SF Big Bus Tour: California Academy & de Young Museum
Explore San Francisco's Golden Gate Park with the Big Bus Tour! Discover the California Academy of Sciences and enjoy free panoramic city views from the de Young Museum's Hammon Tower.
Your San Francisco Adventure
Big Bus Tour ep.04: de Young Museum & California Academy of Sciences
Photos/Text © Minimanimu
Hey there, fellow travelers!
It's Mini, your guide to uncovering the best of the American West.
In our last installment, we explored San Francisco's must-see spots on the Big Bus Tour ep.03, featuring the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and lively Pier 39.
Today, we're kicking off day two of our Big Bus adventure with two incredible destinations: the California Academy of Sciences and the de Young Museum!
Table of Contents |
California Academy of Sciences |
de Young Museum |
California Academy of Sciences
📍50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr, San Francisco, CA 94118 USA
⏰Hours
Monday - Saturday: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
📍 California Academy of Sciences
55 Music Concourse Dr, San Francisco, CA 94118 USA
Nestled within Golden Gate Park, the California Academy of Sciences is one of the world's largest natural history museums.
It's an absolute marvel, housing a natural history museum, an aquarium, a planetarium, and a tropical rainforest all under one magnificent roof.
Inside, you'll find the stunning Rainforest Dome, a massive aquarium teeming with marine life, and an immersive planetarium. It's truly a hit with visitors of all ages, from kids to adults!
A standout feature is the Living Roof, an impressive plant-covered expanse that blankets the entire building. It's not just beautiful; it's an incredible example of sustainable architecture.
While I only got to admire the exterior this time, a return trip to San Francisco would definitely include a dedicated visit here, allowing plenty of time to explore everything Golden Gate Park has to offer.
de Young Museum
📍50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr, San Francisco, CA 94118 USA
⏰Hours
Tuesday - Sunday: 9:30 AM - 5:15 PM
📍 de Young Museum
50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr, San Francisco, CA 94118 USA
The de Young Museum is a cornerstone of Golden Gate Park's cultural scene, renowned for its extensive collections of American art and contemporary works, alongside a diverse range of rotating exhibitions.
Its striking exterior, clad in copper panels, shifts in color depending on the angle of the sunlight, making it a captivating sight from every perspective.
While exhibition viewing requires a ticket, the Hammon Tower observation deck is absolutely free and open to everyone! From the top, you'll be treated to breathtaking panoramic views of Golden Gate Park and the San Francisco cityscape – it's an experience that consistently earns high praise from visitors.
💡How to Reach the Observation Deck
Enter the de Young Museum and head to your right.
Follow the sign for 'Elevators to Tower Observation Level' deeper inside.
Take the elevator up to the 9th floor.
After soaking in the views from the observation deck, head back down to the first floor to the de Young Cafe, where you can grab a light meal or a refreshing drink.
➡️de Young Museum Admission Tickets ⬅️
Both the California Academy of Sciences and the de Young Museum are easily accessible and highly recommended stops if you're utilizing the convenient Big Bus Tour.
Golden Gate Park itself is vast and beautifully maintained, so I highly recommend dedicating at least half a day to leisurely explore these gems and the surrounding park!
Stay tuned for the next installment, where we'll continue our Big Bus Tour Day 2 adventure!
🔎More San Francisco Adventures:
San Francisco Must-Visit Spots: Big Bus Tour ep.3 Golden Gate Bridge & Pier 39
San Francisco Must-Visit Spots: Big Bus Tour ep.3 Golden Gate Bridge & Pier 39blog.naver.com
San Francisco Must-Visit Spots: Big Bus Tour ep.02 Alamo Square & The Painted Ladies
San Francisco Must-Visit Spots: Big Bus Tour ep.02 Alamo Square & The Painted Ladiesblog.naver.com
San Francisco Must-Visit Spots: Big Bus Tour ep.01 Ferry Building & Civic Center
San Francisco Must-Visit Spots: Big Bus Tour ep.01 Ferry Building & Civic Centerblog.naver.com
San Francisco Big Bus Tour: Ticket Types, Routes & Booking Guide
San Francisco Big Bus Tour: Ticket Types, Routes & Booking Guideblog.naver.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Hammon Tower observation deck at the de Young Museum free to use? I'd like to know the specific way to get to the observation deck.
Yes, unlike the museum's exhibitions, the Hammon Tower observation deck at the de Young Museum is free and open to everyone. To get there, enter the museum, follow the 'Elevators to Tower Observation Level' sign to the right and proceed inwards, then take the elevator up to the 9th floor.
What are the daily operating hours for the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco?
The California Academy of Sciences operates from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Saturday. On Sundays, the operating hours are different, from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM, so it's good to keep this in mind when planning your visit.
What facilities are housed together in one building at the California Academy of Sciences?
The California Academy of Sciences is the world's largest natural history museum, bringing together a natural history museum, an aquarium, a planetarium, and a sub-tropical greenhouse all under one roof. Inside, you'll find a rainforest dome recreating a tropical rainforest, a large aquarium, and a planetarium theater, among other attractions.
What are the distinctive features of the de Young Museum's exterior, and is there a place to eat after visiting the observation deck?
The de Young Museum is encased in copper panels, which gives it a distinctive appearance where the color changes depending on the angle of the sunlight. After visiting the observation deck, you can enjoy a simple meal at the de Young Café located on the first floor.
Share this article
Related Travel Stories
Hog Island San Francisco: Must-Try Oysters at Ferry Building
Craving the freshest oysters in San Francisco? Discover Hog Island Oyster Co. at the iconic Ferry Building. Get insider tips on avoiding the wait and what to order!
Boudin Bakery Pier 39: Classic San Francisco Clam Chowder
Craving the quintessential San Francisco experience? Our guide to Boudin Bakery at Pier 39 covers the must-try clam chowder bread bowl, menu tips, and why it's a perfect stop.
RM x SFMOMA Exhibition 2026: Exploring Art at SFMOMA
Discover the highly anticipated RM x SFMOMA exhibition, 'Between you and me,' running from October 2026 to February 2027. Get your tickets and explore RM's unique curatorial vision.
San Francisco Fisherman's Wharf: BART to F-Line Tram Guide 2026
Planning a trip to San Francisco's iconic Fisherman's Wharf? Skip the stress! Discover the easiest way to get there by transferring from BART to the historic F-line tram.
Union Chancellor San Francisco Review 2026: Safe Union Square Hotel
Planning a San Francisco trip? I found the perfect safe haven: Union Chancellor at Union Square. Discover its prime location, comfortable rooms, and why it's a top choice for peace of mind.
SFO Airport to San Francisco City Center by BART 2026 Guide
Navigating from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to the vibrant city center is a breeze with BART. Discover the most affordable and efficient way to start your adventure.