Cal Academy Herpetology Collection

What you need to know

What’s There

The California Academy of Sciences has more than 315,000 cataloged reptile and amphibian specimens from 175 countries, making it the sixth-largest herpetology collection in the world. The collection includes the original Academy holdings (about 262,000 specimens) plus the Stanford University collection that was transferred in.

The public-facing exhibits in the Academy’s rainforest dome and aquarium feature live reptiles and amphibians connected to the research collection: poison dart frogs, chameleons, and snakes. For years the most famous resident was Claude, the Academy’s albino alligator, who died in December 2025.

The Academy occasionally offers behind-the-scenes tours that include access to the research collections. These are ticketed events and sell out quickly. If you get one, you’ll see rows of specimen jars stretching to the ceiling.

Visiting

Hours: Monday to Saturday, 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Sunday, 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Cost: $42 adults, $37 seniors, $32 kids 4 to 11. Free for members. Behind-the-scenes tours extra.

Best time to go: Weekday mornings for fewer crowds. Thursday evenings for NightLife (21+ events with cocktails).

What to know: The herpetology research collection isn’t visible during regular visits, only during special behind-the-scenes tours. The live exhibits are included with regular admission.

Getting There

Transit: Muni N-Judah to 9th and Irving, then walk. The 44-O’Shaughnessy stops at the Music Concourse.

Parking: Music Concourse garage (paid). Free street parking on Lincoln Way.

Walking: In the Music Concourse area of Golden Gate Park, next to the de Young Museum and Japanese Tea Garden.