San Francisco’s main institution for science and natural history stands in Golden Gate Park, across a broad Music Concourse from the de Young museum (see listing). Along with the natural history museum, the academy, which was completely rebuilt in 2008 and now includes a grassy “living roof,” also houses the Morrison Planetarium, Steinhart Aquarium and the Osher Rainforest, a four-story exhibit full of live species, from reptiles to amphibians to free-flying birds. Tip: Thursday evenings are when adults 21 and over can experience the academy at night, although make sure to get a reservation. <