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Golden Gate BridgevsCalifornia Academy of Sciences
Both are rated very highly by travel writers. On balance, California Academy of Sciences is preferred by most reviewers compared to Golden Gate Bridge. California Academy of Sciences ranks #3 in San Francisco with positive reviews from 13 reviewers including Atlas Obscura, Fodor's and Travel + Leisure.
Golden Gate Bridge
Fodor's
Concierge
Lonely Planet
Travel + Leisure
Condé Nast Traveler
Not For Tourists
Michelin Guide
National Geographic
Where
U.S. News & World Report Show All Reviews
Lincoln Boulevard, San Francisco, CA 94129
From $0/night
Fodor's "With its simple but powerful art-deco design, the 1.7-mile suspension span that connects San Francisco and Marin County was built to withstand winds of more than 100 mph." Full review
Concierge "Opened in 1937, Golden Gate Bridge is named after the Golden Gate Strait, the entrance to the San Francisco Bay."
i
Instead of driving or cycling (or jumping), walk across the bridge to savor the majestic views—but be sure to dress appropriately.
Lonely PlanetTop choice
"San Franciscans have passionate perspectives on every subject, but especially their signature landmark." Full review
Travel + Leisure "Do yourself a favor and see the Golden Gate Bridge the way it was meant to be seen: from below." Full review
Condé Nast Traveler "Perhaps the world's most beautiful bridge." Full review
i
Walk across the bridge to savor the majestic views—but be sure to dress appropriately. It can get chilly up there.
Not For Tourists "The one and only. Sublime beyond all accounting."
Michelin Guide 3 Stars
"This elegant Art Deco suspension bridge remains one of San Francisco's most beloved symbols." Full review
i
Cross to the Vista Point on the Marin County side for lovely views of the bridge from the north.
National Geographic "Iconic red suspension bridge spanning "Golden Gate" of San Francisco Bay; outstanding views from Fort Point overlook on south side and Vista Point on north; fee if going south." Full review
Where "One of the most iconic landmarks in the world, let alone San Francisco, the magnificent international orange Golden Gate Bridge defines the city." Full review
U.S. News & World Report2.0
"The Golden Gate Bridge's vaulting, orange arches amidst the rocky seascape of the San Francisco Bay have made it one of the West Coast's most enduring symbols." Full review
California Academy of Sciences Fodor's Concierge Lonely Planet Travel + Leisure Condé Nast Traveler
Afar Magazine Where
Atlas Obscura Atlas Obscura Travel + Leisure Show All Reviews
55 Music Concourse Drive, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA 94118
From $0/night
Fodor's "The Cal Academy is one of the city's most spectacular treasures." Full review
Concierge "The California Academy of Sciences is as renowned for its collection—over 26 million specimens gathered over the past 150 years—as it is for the building that houses them."
i
Be sure to pick up tickets for the hourly shows at the state-of-the-art Morrison Planetarium, the world's largest all-digital planetarium; sit up high for the best perspective on the 75-foot-diameter dome.
Lonely PlanetTop choice
"Architect Renzo Piano's 2008 landmark LEED-certified green building houses 38,000 weird and wonderful animals in a four-story rainforest and split-level aquarium." Full review
Travel + Leisure "The Museum, in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park, extends green, sustainable architecture in unprecedented ways." Full review
Condé Nast Traveler "Renowned for its collection—over 26 million specimens gathered over the past 150 years—as it is for the building that houses them." Full review
i
Even on a foggy day, when mist twirls in the treetops, the park views from atop the roof are stupendous.
Afar Magazine "The California Academy of Sciences is an unfortunately stuffy name for an institution that is anything but staid." Full review
i
) It would be easy to spend an entire day or more seeing all of the Academy's exhibits, so be prepared to pick and choose among them.
Where "The academy is an international center for scientific education and research and the only museum in the world to house an aquarium, planetarium and natural history museum under one (living) roof." Full review
Atlas Obscura "Over 315,000 preserved amphibians and reptiles in jars. " Full review
Atlas Obscura "A century and a half of research in the sciences and natural history, still going strong. " Full review
Travel + Leisure "The California Academy of Sciences covers a broad reach, blending innovative and interactive exhibits that make this a local favorite." Full review
