California Coast invites visitors to explore the astounding richness of our own coastal waters. Be dazzled by an enormous window revealing the underwater haunts of eels, anemones, rockfish and take in a series of smaller jewel tanks highlighting some of the area’s most fascinating residents.
This 100,000-gallon tank replicates habitats of the Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary, from quiet salt marshes to turbulent rocky inlets. Stroll the surface walkway to smell the seawater and witness the filling and draining of tide pools, then head below to see what lives in the sanctuary's strong, nutrient-rich ocean currents.
Our latest addition to the California Coast exhibit is an astoundingly colorful, 2,000-gallon tank filled with vibrant brittle stars, painted greenlings, and rosy rockfish, giving visitors a glimpse into the vast array of fish and invertebrates that thrive in California’s National Marine Sanctuaries.
At the Tidepool Explorer station, visitors can experience what it's like to participate in community science—and learn more about how to protect California's vibrant and vital coastal ecosystems.
Don’t miss our giant Pacific octopus, halibut, and the Southern California Kelp Forest, housing colorful Garibaldis and other fish that glide through strands of giant kelp.
Stomp and splash into spring at the Academy with two awe-inspiring exhibits—Dino Days and Unseen Oceans—now open daily!
Be mesmerized by colorful coral reef fish, soaring stingrays, and adorable African penguins—streaming live to your device, 24/7.
AZA-accredited since 1994, the Academy is dedicated to providing exceptional care for our 60,000 live animals. Meet the Animal Care team, see how we keep our creatures healthy and engaged, and explore our conservation programs.
Join our annual global community science event from April 25–28 to find, document, and share urban biodiversity.
Surf’s up! Get to know the best coast with a bunch of sunny, sandy science activities for beach bums ages 8-11.
Learn more about the Academy's community science program, and join an upcoming bioblitz or biodiversity survey.
Using a novel Past-Present-Future approach, the researchers uncovered the "sea cow effect" on kelp forests.
Ready? Set? Snap! This June, help document California's coastal biodiversity by joining a bioblitz near you.
Academy biologists will employ their larval rearing expertise to raise the young sea stars to adulthood.
