Plan Your Visit to San Francisco Use our collection of attraction and city resources
to better plan your CityPASS trip.

Show your CityPASS booklet to enjoy unlimited transportation on all Muni trolleys, buses and historic cable cars for seven consecutive days, beginning day of first CityPASS use. Without CityPASS, a single, one-way cable car ride costs $6 (Muni bus: $2). Does not include BART.

General admission to all exhibits including the aquarium, rainforest, planetarium, natural history museum, and living roof.

Choose between a one-hour narrated Bay Cruise Adventure that tours you under the majestic Golden Gate Bridge, around Alcatraz Island, and past Angel Island, offering sensational skyline views, or a ride on RocketBoat, the fastest and most thrilling ride on the Bay.

General admission to the only aquarium dedicated to the animals native to the San Francisco Bay. Includes underwater glass tunnels and touch pools and a 3D film.

General admission to one of the world's finest aquariums, including nearly 200 galleries and exhibits.

General admission to join this museum’s ongoing exploration of science, art, and human perception. Please note: In the event that demand exceeds capacity, admittance is not guaranteed.

General admission to both de Young + Legion of Honor Fine Arts Museums, if visited on the same day, and access to de Young’s Hamon Tower Observatory.

• See the whole city and access all the San Francisco CityPASS attractions using Muni.
• A diverse fleet of historic streetcars ,world famous cable cars, modern light rail vehicles, diesel buses, alternative fuel vehicles, and electric trolley coaches will transport you throughout the entire city.
• Watch the gripmen in action as they navigate the city streets.

• Steinhart Aquarium hosts 38,000 live animals from around the world.
• A symphony of croaking frogs and chirping birds await you inside a living 4-story rainforest.
• CityPASS includes a planetarium show on the largest all-digital dome in the world.
• Animal Attraction explores the wildest animal courtship and mating strategies.
• Human Odyssey, new in February 2013, interactively documents the evolution of Homo sapiens and features skull casts of three early human species, as well as a full-scale reproduction of the famous Lucy skeleton.

• Lazy PIER 39 sea lions welcome you to shore with their boisterous barking.
• Sail under the majestic Golden Gate Bridge.
• Enjoy unobstructed views of the San Francisco skyline and the beautiful hills of Marin County.
• Move about the boat; there's indoor and outdoor seating.
• Expert narration describes landmarks as you sail by them.

• Discover the Bay features distinctive ecosystems that support an incredibly wide variety of marine life.
• Stroll through 300 feet of crystal clear tunnels for a scuba diver's view or over 20,000 marine animals from San Francisco Bay and nearby waters.
• Walk through the Near Shore exhibit tunnel to catch a view of a giant Pacific octopus — one of the smartest marine animals in San Francisco Bay.
• The magic of San Francisco Bay is literally at your finger tips in Touch the Bay, featuring touch pools with sharks, rays and sea stars, and the interactive Bay Lab station.
• Take advantage of animal feedings, movies and presentations by the Aquarium’s interpretive naturalists to enhance your visit.

• The sea otters are back! These playful icons of California’s shoreline and the Aquarium’s most popular residents are still exploring their newly renovated two-story exhibit.
• See The Jellies Experience, a far-out world where jellies dance, glow, bloom and sting. You’ll be amazed by the grace, beauty and stunning variety of these remarkable drifters.
• Discover a towering underwater forest — at 28 feet, the Kelp Forest is one of the tallest aquarium exhibits in the world. You’ll get a diver’s-eye view of sardines, leopard sharks, wolf-eels and a host of other fishes as they weave through swaying fronds of kelp.
• Watch as diverse ocean creatures such as hammerhead sharks, sea turtles, tunas, huge schools of sardines, ocean sunfish and other open-water dwellers swim past the 90-foot long window of the Aquarium’s largest exhibit, the million-gallon Open Sea.
• Dine at Cannery Row’s newest eatery, Cindy’s Waterfront. The Aquarium’s just-open dining experience overlooks the bay and offers the sustainable, farm-to-table cuisine of noted Napa Chef Cindy Pawlcyn.

• Explore the environment with artworks, installations, and exhibits in the Outdoor Gallery.
• Find out how we interpret our surroundings and interact with one another in the West Gallery.
• Experiment with the sights, sounds, and experiences of perception in the Central Gallery.
• Examine life at different scales—from tiny microbes to the interconnected ecosystems of the bay—in the East Gallery.
• Enjoy breathtaking views of city and bay as you investigate the environment in the site’s one new building—the spectacular glass-and-steel Bay Observatory.
• Explore more than 500 hands-on exhibits, including 150 new experiences created by our artists and scientists—25% more than at our Palace of Fine Arts location.
• Watch as exhibits are being created in the open-to-view Machine Shop.
• Get hands-on with open tinkering, building, and making activities in our expanded Tinkering Studio.

• Visit two world-class art museums — both are included with CityPASS.
• de Young integrates art, architecture and the natural landscape in one multi-faceted destination.
• Legion of Honor boasts 4,000 years of ancient and European art including an original Rodin The Thinker.
• de Young's Hamon Tower rises 144 ft. to provide magnificent panoramic views.

Present validated CityPASS booklet to the driver on any Municipal Railway passenger vehicle. Exchange voucher for a CityPASS booklet at any included attraction prior to using MUNI. Your voucher is not redeemable or accepted for use aboard MUNI vehicles or at Cable Car Kiosks. Please plan ahead; if arriving after normal attraction hours with a voucher, you'll have to wait until morning to exchange it for a CityPASS booklet to use to board the cable cars.

Present CityPASS booklet at the regular admission gate to skip the main ticket line. Exchange voucher for a CityPASS booklet at the main ticket office, then proceed to the regular admission line.

Present CityPASS booklet or voucher at the PIER 39 box office ticket window to exchange for a boarding pass.

Present CityPASS booklet or voucher at main entrance.

Present booklet at main ticketing area. Present voucher at Main Entrance and staff will direct you to an exchange location.

Present CityPASS booklet at the Buy Ticket line to be given the next available timed-entry slot. Exploratorium is not currently accepting citypass.com vouchers.

Present CityPASS booklet or voucher at the general admissions desk at either the de Young Museum or Legion of Honor.

Earthquake
Through August 2013
Don’t miss Earthquake, a major new exhibit and planetarium show exploring the seismic science that has shaped Earth’s evolution and continues to impact our lives today.

Built for Speed
Through September 29, 2013
From speedy ocean animals to the world’s fastest sailboats, find out what it takes to be swift in the sea. Learn about the fascinating adaptations of the ocean’s fastest animals, examine a sailboat designed by ORACLE TEAM USA, defender of the 34th America’s Cup, and more!

de Young Museum

Eye Level in Iraq: Photographs by Kael Alford and Thorne Anderson
Through June 16, 2013
This exhibition presents the photographs of Kael Alford (American, b. 1971) and Thorne Anderson (American, b. 1966), two American-trained photo journalists who documented the impact and aftermath of the US-led allied invasion of Iraq in 2003. They made these photographs during a two-year span that began in the months leading up to the allied invasion in spring 2003 and covers the emergence of the armed militias that challenged the allied forces and later the new central Iraqi government.
This exhibition is organized by the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, and draws upon works generously loaned by the High Museum of Art, Atlanta.

From the Exotic to the Mystical: Textile Treasures from the Permanent Collection
Through August 13, 2013
Drawn from the Museums’ extensive collection of textile arts, this delightful selection represents 15 centuries of textile arts and includes finely detailed English embroideries, playful Spanish laces, magnificent tapestries, and a set of elaborate French ecclesiastical vestments from the reign of Louis XIV. From the Exotic to the Mystical offers a glimpse into the breadth of the Museums’ textile collections and showcases many true masterpieces from the European holdings.

Legion of Honor

Artful Animals, Part 2
Through October 13, 2013
Since the dawn of time, human beings have been fascinated with the animal world. Depictions of animals are some of the earliest known artistic efforts, dating back to the Paleolithic Era. And this interest has never abated. From sustenance to companionship, animals play a variety of roles in our lives and inspire a range of emotions—fear, love, awe—as well as a host of symbolic associations. This exhibition draws from the vast resources of the Achenbach Foundation for Graphic Arts to produce a compelling portrait of the animal world, represented in a wide array of cultures, artistic styles, and media, from about AD 1500 to the present.

Candlestick Ballpark Express: An additional $8 per person by showing validated CityPASS when boarding. Cash only; exact amount required.

Premium Tour: Available to CityPASS holders on day of visit for an additional upgrade cost (subject to availability).

NightLife: Every Thursday night, music, creatures and cocktails come together for NightLife at the California Academy of Sciences. Each week features a live band or DJ, and a unique theme – from salsa dancing to sustainable seafood and beyond. For ages 21+. Cost: $12.

Escape from the Rock Cruise: 1-1/2 hour bay cruise circles Alcatraz; with narration and special effects. Cost for CityPASS holders: $5.

Behind-the-Scenes Tour: Cost for CityPASS holders: $10.

Add an Adventure or Tour: Visit the Membership and Tours desk for all available tours and adventures; see details.

Tactile Dome - Opening Summer 2013: Call (415) 528-4362 for reservations or purchase a ticket upon arrival at the Buy Ticket line. Cost for CityPASS holders: $15.

de Young Museum

Girl with a Pearl Earring: Dutch Paintings from the Mauritshuis & Rembrandt's Century: January 26-June 2, 2013; Cost for CityPASS holders: $15

Legion of Honor

Royal Treasures from the Louvre: Louis the XIV to Marie-Anntoinette: November 17, 2012-March 17, 2013; Cost for CityPASS holders: $10

• Avoid the long line at the Cable Car Turn-Around by boarding at stops at least four blocks above the turnaround.
• The cable car on California Street is least crowded and easiest to board.
• Dial 311 — or (415) 701-2311 if outside SF — for access to 24/7 visitor service information.
• Vouchers must be exchanged for a booklet prior to riding the cable cars. Please plan ahead; if arriving after normal attraction hours with a voucher, you'll have to wait until morning to exchange it for a CityPASS booklet.
• SFMTA Customer Service Center: 11 S. Van Ness Avenue at Market.

• Weekdays are less crowded than weekends.
• Upon arrival, stop first at the Planetarium entrance kiosk to secure a show time.
• The third Wednesday of each month, admission is free to residents and may be much more crowded.
• The free Academy Insider iPhone App is a great way to enhance and plan for your visit; details and download.

• Morning and late afternoon cruises are least-crowded.
• See the world famous PIER 39 sea lions seasonally on K-Dock.
• It can be windy and cool on San Francisco Bay; bring a jacket with a hood.
• Kids (5-11) receive one complimentary pair of 5x magnification Blue & Gold Fleet souvenir binoculars when you upgrade to the Escape from the Rock Cruise.

• Mornings are the least-crowded.
• Visit the Events Calendar prior to your visit to learn special presentation and feeding times on your travel dates.
• Aquarium of the Bay does not validate parking at the PIER 39 Garage, but many PIER 39 restaurants do.
• See the world-famous sea lions seasonally at PIER 39's K-Dock.
• Make a day of it; your aquarium ticket provides return privileges throughout the day. Come in the morning, leave for a waterfront stroll, then return for bat ray or shark feeding time.

• Less-visited times are in the fall and winter months other than during holidays. At other times of the year, you'll find fewer visitors between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. During the peak summer months, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday are the best days to visit.
• Wireless internet is available at the Aquarium free of charge. For more information, visit the information desk.
• The Otter Spotter Station is subject to weather and other factors; check with a staff member when you arrive to learn out about the different opportunities available on the day of your visit.
• Get the most out of your visit with the Aquarium's free iPhone app. Learn about the animals and exhibits, see the schedule of programs and feeding shows, and share professional photos of animals and exhibits with your family and friends; see details.

• CityPASS with Alcatraz Island Tour is only available by direct purchase from Alcatraz Cruises. If you purchase the Alcatraz Island Tour option, you must obtain your timed-entry ticket upon arrival at Exploratorium and may want to visit during the times mentioned below.
• Lines tend to be shorter on weekday afternoons and Wednesday evenings.
• Get hands-on and make something in the Tinkering Studio.
• Adults (18+) don't miss Exploratorium After Dark, an evening series that mixes cocktails (cash bar) and conversation with innovative science and art events; first Thursday of each month, 6-10pm.

• Each month a different Bay Area artist transforms the Kimball Education Gallery into a working art studio. Meet the artists Wed-Sun, 1pm-5pm for free; no reservations necessary.
• Families enjoy viewing and doing art with numerous children’s programs; see details.
• Friday Nights at the de Young, an evening series in its 9th season, offers live music, hands-on art, tours, artist demonstrations, and food and cocktails for purchase; Fridays starting March 29, 2013, 5pm-8:45pm. See details.

Accessibility: Streetcars and Muni busses are 100% wheelchair accessible.

Historic Cable Cars are not wheelchair accessible. Some folding chairs or mobility devices may be accommodated; step climbing is required to board.

Parking: Music Concourse Parking Facility; includes 15 wheelchair-accessible spots.

Dining: Academy Café, The Moss Room

Accessibility: Wheelchairs and assistive listening devices upon request. Audio tours available for blind or partially sighted visitors. Service animals allowed.

Self-Guide: Academy Insider iPhone App, Pocket Penguins iPhone/Android App

Gift Shop: Academy Store, Lab Jr.

Coat Check: In front lobby

Parking: PIER 39 garage

Dining: Full service snack bar

Accessibility: All boats are wheelchair accessible on the first deck, except RocketBoat.

Parking: The PIER 39 Garage is open 24/7.

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible.

Gift Shop: 2 retail stores

Parking: There are several pay parking garages nearby, as well as limited metered parking on surrounding streets; see details.

Dining: Cindy’s Waterfront is Cannery Row's newest eatery, with views of the bay and the sustainable, farm-to-table cuisine of noted Napa Chef Cindy Pawlcyn.

Accessibility: All areas are accessible by the lift or elevators throughout the facility. Wheelchairs are available free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis at the information desk inside the main entrance. See more.

Gift Shop: There are four different gift and bookstores within the aquarium; see details.

Photography: Photography for personal use only is permitted. Look for signs restricting flash photography as it can harm some animals.

Strollers: Strollers are permitted throughout the Aquarium, except in the aviary and on the mezzanine of the sea otter exhibit.

Parking: Nearby parking lot.

Dining: The SEAGLASS Restaurant (located in the Bay Observatory); Seismic Joint Café (a grab-and-go café along the Embarcadero)

Accessibility: Exhibition spaces, store, café, and all public restrooms wheelchair accessible. Wheelchairs available for no charge. Service animals welcome.

Gift Shop: Exploratorium Store

Accessibility: Both museums are wheelchair accessible. Wheelchairs available at the Information desks. Free audio tours for blind visitors; printed scripts provided upon request. Assistive listening devices for Docent Tours available by appointment. Sign-language interpretation provided with two weeks' notice; see details.

Self-Guide: Audio tours available at de Young and Legion ($7).

Coat Check: Please check metal-framed backpacks, oversized packs and bags, long umbrellas, rollerblades and skateboards, baby-carrier backpacks (unless convertible to the front) and oversized or jogging strollers.

de Young Museum

Parking: Music Concourse Garage; Rates & Hours

Dining: de Young Café

Gift Shop: de Young Museum Store, Special Exhibition Stores

Legion of Honor

Parking: Parking is available in front of the museum, on Legion of Honor Drive, and on El Camino del Mar.

Dining: Legion of Honor Café

Gift Shop: Legion of Honor Store

MUNI Cable Cars, Street Cars, buses and underground trains: Access the entire downtown San Francisco area; see route maps & schedules.

MUNI Bus lines: The 44 bus line stops in front. Line 5 stops adjacent to the park.

N-Judah Streetcar: Stops at 9th Avenue, a five-minute walk to the Academy.

Muni: Lines F and 39 stop at Pier 39. Lines 8x, 8bx, and 47 stop two blocks away.

MUNI Bus Routes: 15, 10, 47; bus lines go within a block of PIER 39.

Muni: The F line, 8x, 39 bus lines go within a block of PIER 39. The line 47 stops two blocks away.

Driving Directions: Monterey is approximately 125 miles (208 km) south of San Francisco. From San Francisco, take US-101 S to exit 336 (CA-156 W) toward Monterey Peninsula. Merge onto CA-1 S. Take exit 402B to merge onto Del Monte Ave toward Pacific Grove. Continue through tunnel onto Lighthouse Ave. Stay right onto Foam St. Park at city garage (Foam and Prescott) or continue and turn right onto David Ave. Monterey Bay Aquarium will be straight ahead.

MUNI: Take the F streetcar line to the Embarcadero & Green St. stop.

de Young Museum

MUNI Bus lines: 44 stops in front of the Academy; 5 & 21 stop just 2 blocks outside the park.

N-Judah Streetcar: stops at 9th Avenue, 4 blocks from Golden Gate Park

Legion of Honor

MUNI Bus Routes: From downtown SF to the Legion take the 38 Geary bus to 33rd Avenue and transfer to the 18 bus.

Groups of 10 or more: Call (415) 379-5211.

Groups of 10 or more: Call (415) 528-4444.

Groups of 10 or more: Call (415) 750-3620.