When planning an itinerary for a tour group, the California Academy of Sciences is at the top of the list for must-sees.
It’s already being recognized worldwide for its innovative and sustainable design and for the scope and quality of its breathtaking exhibits.
An Essential Destination for Those Traveling in Large Groups
The newest and largest cultural attraction in San Francisco, the Academy is the only place on the planet that brings together a natural history museum, an aquarium, a planetarium and a 4-story rainforest under one living roof. It’s the perfect venue for large groups because there’s certain to be something of interest for everyone.
Attractions include the world’s deepest coral reef exhibit, the most advanced digital Universe ever created, a one-of-a-kind Living Roof with 2.5 planted acres, hundreds of engaging and interactive exhibits, thousands of live animals, and literally millions of scientific specimens and rare fossils.
Catering to Individual Visitors and Tour Groups Alike
Upon arriving at the Academy, tour groups will be greeted by guest services ambassadors. Group members will be offered maps of the Academy in their native languages. They’ll also be given the option of renting audio tours or taking one of our docent-led, behind-the-scenes specialty tours.
Languages currently supported include English, Spanish, Mandarin, French, German, Italian, Japanese and Korean.
Download the Tour Groups brochure »
Deep Dives and Custom Tours for Groups
We have two docent-led, hour-long Deep Dive Tours available:
The Aquarium Life Support System tour takes you behind the scenes to view the incredibly efficient heating, cooling, filtration and back up systems that make it possible to maintain not only Steinhart Aquarium, but all of the life support systems throughout the new Academy. The Deep Dive tour will explore how the Academy earned the platinum rating (highest rating possible) for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) from the U.S. Green Building Council. Home to nearly 40,000 animals, you will see the complex array of pumps and pipes that service the diverse habitats that are cared for by the Steinhart Aquarium biologists and engineers.
The Research Treasures tour illuminates one of the less visible (but vitally important) roles of the California Academy of Sciences. We house one of the world’s leading reference biological specimen collections. Our scientists have been collecting, categorizing, preserving and sharing their specimens for over 154 years. The tour leads you into our new collection rooms where you will gain an appreciation for the breadth and depth of the collection, current research, and uses of the collection here and around the world. Tours take place either in the department of Botany or Ichthyology depending on availability.
We also offer Custom Tours for groups who would like to request a specific itinerary.
All tours are led by staff and highly trained docents who are there to provide in-depth explanations of what we do and how we do it.
- Deep Dive Tours must be booked at least one week in advance
- Custom Tours must be booked at least two weeks in advance
- Capacity is up to 16 people, age 12 and older
- Pricing:
- $69, including General Admission for all guests 12 years and older
- $45 for Academy members
- For more information contact Travel Industry Sales at (415) 379-5210 or email toursales@calacademy.org.
Tickets may be purchased here »
Group Tour Guidelines
The Academy provides these guidelines for group tours:
- Group rates are available for groups of 15 or more.
- We provide timed ticketing at a separate entry for groups.
- The entire group must be present at the time scheduled for your visit.
- Group rates are available daily. However, there may be some restrictions and blackout dates. Those dates will be provided upon your request.
- All group reservations must be made in advance and require pre-payment.
Directions
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Tour Group Pricing |
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For details on tour group pricing, both for General Admission and Specialty Tickets, please contact:
Travel Industry Sales
415-379-5210
toursales@calacademy.org
School Groups |
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While we do not offer tours of the exhibit floor for visiting school groups, the Academy is pleased to serve thousands of school children each academic year with self-guided field trips and student programming. Plan a field trip »
Host an Event |
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With 12 stunning settings to choose from, the Academy can produce anything from cocktail parties to elegant seated dinners.
For large-scale extravaganzas accommodating up to 3,000 guests, the Academy will take reservations for the entire museum.
Learn how to plan an event »
