Catch a ride on a clattering cable car, slurp clam chowder from a sourdough bread bowl, stroll Fisherman’s Wharf--most tourists in San Francisco know the drill. But as locals, it often breaks our hearts to watch the hordes move from one time-honored experience to the next en masse, never stopping to wander without purpose through our charming city, never trying the new thrills and attractions.

What new experiences would I recommend? For starters I’d try the wacky ice cream flavors at Humphrey Slocombe, wander the exhibits at the new-ish de Young Museum, and catch a movie at the Sundance Kabuki Theatre. But my favorite new attraction--or I should say reborn attraction--is the California Academy of Sciences. If you’re heading to Fog City this summer, you should definitely add it to your itinerary.

California Academy of Sciences

As soon as the living roof of the brand-new California Academy of Sciences comes into view, you know it’s not like other science museums. Founded in 1853, The Academy was one of the first science museums in the West and a beloved San Francisco institution. But when the 1989 Lomo Prieta earthquake struck, it damaged the structure and the museum undertook a massive “reinvention.” Having just reopened to the public at the end of last year, today the Academy is the greenest museum in the world and the living roof is its most iconic symbol. With huge green swells studded with “portholes,” the 2.5-acre roof is planted with native California plant life and helped the building earn a Platinum rating from The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), the highest level possible.

Living roof

Inside visitors find a multi-purpose learning center that seamlessly unites an aquarium, planetarium, natural history museum, and world-class research center for working scientists. The biggest attraction and the museum’s actual centerpiece is the Rainforests of the World bio-dome. Inside the balmy dome that simulates a rainforest, guests wander past soaring trees and native wildlife to learn about these delicate and unique ecosystems while live butterflies and birds fly around.

The line can be long for the rainforest exhibit, but it’s definitely worth the wait. In fact, lines are a serious problem at the museum so be sure to arrive early in the morning and proceed directly to the Planetarium to secure your tickets. It was sold out by the time we arrived for the day, but I hear it's wonderful.

Rainforests of the world

After you visit the bio-dome, you’ll probably be getting hungry--and for a change, that’s a good thing. I can say without hesitation that the Academy of Sciences has the best museum food I’ve ever encountered. Celebrity chefs Charles Phan and Loretta Keller are behind the dining program at the museum and there are two options available: the Moss Room and the Academy Café. The Moss Room is an elegant destination restaurant, but I recommend eating at the Academy Café, a gourmet food hall. We had steamed pork buns, an incredible apple tarte, and other gourmet nibbles that were filling but not too heavy.

Then wander the exotic aquariums and the African Hall. Though the aquariums are not as extensive or elaborate as those you might find at a stand-alone aquarium, they are still very impressive and the explanatory plaques and video screens add a lot to the experience. The African Hall houses the museum’s elaborate collection of taxidermic animals native to Africa showcased against a stunning backdrop of hand-painted murals, and at the end of the hall you can watch the live African penguins dive, swim, waddle, and play.

This trip to San Francisco, strike out on your own and try a new adventure in the City by the Bay. I’m not saying to skip the sourdough. We love it too. But don’t neglect the newer thrills like the California Academy of Sciences.