Learn & Explore

  • A dazzling underwater scene in the Red Sea with a school of bright orange reef fish
  • A variety of colorful beetle specimens from the entomology collection
  • Microbiologist Shannon Bennett using a pipette in her lab at the California Academy of Sciences
  • Two young guests marvel at the sea nettle jellyfish exhibit
  • An ancient terracotta animal figure is delicately displayed by our anthropology collections manager
0
Dive the mesophotic zone of the Philippines. Rise through the treetops of tropical Malaysia. Zoom in on a single scale of a butterfly's wing. Academy science helps explain our world. Explore it with us.
image-large
Academy veterinarian Freeland Dunker examines an African penguin chick with a stethoscope
Sustainability in Action

Our green building is just the beginning. See how the Academy is forging a sustainable future by pioneering advances in coral reef restoration and animal care and wellbeing.

Bart Shepherd and Tyler Phelps diving the twilight zone with collection nets
Scientists & Expeditions

Cutting-edge, scientifically rigorous exploration is key to documenting, understanding, and better protecting Earth's rich biodiversity

image-standard
A stunning leafy seadragon swimming in its exhibit at the Steinhart Aquarium
Creature Closeups

There's a story behind every species on exhibit. Get to know a few of the Steinhart Aquarium's most captivating residents.

image-standard
A sawshark specimen forms the shape of a circle against a dramatic black background
Specimen Spotlights

With one of the world's largest and most important scientific collections, the Academy is a library of life. See some of our most striking specimens.

image-large
A young visitor explores the Macro Color magnifier on exhibit at the Academy
Apps & Interactives

Exercise your brain and activate your imagination with engaging, all-ages, hands-on learning tools and Academy-produced HD videos.

video-youtube
Animal Webcams

Our HD webcams stream 24/7, so you're never more than a click away from our stingrays, coral reef, penguins—and the otherworldly Farallon Islands.

12339
12342
8690
8691
12344
12348