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California Itinerary: San Francisco

November 3, 2022

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Get some inspiration for science and technology youth tours in San Francisco.

“San Francisco is one of the most exciting destinations and a leader in advanced science and technology. The city’s best-in-class museums include the California Academy of Sciences and the Exploratorium, both of which oer dynamic exhibits and are among the most sustainably designed museums in the world.” –Hubertus Funke, executive vice president and chief tourism officer, San Francisco Travel Association

EXPLORE

Start at the California Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park. Established in 1853, the one-of-a-kind institution holds an aquarium, planetarium, natural history museum, and four-story tropical rainforest—all under one living roof covered by 1.7 million native plants. Lesson plans for a variety of subjects are available for students of all grade levels.

ENJOY

The Presidio, once a military post, is now a national park and National Historic Landmark District. Hike 24 miles of trails, check out eight scenic overlooks, and see how many of the 330 native plant species the group can identify.

Presidio Tunnel Tops, built over the tops of the Presidio Parkway highway tunnels, opened in July 2022 and add 14 acres of new national parkland to the Presidio. Presidio Tunnel Tops feature scenic overlooks with stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the city, trails, picnic areas, gathering spaces, and gardens and meadows. The renovated Crissy Field Center and new Field Station—an indoor spot where students explore the Presidio through art, science, or simply their imagination—help engage people of all ages in self-guided and programmed activities.

The Walt Disney Family Museum on the Presidio’s Main Post chronicles Disney’s life. See how experiments with sound, imagery, and personality animation led to a creative revolution in art and technology.

LEARN

The Exploratorium, located on Pier 15, blends interactive activities and thought-provoking exhibits. At time of publication, the Exploratorium was not accepting field trip reservations; educators are encouraged to reach out for up-to-date information.