There aren't many places where you'll find roughly 40,000 animals in the same building, but the California Academy of Sciences is one of them. Located in Golden Gate Park, the academy is a museum of natural history showcasing the history and envisioned future of life on earth and the environment. The various venues of the museum include a living four-story rain forest, a planetarium dome, and an aquarium housing a variety of marine exhibits.
Best and worst time to go to the California Academy of Sciences
Try to avoid going on school holidays or weekends as the museum can get pretty packed with parents and their children. Weekdays during the school week are ideal, especially in the afternoon since most school field trips come in the morning and are gone by then.
Must see/do at the California Academy of Sciences
Everybody loves penguins, and you can see a colony of them frolicking in the African Hall. Everybody also loves the extremely popular Morrison Planetarium, which is the third-largest completely digital planetarium dome in the world. While everybody make not love humid weather, the immersive experience of the rainforest is worth the sweat.
Admission to the California Academy of Sciences
The cost of admission ranges from $24.95 to $34.95 depending on age, and gives access to all of the museum's exhibits and attractions. Children under 3 are free. The museum also has various days throughout the year that are free of charge. Check their website for more information.
Parking and public transportation at the California Academy of Sciences
There is a city-operated parking garage nearby but is subject to rates imposed by the city and often fills up quickly, so public transportation is your safest bet. The #44 O'Shaughnessy bus stops in front of the building, and the #5 Fulton bus stop just outside of the park. The Amtrak Station at the Ferry Building is also less than a 10-minute walk away.
Food at the California Academy of Sciences
The museum offers two restaurants for food: the Academy Cafe, featuring local favorites, and the Terrace, which puts an upscale spin on fast-casual dining. Both locations offer a variety of dishes that won't break your wallet, with prices ranging from $2 to $17.
Insider tip for visitors to the California Academy of Sciences
Shows at the planetarium require separate tickets, free of charge, that get gobbled up very quickly. If you arrive in the morning, head to the planetarium first to get your tickets before venturing into the museum to be sure you don't get shut out.
Author's bio: Dennis Biles is a freelance journalist who was born and raised in the Bay Area. When he's not writing he can often be found losing his mind at Oakland A's games in the Right Field Bleachers.
Napa Valley Museum is an art exhibition and historical gallery working to preserve the history of the area and educate the community. The museum offers various types of art exhibits throughout the year, as well as the history gallery which feature all types of artifacts and items, including statues, photographs, special objects and more. The museum offers numerous membership benefits as well as educational programs, tours and special events. Check the main website for a schedule of events or exhibits, or for details on membership.
If you appreciate flowers, plants, trees, and their relationship with the environment, consider visiting the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden. This is a 127-acre space with fountains, lagoons, strolling peacocks, and peaceful trails that will fill your senses with color and aromas.
Must see and do at the Arboretum
Queen Anne Cottage – This Victorian style house that was built in 1885 by Elias Jackson Baldwin can be toured on Fridays and Saturdays. Other than its architecture, this house is famous for being in the opening credits of the TV show "Fantasy Island" and for the everlasting rumors that it may be haunted.
Hugo Reid Adobe – The original adobe was built in 1840 using the labor of Native Americans that had lived in the area for many years prior. It was reconstructed in the mid-1900s using their original techniques. You can learn about its history, and of the Tongva Indians, by walking about the structure.
The gardens – They are organized geographically so that you will appreciate the differences between the flora from the Mediterranean, for example, to that of the Americas, Africa, Australia, and more.
Best and worse time to go to the Arboretum
Admission is free on the third Tuesday of the month. However, there are no tram tours on that day.
You may want to catch a lecture, a workshop, or a music concert. There are many listed on the park's calendar at Arboretum.org. On the flip side, if you are not interested in a concert, plan your visit on a different day. They fill up the parking lots to capacity and what is usually free becomes pricey.
Admission to the Arboretum
Admission is under $10. You can pay with cash or with credit card. Some workshops and lectures may have an additional cost.
The Arboretum is located in the City of Arcadia, about 30 minutes northeast of downtown LA. There is public transportation available. You can plan your visit on metro.net.
Wildlife at the Arboretum
Hundreds of peacocks live at the Arboretum. Take some time to admire them as they walk freely throughout the park. They are unafraid of humans because Arcadia has been their home since the late 1800s. You will be amused.
Insider tip of the Arboretum
Wear comfortable shoes as you will do a lot of walking. California's sun is often bright so a hat and sun glasses may be useful.
From June through September the Pasadena Symphony and Pops holds its season at the Arboretum. It is a fabulous way to enjoy a classical music concert under the stars of a balmy California evening. See if your visit matches one of their dates at PasadenaSymphony-pops.org.
Author's Bio: Dena Burroughs has lived in Los Angeles for almost 30 years. She loves palm trees, peacocks, and dancing Salsa. VidaSalsera.com is her own website.
Part of the Oceanographic Teaching Stations nonprofit organization, this small aquarium features rotating exhibits, as well as a shark tank, a tide pool touch tank and a living reef tank. Classes and events are held regularly to encourage the public to take an interest in the ocean and coastline of Southern California, including the impact of the human population on the environment. Donations are suggested for admission at the Roundhouse Marine Lab & Aquarium, which is located off Manhattan Beach Boulevard, at the end of the Manhattan Beach Pier.
Effie Yeaw Nature Center is an environmental and cultural education center located inside Ancil Hoffman Park, off Tarshes Drive in Carmichael. The center is operated by the American River Natural History Association and offers 77 acres filled with educational stations for adults and kids, small animals, exhibits and more. The area has three self-guided trails which offer views of animals, including turkeys, deer, rabbits and other creatures. The location also offers a shop, specialty exhibits, as well as space available for rental.
The Center's Assembly Building is available for meetings, workshops and educational programs and special events. It can hold 100 to 130 people in a single room or it can be divided into three individual rooms to seat 20 to 50 people. Check the Web site for details on rentals or for information on programs or workshops.
