SF: CA Academy of Sciences & Hop-on Hop-off Tour (Save 15%)

Experience San Francisco’s highlights at your own pace with a 48-hour hop-on hop-off bus tour, combined with entry to the California Academy of Sciences and a guided Chinatown walk. For $110 per person, this package offers a practical way to see the city’s most iconic sights, learn about its diverse neighborhoods, and enjoy some fun family-friendly attractions.

We love how flexible the hop-on hop-off bus is, allowing us to craft our day around our interests—whether that’s snapping photos of the Golden Gate Bridge, browsing the shops at Union Square, or exploring the fascinating exhibits inside the California Academy of Sciences. The inclusion of the California Academy of Sciences with its 40,000 live animals and interactive displays makes this a standout for travelers looking for a mix of culture and science.

One thing to consider is that this tour does not include hotel pickup or drop-off, so you’ll need to plan your transportation to and from the meeting points. Also, if you prefer a fully guided, all-in-one tour without the flexibility of hopping on and off, this might feel a bit scattered. But for those who love to explore on their own schedule, it’s a real win.

This experience suits travelers who want a comprehensive introduction to San Francisco without breaking the bank, especially families, first-time visitors, or anyone eager to tick off several top attractions in a single day.

Key Points

• Flexible 48-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off: Explore at your own pace, with frequent buses and unobstructed views from the open-top deck.
• California Academy of Sciences: Up-close encounters with over 40,000 live animals, a planetarium, rainforest, and more under one roof.
• Iconic Landmarks: Views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf, Painted Ladies, and Alcatraz, with expert digital commentary.
• Guided Chinatown Walking Tour: Dive into Chinatown’s vibrant culture with a knowledgeable guide, beginning at Stop #3.
• Cost-Effective Package: Save 15% off retail price, getting a combined value that exceeds $134 for just $110.
• Additional Tours Included: Enjoy a 1-hour panoramic sunset tour and a one-hour Chinatown walk for a well-rounded experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the Tour Experience

The Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus: Exploring at Your Own Pace

The Big Bus 48-Hour Ticket is the backbone of this experience. We found the open-top double-decker buses a fantastic way to see the city because they offer unbeatable views of San Francisco’s architecture, waterfront, and skyline. The buses run frequently, so you won’t wait long when you’re eager to hop off and explore.

The narrated commentary (available in multiple languages including English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, and Korean) adds context, helping us understand the city’s diverse neighborhoods, historical sites, and unique architecture. It’s a simple way to learn about San Francisco without lugging around a guidebook.

What we especially appreciated was the ability to hop off at locations like Pier 39, the Exploratorium, or the Painted Ladies, spend some time exploring, then catch the next bus to continue our tour. This setup is ideal for families or travelers who want to customize their day and avoid rushing through sights.

California Academy of Sciences: A Curiosity Hub for All Ages

Included with your ticket is access to one of the city’s most popular museums—the California Academy of Sciences. It’s a place where you can get up close with over 40,000 live animals, including an impressive aquarium, a lush rainforest, and exhibits covering natural history and space.

Walking through the rainforest, we loved the 4-story habitat that felt like a mini Amazon, with free-flying birds and butterflies. The aquarium features colorful tropical fish and sharks, sparking curiosity and wonder. The museum’s planetarium offers immersive shows that fascinate both kids and adults alike.

Reviews highlight just how much there is to see and do here, with one visitor noting they “could easily spend an entire day exploring,” which is a testament to the museum’s engaging exhibits and interactive displays. The admission fee is worth it for the quality and variety of experiences packed into one venue.

Exploring Iconic Landmarks and Neighborhoods

Along With the bus tour and museum, this package includes a guided walking tour of Chinatown. Starting at Stop #3, the tour offers a window into one of San Francisco’s most vibrant districts. Expect colorful street scenes, historic architecture, and insights into the neighborhood’s cultural significance.

From the bus route, we loved catching glimpses of Fisherman’s Wharf and the Golden Gate Bridge, both of which are just a short walk from bus stops. The views of the bridge from various vantage points are stunning, especially if you’re into photography.

Union Square and Ghirardelli Square are also along the route, offering opportunity for some retail therapy and, of course, sampling world-famous chocolates. The ferry building nearby is worth a quick visit for artisanal food stalls and local produce.

More Great Tours Nearby

Additional Tours and Convenience

Your package includes a 1-hour panoramic sunset tour, which adds a relaxed way to see the city’s lights and skyline as evening approaches. This is especially beautiful from a vantage point like the Marina or Twin Peaks.

The Chinatown walking tour, accessible via an app, complements the bus route and offers cultural insights that make the neighborhood come alive. It begins at Stop #3 and is ideal for those wanting a more immersive experience of San Francisco’s Chinese community.

Since the tour does not provide hotel pickup or drop-off, you’ll want to plan how to get to the starting point in front of the California Academy of Sciences or any of the bus stops. Public transportation or a short Uber ride are good options.

Practicalities and Tips

• Timing: The 48-hour ticket is flexible, but check the operating hours for each attraction and the bus schedule to maximize your day.
• Price and Value: At $110, this package offers about 20% savings compared to retail prices, and the combination of transportation and entry makes it a strong value for first-time visitors.
• Accessibility: The bus is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for many travelers.
• Language options: The digital commentary can be enjoyed in multiple languages, ideal for international visitors.

Who Should Consider This Tour

This combo is perfect for travelers who want a balanced mix of guided and self-guided exploration. Families will appreciate the ease of moving between museums and outdoor landmarks, while solo travelers can enjoy the flexibility of hopping on and off.

If you’re on a first trip to San Francisco and want to cover a lot of ground without stress, this package offers great value. It’s also suitable for those with limited time who want a rundown of the city’s highlights in just a day.

However, if you prefer a guided tour with no need for planning, or if hotel transportation is crucial, you might want to look for a different option.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

For $110, this combination ticket delivers an impressive mix of cultural sights, engaging exhibits, and scenic views. The California Academy of Sciences alone justifies the cost, especially for families and science enthusiasts. The hop-on hop-off bus makes it easy to cover San Francisco’s sprawling neighborhoods and iconic landmarks comfortably, without feeling rushed.

The added guided Chinatown tour enriches the experience, giving a cultural depth that many travelers might overlook when simply walking by. The sunset tour offers a nice, relaxed way to end your day with panoramic city views.

While it’s not a fully guided, all-in-one tour, the flexibility and variety make this an excellent choice for those seeking authentic experiences and good value. It’s especially suited for travelers who love to explore at their own pace and enjoy a mix of indoor and outdoor attractions.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the California Academy of Sciences is very family-friendly, and the hop-on hop-off bus allows for flexible stops that children enjoy, like the aquarium and rainforest exhibits.

Do I need to book in advance?
Booking is recommended, especially to secure the discounted rate and ensure availability, but the voucher can be redeemed at the visitor center or any bus stop on the route.

Can I use the bus ticket on the same day I buy it?
The 48-hour ticket is valid for use during operating hours starting from the first time you redeem it, giving you plenty of flexibility.

Are the buses wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the buses are equipped to accommodate wheelchairs, making the tour accessible for most visitors.

What’s included in the package?
The package includes the California Academy of Sciences admission, a 24-hour hop-on hop-off bus ticket, a 1-hour panoramic sunset tour, and a 1-hour Chinatown walking tour, plus digital commentary and souvenir earbuds.

Is hotel pickup included?
No, you will need to arrange your own transportation to and from the meeting point in front of the California Academy of Sciences.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility when planning your trip.

In sum, this tour offers a well-rounded, enjoyable way to discover San Francisco’s best sights, especially if you’re eager to explore independently but with the convenience of included attractions. It’s a smart choice for travelers wanting a good mix of science, scenery, and culture, all at an accessible price.

You can check availability for your dates here: