It's world class, albeit a very expensive outing.

There are three main things to see and do at the Academy of the Sciences:

1) The aquarium
2) The rain forest
3) the planetarium

All are worthwhile.

While not quite as good as the Monterey Aquarium, the Academy of the Sciences aquarium is probably the second best I've ever seen. The albino crocodile is otherworldly. There are plenty of sharks, and huge, ancient looking fish lurking around. They pack the fish in, which is good for us tourists (but probably bad for the fish). The nicest spot in the whole place might be the benches that sit beneath one of the main tanks - you can sit there gazing up and watch the fish float by.

The rain forest was neat as well. It's a contained area with jacked up humidity and birds and butterflies flying around. As you leave, the staff brushes you down for butterflies attempting their getaway. There are supposedly macaws in there as well, but I couldn't find them. Downside: it's hot and humid in there (shocker), and you will likely have to wait in line.

Finally, the Planetarium was flat out amazing. There was lots of recent data included in the show, with the host speaking on a microphone during pauses about the latest findings around exo planets. There is clearly life on other planets, and I reiterate my support for figuring out FTL travel and cold sleep ASAP.

I had a great date here. Besides good company, the museum is pretty cool. Def. high tech. The aquarium was prob the best part, although still not the best aquarium ever. They have a white crocodile. The forest is pretty cool, yet it gets really hot and stuffy and the line takes forever!!!! its cool when the butterflies float around you. Got into a 3d show too about bugs, that was cool. Overall, def something to check out in the city, its a fun thing to do on a weekday....when its not packed!

Entrance fee is too expensive for what it offers. I did not find the interactive sections or most of the exhibits as stimulating as expected, but they did have a beautiful albino alligator that resembled white chocolate. It was chilling by itself in an open-top display case and putting up with copious quantities of flash photography with Ghandi-like patience. The penguins were adorable, and two of them felt compelled to entertain the audience by fornicating.