Tours, sightseeing tours, activities & things to do | Viator.comSkip the Line: California Academy of Sciences General Admission Ticket
based on 57 reviews of Skip the Line: California Academy of Sciences General Admission Ticket
Read what other Viator.com travelers think about the Skip the Line: California Academy of Sciences General Admission Ticket. What they loved, what they liked and what they think could be improved, it's all here to help you make the most of your next trip.
The museum is worth visiting, even though I thought the political "green" activism was a bit preachy and redundant. Please note that your ticket does not get you right into the museum and you will need to wait in a line to sign your tickets to allow entry. Also, parents with very young children should wait until kids are older 7 & up to appreciate the educational aspects of the museum. Too many strollers, stressed parents with big bags, not enough space! Getting to the museum is a challenge on public transport. Take a cab if coming from the SF downtown/Union Square area It was actually cheaper than taking the Muni! Also, I would recommend bringing a picnic lunch. The cafeteria style eating area is a great idea, but the "concept" is a bit confusing.
Reviewed by: Stacey R, United States of America, July 2009
Staff had different answers to the same questions regarding entrance procedures and entering Planetarium. They need for larger signs on the interior and exterior. A small directory can not be seen clearly, just ask your patrons.
Reviewed by: Ed C, United States of America, July 2009
When we got there I was unclear about finding a service center to check in with. The Academy of Sciences had their line labeled "Memberships" and in small print Service Center. I'm sure it may have just been me that was confused as a first-timer. They had two people working the Membership area, and there were guests with lots of questions, so I did still have to wait. I was not totally disappointed. The exhibit was awesome. Missed the planetarium though. Out of tickets.
Reviewed by: Beverly K, United States of America, June 2009
We were mad because we still had to wait in line. The attendants didn't have a clue what the were doing at the entrance. The place is magnificent if the people working there were not so rude.
Reviewed by: Sandy H, United States of America, May 2009
It was wonderful avoiding the wait in line at the Academy of Sciences; however, there was no information letting us know that in order to see some of the attractions included in the price of the ticket, planetarium and 3-D show, we had to get additional passes once we were inside. At the special entrance for advance ticket holders, there was no brochure or any type of information. By the time we realized we needed another pass to see these attractions, they were already gone for the day. If they are going to presell tickets, I would think that those customers should be guaranteed a pass. Very disappointed with the experience.
Reviewed by: Anonymous, United States of America, April 2009
Great building - too many people. Rain forest needs help, look at Vancouver's aquarium. Too crowded to get to cafe. Great concepts, but overcrowding ruined it all.
Reviewed by: James P, United States of America, April 2009
Here is your problem. You have paid to get in the door, only to learn that the shows you you want to see are sold out until late in the afternoon. You are handed a pass to each show prior to getting in the show. When they are gone, that's it! The planetarium show was outstanding.
Reviewed by: Peter G, United States of America, March 2009
No senior rate offered by you, but there is one at the ticket office. Could not change our ticket. We still had to go to the ticket booth line to exchange our printout for a ticket.
Reviewed by: Marie T, United States of America, March 2009
Even though I had the ticket, so did hundreds more, so we still had to stay in line to get in, and when my time came after 15 minutes I was told to go to the ticket office to change the e-ticket to a proper ticket. So all in all it was no advantage in getting the ticket in advance.
Reviewed by: Mina S, United States of America, March 2009 Note from Viator: We've had a lot of similar feedback, unfortunately there is no need to wait in long. There is a separate 'Voucher / Customer Service' desk right outside the front door of the museum. Do not line up at the ticket window, go straight to the kiosk. They will exchange your voucher for tickets, and you can then walk right into the museum (and thereby skipping the ticket line). There is no reason for you to stand in the ticket line. Your voucher will be exchanged for tickets at the kiosk, and you can then go immediately into the museum.
The Academy of Sciences was absolutely marvelous. When I arrived at the ticket counter, the gal gave me my entrance ticket after I handed her my voucher, which I had paid about 25.00 for on Viator, and my ticket said 18.00. Because being a senior citizen didn't register with the Internet ticket, it was considered an adult ticket. I mentioned it to her, and she said that it had been paid for and she couldn't change it for its real value. Needless to say, it was very disappointing to be ignored in that manner. At 70 years, my income is fixed, and this is why I shared my story with the other people that I had traveled with. I will not use your company again.
Reviewed by: Anonymous, United States of America, March 2009 Note from Viator: Regina, this one is our fault and we'll fix this immediately. We do have rates for seniors, and we'll make sure this are loaded immediately so that others can access these discounted rates if they qualify. This was an oversight on our part, again our apologies. One of our Customer Care agents will follow up directly with you to issue a refund.
I wasn't very impressed, but fortunately for me my children enjoyed it. The day we went it rained, so we couldn't enjoy the surrounding gardens. Keep in mind that they charge extra for the planetarium show and other shows they have, which can make the day more expensive.
Reviewed by: Loretta B, United States of America, February 2009 Note from Viator: Please note, there is no additional charge for the Planetarium or other attractions. Your voucher does get you free entrance to all activities here. However, you do need to get a ticket once inside, in order to reserve your time slot. This is free of charge, it is simply to help manage the crowds keen to see the Academy of Science's shows. Apologies for any confusion.
They didn't know about my voucher.
Reviewed by: Martin R, United States of America, February 2009 Note from Viator: Apologies for the confusion, your voucher is actually your ticket. Once it is issued, it's the same thing as having a ticket. The confusion was likely that you need to hand in your voucher at the 'Voucher' kiosk at the Academy of Science's main entrance. Apologies, we hope this note helps other travelers avoid the same issue.
