California Academy of Sciences – Beat the Crowds

Get Into San Francisco’s Natural Science Center and Aquarium

Aug 27, 2009 Christine E. Taylor

Don't let crowds ruin your visit to the California Academy of Sciences. Here's how to ensure you get into San Francisco's aquarium and natural science center.

San Francisco’s California Academy of Sciences opened in Golden Gate Park in 2008. Since its opening, the Renzo Piano-designed building has hosted a steady stream of visitors, with peak crowds sometimes making an enjoyable visit nearly impossible. Before you spend $25 on your ticket, find out how to beat the crowds and get the most out of your visit.

Best Time to Visit San Francisco’s Science Center

The California Academy of Sciences is an extremely popular attraction for visitors and residents, and therefore is almost always crowded. Plan for a mid-week visit, and be at the front of the museum about 10 minutes before the doors open (9:30am Monday-Saturday, 11am Sunday). Buying your Academy ticket online will further ensure entry on the day you choose.

To avoid crowds, do not come on the third Wednesday of the month. This is free admission day at the Academy, and number of visitors is immense.

Plan to park prior to 9:00am for a shot at the free, 4-hour street parking, or shortly thereafter to utilize the $2.50/hour underground parking structure. There are several attractions in the area (such as the de Young Museum), and the available parking is common to all of them. The museum garage frequently fills up before 11am.

Alternately, utilize public transportation. The CAS website includes details on the best routes to take, and they will give you $3 off your ticket price (when purchased at the museum) if you use public transit, or if you walk or bike to the Academy.

Beat the Crowds with an Academy of Sciences Membership

A one-year Individual membership costs $99 and includes admission for one adult and one guest (children under 7 are admitted free at the Academy). At $25 a ticket for general adult admission, if you and a guest visit twice, you’ve covered the cost of membership. Members enjoy a members-only entry line, and you are ensured admission even when the museum is otherwise sold out. You can join online, print out your temporary card, and use the members-only line when you arrive. Be sure to bring your ID, as they will check it against the name on the member card.

But here’s the best member benefit: joining the Academy enables you to attend the uncrowded members-only hour on Tuesday (8:30-9:30am) and Saturday (10:00-11:00am) mornings. If you are truly interested in exploring the Academy, purchase an Individual membership and take advantage of both members-only hours during your visit to San Francisco. Unfortunately, the popular rainforest exhibit does not open until the general public is admitted, so you will still have to endure a line for that particular part of the Academy.

The California Academy of Sciences is one of San Francisco’s most popular attractions. Remember to plan for an early, mid-week visit; purchase your tickets online; and consider a membership to enjoy the uncrowded members-only hours at this one-of-a-kind natural science center and aquarium.Read more insider tips for visiting the Academy.

The copyright of the article California Academy of Sciences – Beat the Crowds in SW U.S./Hawaii Travel is owned by Christine E. Taylor. Permission to republish California Academy of Sciences – Beat the Crowds in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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