5-7 days in San Francisco. Or, try our popular California road trip itinerary, which covers top San Diego, Los Angeles, and San Francisco attractions. DAY 1 Stop #1: Big Bus San Francisco Sightseeing Tour This Hop-on Hop-off San Francisco Bus Tour is the perfect addition to your itinerary, and an easy way to get around the city while sightseeing. Tour guides are entertaining and knowledgeable, and you’ll see some of the best sights of the city, including the Golden Gate Bridge, Chinatown, North Beach, Fisherman's Wharf, and more Your ticket is good for a full 48 hours, so you can use it to hop on and off at your leisure. As a bonus, your ticket also includes a selection of free walking tours. Join up with one of these three tours at designated stops to see more of each neighborhood: Chinatown Walking Tour, North Beach Walking Tour, or Barbary Coast Walking Tour. Getting In: Hop On Hop Off Big Bus San Francisco Bus Tour tickets are included on the Go San Francisco Card. Stop #2: California Academy of Sciences No San Francisco visitor should miss the chance to explore the dazzling and delightful California Academy of Sciences. Comprised of four distinct areas – a natural history museum, an aquarium, an all-digital planetarium, and a four-story rainforest – there’s no end to the things to do at this attraction. This attraction is not just entertaining or informative, it’s also on the cutting edge of research and conservation. Scientists based here are making discoveries and developments that have the potential to improve the environment and change the world! They’ve even got a beautiful, 2 1⁄2 acre “living roof,” just one of their many eco-friendly innovations. There are a number of special programs and events that frequently run at the California Academy of Sciences, too, so be sure to check their calendar before you visit to see what's on. We recommend reserving between 1-2 hours for this attraction. Getting In: California Academy of Sciences tickets are included on the Go San Francisco Card. Stop #3: de Young Museum Head back to Golden Gate Park to visit one of the other finest museums in the city -- the de Young Museum. This gorgeous facility works to integrate art and nature and architecture all into one cohesive aesthetic experience, making it one of the most unique institutions on the west coast. Their collections span millennia, featuring everything from ancient African art to contemporary painting. They also have a strong body of American painting from the seventeenth to twenty-first centuries. Insider Tip: Be sure to head up the observation tower for an expansive aerial view of Golden Gate Park. We recommend reserving between 1-2 hours for this museum -- perhaps more if you have an art lover in your party. They also have a lovely cafe for a nice coffee break! Getting In: de Young Museum tickets are included on the Go San Francisco Card. Stop #4: Legion of Honor Located just north of Golden Gate Park, the beautiful Legion of Honor museum is another great artistic attraction. Designed to look like an eighteenth-century French palace, this institution is beautiful inside and out. Exhibits span a wide variety of artistic genres and nearly 4,000 years of history, so there's no telling what you mind find inside! Highlights include Ancient Art and European painting, featuring works by El Greco, Rembrandt, Monet, and more. A favorite is Rodin's iconic sculpture "The Thinker," which is located outdoors in the Court of Honor. We recommend reserving about 1-2 to explore the Legion of Honor. Getting In: Legion of Honor tickets are included with the Go San Francisco Card. DAY 2 Stop #1: SFMOMA This must-see San Francisco attraction is an excellent way to start off another day of your vacation. The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) has recently undergone a multi-year renovation project that has totally transformed this amazing space. It's one of the best museums on the west coast dedicated to contemporary and modern art. They also have a unique focus on living artists from the Bay Area. You'll find all your favorite artists represented in their vast collections, from Klee to Calder to Stieglitz. We recommend arriving when the museum first opens to avoid the bulk of the crowds. Set aside at a few hours for this engaging museum -- more if you've got real art lovers in your group. Getting In: SFMOMA tickets are included on the Go San Francisco Card. Stop #2: Aquarium of the Bay Now it's time to head up to the Fisherman's Wharf waterfront neighborhood for some prime explorations of the most popular locales in the city. Pop into the fascinating Aquarium of the Bay, which is consistently a family-favorite attraction. It exclusively features specimens from the San Francisco Bay, from jellyfish to giant octopi! You won’t want to miss their clear crystal tunnel system, with more than 300 feet of amazing views of over 20,000 marine creatures and plants. It’s a surreal experience to feel like you’re walking underwater! Another popular exhibit with kids is "Touch the Bay," where you can actually reach into water and feel sharks, rays, and sea stars. We recommend reserving at least an hour for this attraction. Getting In: Aquarium of the Bay tickets are included on the Go San Francisco Card. Stop # 3: Exploratorium Also located near the waterfront is the kid-centric Exploratorium. It's a highly interactive museum, with tons of opportunities for your kids to touch and play with hundreds of different exhibits. You'll find everything from fun, climbable outdoors exhibits to science-focused exhibits like viewing sea creatures through a microscope. Adults can have fun, too! Just check out the more inventive exhibits and learn about San Francisco's truly creative culture. It's also really worth your time to consult their website before you visit. They have activities organized by theme online, and it's a good way to plan out what you want to tackle first. Getting In: Exploratorium tickets are included on the Go San Francisco Card. Stop #4: Escape From the Rock Cruise End the day with a truly enjoyable cruise that heads out towards the infamous Alcatraz Island. Sail under the beautiful Golden Gate Bridge, out to the Bay, and past this sinister prison while listening to informative narration from your crew. And it's not just about what you see in front of you, either -- you'll also be regaled with stories about famous crooks and criminals who served some time in Alcatraz, including tales about famous escape efforts that have inspired so many films. The cruise itself last for one and a half hours; please arrive at least 30 minutes prior to your desired departure time. No reservations required. Please not that this cruise does not include a landing at Alcatraz Island itself; if you're interested in visiting the prison, purchase your Go San Francisco Card directly from Alcatraz Cruises. Getting In: Escape From The Rock Cruise tickets are included on the Go San Francisco Card. DAY 3 Stop #1: Madame Tussauds San Francisco Begin your last day with a return to the popular Fisherman's Wharf neighborhood. Stop by Madame Tussauds San Francisco for a truly special experience that only Madame Ts can produce. Meet celebrities from music to Hollywood to politics and snap your photo with your favorite. It's a fun way to keep the kids entertained, and it's also an informative romp through pop culture's most important figures and moments in time, from Elton John to Rosa Parks. We recommend reserving about an hour to explore this attraction. You may experience lines, but probably not first thing in the morning. Getting In: Madame Tussauds San Francisco tickets are included on the Go San Francisco Card. Stop #2: Bridge 2 Bridge Cruise Next on your itinerary, you’ll want to continue to explore San Francisco by water! The Bridge 2 Bridge Cruise is actually the only cruise in the area that sails under both the Golden Gate Bridge and the Bay Bridge (hence its name), and is a totally relaxing activity. You’ll also see a number of iconic sights from San Francisco’s shoreline and maritime history, including the infamous Alcatraz and Treasure Island. So there's an educational component, too, for those of you traveling with curious explorers of all ages. If you're wondering, the big difference between this cruise and the Escape from the Rock cruise is that this option features a more wide-ranging survey of San Francisco maritime culture and history, and less information about Alcatraz itself. Pick one, or enjoy them both! Remember to pick up your ticket in advance at the booth prior to boarding the vessel. We recommend arriving at least 15 in advance of your desired sail time. Reservations are required for this cruise. Getting In: Bridge 2 Bridge Cruise tickets are included on the Go San Francisco Card. Stop #3: Ripley's Believe it or Not! This is another destination the kids will love. The endlessly fascinating Ripley's Believe it or Not! makes for an astonishing and fully entertaining last stop of the trip. Filled with the bizarre, the strange, and the wonderful, Ripley's has been delighting and puzzling visitors for generations. With hundreds of crazy exhibits -- many of them new each year -- there's something for adults to like, too. An area that absolutely everyone loves is the Toy / Candy Factory, which offers hundreds of different classic and contemporary sweet treats. Be prepared for the nostalgia when you see your favorite childhood candy for sale! A visit here typically takes about two hours, so plan accordingly based on your dinner ideas. Getting In: Ripley's Believe it or Not! San Francisco tickets are included on the Go San Francisco Card. Let’s Recap This 3 days in San Francisco itinerary really shows you the best and the brightest of the City by the Bay. The wide variety of things to do and places to go on your three days in San Francisco will leave you feeling like you’ve gotten a true feel for the city. Save on combined admission costs vs paying at the gate when you visit all of these attractions with a 3-Day Go San Francisco® Card. You can also save even more with included extra discounts on dining, shopping, and additional attractions!
Katie Sagal
Blog

Ripley's Believe It or Not! Discount Tickets for Your San Francisco Vacation

Planning your San Francisco vacation? Looking for something different to satisfy your quirky or eccentric side? Look no further than Ripley's Believe it or Not! Odditorium, located in the Marina District, just steps away from Pier 39, Fisherman's Wharf and the Embarcadero. There are many museums in San Francisco, filled with beautiful art and sculpture. But only at Ripley's Believe it or Not! will you see displays of shrunken heads, elaborate carvings made of camel bones, and a wax statue of the man who had a real horn growing out of the back of his head. Yes, Ripley's Believe it or Not! "Odditorium" isn't for those looking for the mundane or the expected. Check out our helpful guide for visiting Ripley's Believe It or Not! San Francisco, packed full of ways to save on admission, tips for visiting, other nearby attractions, and much more. Looking for Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Discount Tickets? We’ve got you covered – Ripley's Believe it or Not! 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 Ripley's San Francisco The museum is safe and appropriate for all ages. With that said, smaller children may find some of the displays and interactive features overwhelming. If your child is particularly sensitive or easily frightened, they may want to sit this one out. Allow enough time to visit the attraction. While not large, the museum has a lot packed into the space. Take your time, there is so much to see that if you rush through you will miss things! The museum is open later than some of the other nearby attractions. It's a fun after-dinner activity to wrap up your evening. Bring your sense of humor and fun! Ripley's Believe it or Not! is the ideal environment to ignite your sense of wonder, curiosity, mischief and silliness. Maximize your trip by planning activities near Ripley's. There are a multitude of attractions packed into a relatively small, walkable area. One day isn't really enough! Ripley's is an indoor attraction, making it an ideal activity for rainy, windy or cold days. San Francisco weather is unpredictable year-round. This means that at any time of year it can be sunny, warm and clear, or foggy, rainy and cold. Dressing in layers and bringing a hat and umbrella are always a good idea when visiting San Francisco. What to Do There The San Francisco Ripley's Believe it or Not! Odditorium houses a unique collection of the weird and wonderful. As you make your way through the museum, you will discover that it is quite interactive, inviting you to express your own odd side. Although many of the displays have a distinct sideshow flavor, there are many that are more serious, informative and impressive. Ripley's Odditorium in San Francisco houses many unique works of art with a pop-culture edge and a local feel. For example, busts of famous musicians Jerry Garcia (a San Francisco Native), Janis Joplin and Carlos Santana harken back to the San Franciso of the 1960's Summer of Love era, and are made entirely of wire. There are many other sculptures made of found materials, trash, match sticks and other curious finds. If you have a love for art created from recycled or found items, you will enjoy these exhibits. But it's the stories that really make this place special. Robert L. Ripley had a love for people and what made them unique. He scoured the world for artifacts, yes, but he mostly sought out people who had stories to tell. Some of these were stories of outcasts or those who might have been otherwise shunned, but found a home with Ripley. At the San Francisco location, you'll learn about some of these characters and what made them special. You'll learn how a shrunken head was made -- and why. You'll see a mummified foot and learn about the elephant with two trunks. Nearby Attractions Situated along Jefferson Street, you will find a variety of other fun and funky attractions to easily fill up a day or more of your visit. Here are a few we suggest adding to your itinerary... Right next door is Madame Toussad's wax museum, the San Francisco Dungeon and is a very short walk from Pier 39. If you are interested in further exploration, across the street you will have the opportunity to board for boat and ferry rides that will take you through the San Francisco Bay. Travel around Alcatraz Island, take the Rocket Boat on a high-speed adventure or get an incredible perspective of both the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and the Bay Bridge, as well as a breathtaking view of San Francisco's beautiful skyline. Places to Eat Nearby There are a number of dining options for breakfast, lunch and dinner, ranging from casual to formal. A few doors from the museum is the Rainforest Cafe, always a hit with the kids. On the wharf, you will find Alioto's, a classic, family-run seafood restaurant that is a Wharf favorite. Or, dine with a gorgeous bay view at Castagnola's, one of the neighborhood's oldest and most loved restaurants. Here are more of the many cafe's and restaurants near Ripley's Believe it or Not! Odditorium: Bistro Boudin is a popular restaurant serving tasty dishes, but the Boudin building also houses a cafe, bakery and gift shop. If you are walking around on a chilly, damp San Francisco afternoon, come on in, get warm and order a Peet's coffee. Marvel at the rows of bakery-fresh sourdough bread and breath in the delicious aromas. It's a real treat! Fisherman's Grotto #9 opened in 1935 and was Fisherman's Wharf's first sit-down restaurant. No trip to San Francisco and the wharf is complete without a visit to the Grotto! Over at Pier 39, you'll find Bubba Gump & Co., The Hard Rock Cafe, numerous seafood eateries, burger and pizza joints, coffee shops and snack spots. When it comes to dining, you might want to extend your stay a couple more days just so you can enjoy more of San Francisco's delicious, fresh seafood and sourdough bread. Need to Know Hours Sunday–Thurday, 10:00 am–10:00 pm Friday and Saturday, 10:00 am–11:00 pm *Hours are subject to change Directions & Address 175 Jefferson Street San Francisco, CA 94133 Public Transportation: F-Line to Jefferson and Taylor in Fisherman's Wharf. Or cable car to the Bay & Taylor Street terminus. Save on Tickets with a Go San Francisco Card Remember, the Go San Francisco® Card is the best choice for maximum savings and flexibility, which includes Ripley's Believe it or Not San Francisco tickets, plus admission to your choice of other top attractions. Save up to 55% on top museums, tours, and activities vs. paying at the gate. Visit multiple attractions for one low price.
Lindsay Eagan
Blog

10+ Things to Do in San Francisco in Spring 2020

Shake off the winter blues with a trip to lovely San Francisco this spring. The cherry trees are blossoming, the city streets are re-awakening, and there are loads of fun and exciting special events going on. If you’re thinking about heading to the City by the Bay this season but are stuck on ideas, check out our list of the best things to do in San Francisco this spring for some inspiration, including... San Francisco Museum of Modern Art California Academy of Sciences Napa + Sonoma Wine Country Tour AT&T Park Tour and more! Save on Springtime Activities in San Francisco Regular admission to a number of these attractions is available on the Go San Francisco pass. Choose as you go from popular attractions and save up to 55% on combined admission vs paying at the gate. Check out all available San Francisco attractions, passes, and prices. Please note, some of these special spring events may be separately ticketed and not available on the Go San Francisco pass. Local EventsSFUSD Arts Festival Bay Area Craft Beer Festival Martinez Waterfront April 18, 2020, 12:00 noon - 4:00 pm This is one for the beer lovers. The Bay Area Craft Beer Festival is back and it’s better than ever. With dozens of international and domestic beers for sampling, plus the city’s best food trucks offering up their wares, you’ll have an amazing afternoon of food and drink to look forward to. Breweries include big names like Ballast Point, Founders, Lagunitas, Sierra Nevada, Firestone Walker, and more. You'll also find smaller local breweries that are sure to wow with flavor. Getting In: Admission to the Bay Area Craft Beer Festival is separately ticketed and is not included with the Go San Francisco pass. Cherry Blossom Festival Remember to Save on Admission Did we miss anything? A few things to do in San Francisco in the spring, including some special events, other seasonal activities in March - June. Please note, the spring events taking place at some of these attractions may be separately ticketed and not available with the Go San Francisco pass. We hope you consider adding some of these fun ideas to your spring vacation itinerary.
Katie Sagal

Have a 5% discount, on us!

Sign up to our newsletter and receive exclusive discounts, trip inspiration and attraction updates straight to your inbox.

Thick check Icon