Behind-the-Scenes Tour

The Behind-the-Scenes Tour is the ultimate, all access experience at the California Academy of Sciences. Get an exclusive, up close and personal look at the greenest museum on Earth. Tickets »

Tour includes:

• General admission
• Express entry into the building
• Behind-the-scenes guided tour approximately 1.5 hours
• A viewing of our Aquarium filtration room
• Access into one of our Ichthyology specimen collection rooms
• A private viewing of some of the Academy’s renowned gem and mineral collection
• VIP entrance to the Rainforests of the World exhibit
• Reserved Planetarium seating
• A commemorative gift
• 10% Discount in The Moss Room & Academy Gift Shops

View the Tour Video:

 

Schedule:

Daily at 11:00 am and 1:00 pm

Pricing:

• $89 per person
• $69 for Academy members

Groups:

Group rates available for groups of 10 or more. Click here to book a Behind-the-Scenes tour for your group.

Please note:

• Guests are encouraged to explore the museum exhibits before or after the tour. This guided tour includes a behind-the-scenes look at the Academy and does not cover all of the public exhibits.
• Parking in Golden Gate Park can be very difficult, especially on weekends and holidays. Public transportation and drop-off are highly encouraged.
• The Behind-the-Scenes tour is available for ages 8 years and older.
• Tours run on schedule. Please arrive on time.
• Please wear comfortable shoes and appropriate clothing for indoors and outdoors. Uneven surfaces, slick spots, or inclement weather may be encountered.
• Elements of the Behind-the-Scenes Tour and exhibits at the Academy are subject to change without prior notice.

To purchase by phone, call (888) 670-4433. Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable.

NightLife VIP Tour

NightLife is a weekly event where visitors ages 21 and older can enjoy music, science, entertainment and cocktails, while experiencing the Academy’s world-class exhibits and having fun with friends. Each weekly installment features something new and different.

If you want an entirely different NightLife experience, join us on our NightLife VIP Tour. Tickets »

VIP Tour includes:

• Express entry into the building
• An open bar and hors d’oeuvres in a reserved cocktail area, prior to the tour
• A one-hour behind-the-scenes tour with a private viewing of some of the Academy’s renowned gem and mineral collection, and interaction with Academy researchers
• VIP access to the Rainforests of the World exhibit
• A reserved pass for the 8:30pm Planetarium show

Schedule:

• Every Thursday during NightLife
• Open bar and hors d'oeuvres begin promptly at 6:00 pm. Tour leaves at 6:30pm without exception.
• Dinner is available for purchase at the Academy Cafe and the Moss Room post-tour. Please call (415) 876-6121 for Moss Room reservations. The Planetarium show ends at approximately 9:05 pm.

Pricing:

• $59.00/person (21 years of age and older). Includes admission to NightLife.
• Group rates available for groups of 10 or more. Click here to book a NightLife VIP tour for your group.
• Limited tickets available each week

Please note:

• Please arrive at 6:00pm and enter through the “Membership” entrance. Meet at VIP CHECK-IN inside the Main Lobby to receive your all access badge and further instructions.
• Parking can be very difficult on busy days. We strongly encourage public transportation or drop-off. Please allow plenty of extra time for traffic, parking, and arrival.
• Please note: Reserved seating to lectures is not included and elements of the tour may change without notice. The open bar is only available prior to the tour.

To purchase by phone, call (888) 670-4433. Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable.

Children’s Adventure Tour

Looking for a fun and interactive experience designed just for kids? Then our new Children’s Adventure Tours are perfect for you and the little ones! Tickets »

Aquarium Adventure Tour

What does Claude our albino alligator eat? How have animals adapted to survive in the water? These are just some of the questions we will answer on this special tour of the Steinhart Aquarium.

Tours includes:

• General admission to the Academy & express entry into the building
• 1 hour Guided Tour
• Private animal encounter on Saturdays and Sundays
• Behind-the-Scenes Animal Food Prep Kitchen
• VIP access to the Rainforests of the World Exhibit
• Commemorative gift Claude pencil
• 10% Discount in The Moss Room & Academy Gift Shops

Schedule:

• Daily
• Tours begins at 10:00 am

Pricing:

• General - $44.95 per adult, $29.95 per child
• Members - $39.95 per adult, $24.95 per child
• One adult must accompany up to 3 children attending the tour

Groups:

Group pricing is available for groups of 5 or more. Click here to book a Children’s Adventure tour for your group.

Information:

• For more information about Children’s Tours, call (415) 379-5853.
• Children’s Birthday Parties now available!

Please note:

• This tour is for children 5 years and older only (content is geared towards 5-10 year olds.)
• Adults must accompany children on the tour. There may be up to 3 children per 1 adult.
• There are no strollers allowed on the tour.
• Tours run on schedule. Please arrive on time.
• Parking in Golden Gate Park can be very difficult, especially on weekends and holidays. Public transportation and drop-off are highly encouraged.
• Elements of the Adventure Tours and exhibits at the Academy are subject to change without prior notice.
• At the time of booking, please notify Central Reservations of any guests with special needs, including medical conditions.

To purchase by phone, call (888) 670-4433. Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable.