Bringing a group?
Groups are welcome on VIP Tours! Please complete the form below and a member of our team will follow up with you.
We're open daily this holiday! View holiday hours
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See the Academy in a whole new light—or with the lights out!—on one of our fascinating tours or Penguins+Pajamas Sleepovers.
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VIP Tours
Did Claude really eat a ballet slipper? Why are there whale bones on our roof? Is there really a sea monster in our basement? At the Academy, there’s a story behind every species. Join a VIP Tour for an eye-opening look at what’s not on the public floor.
- Prepare to be dazzled inside our private gem and mineral vault
- Skip the line at Osher Rainforest and the Shake House
- Enjoy 10% off at all Academy restaurants and stores
- And more!
Please note: VIP Tour tickets do not include Daytime Admission. To purchase tour and admission tickets together, visit our Buy Tickets page, select Daytime Admission, and then add a VIP Tour to your cart before checkout.
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Birthday Parties
Celebrate Academy-style with one of four customizable parties for children ages 4-12!
- 2-hour party room rental, including setup and cleanup
- Interactive stories and games with your dedicated party host
- Express entry into Osher Rainforest and The Shake House earthquake simulator
- Reserved seating in the Morrison Planetarium (minimum age of 4)
- A special gift for the birthday child and party favors for all kids
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NightLife Plus
Cocktails, collections, and VIP access. Cultivate your curiosity with NightLife Plus.
- 2 complimentary cocktails and light hors d’oeuvres
- Complimentary tickets to a Morrison Planetarium show
- Private bar on the 3rd floor in the Gems and Minerals Unearthed exhibit
- Priority entrance to Osher Rainforest and The Shake House
- Exclusive behind-the-scenes access to the Academy’s research collections with a guided tour
- 10% discount at the Café and retail stores
- Digital scavenger hunt of the Academy's exhibits
Ticket prices vary by date—plan ahead and save! For guests 21+ with ID.
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Penguins+Pajamas Sleepovers
Slumber like a sea cucumber during a family-friendly overnight stay — and find out what nearly 60,000 live animals get into after-hours.
Includes:
- Overnight stay in one of our iconic exhibits
- Rainforest access until 8 pm
- Planetarium showings
- Late night snack and early morning breakfast
- Overnight parking and next-day museum admission
- For ages 4 and up; adult chaperones (18+) required
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FAQ
Got tour questions? We've got answers!
What will I see on a VIP Tour?
Our VIP Tours visit behind-the-scenes spaces of the Academy including our Living Roof (weather permitting) and various collection rooms. The tour does not spend much time on the public side of the museum, and will not visit exhibits such as the rainforest or aquarium.
What is the minimum age requirement for VIP Tours?
All VIP Tour guests must be age 8 or older.
Is there a lot of walking on the VIP Tour?
Yes! Our VIP Tours are walking tours, and include walking up and down stairs, on uneven outdoor terrain, and standing for about an hour. Restrooms are not available on the tour.
We can shift the tour route to avoid stairs if needed, no advance notice is required. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to email us at experiences@calacademy.org or call us at 415-379-5854 to inquire about accessible tour options.
Can I take photos on the VIP Tour?
Yes! Photos are allowed on our tours, but flash photography and video recording are prohibited. If your tour guide has any specific photography rules, they will tell you at the beginning of your tour.
Will I meet scientists or see them working on my tour?
VIP Tours typically don't venture into areas where scientists are working, as our scientists like to give tours plenty of space. Rest assured that your tour guide is very knowledgeable about the Academy and our current research, so please feel free to ask as many questions as you like!
Contact us
Have questions about enhanced experiences at the Academy? We're here to help.
(415) 379-5854