The Broken Tiki

Awesome experience!

The California Academy of Sciences is an amazing place that we keep coming back to. It’s spacious and packed with so much to see and explore. One of our favorite parts is taking the elevator down from the rainforest to the aquarium—it’s such a fun transition. The large tank in the aquarium always captures our attention, and we can spend a long time just watching the marine life. Cloud, the white alligator, is absolutely adorable! The special dinosaur exhibits are always impressive and worth seeing, no matter how many times we’ve visited. We also love enjoying a meal in the cafeteria while looking at the dinosaur displays. The kids’ play area is so much fun that it’s hard to get the children to leave once they’re in. It’s truly a wonderful place that we never get tired of visiting.

So many fun, interactive and hands-on activities! My son turned into a happy little scientist for hours. A fantastic place to spark curiosity, great for both kids and adults, definitely worth visiting a few times a year.

As a family of lifelong Disney fans, visiting the Walt Disney Family Museum was an incredibly meaningful and memorable experience for us. From the moment we walked in, we were immersed in the inspiring journey of Walt Disney’s life from his humble beginnings to the creation of the magic that shaped generations. The exhibits were thoughtfully laid out, filled with original artwork, rare footage, personal letters, and detailed models that gave us a deeper appreciation for Walt not just as a visionary, but as a person. We especially loved the multi-plane camera demonstration and the massive Disneyland model it truly brought the magic to life in a way we hadn’t seen before. The museum strikes the perfect balance between being educational and emotionally touching. It gave us a whole new perspective on the creativity, perseverance, and heart that built the Disney legacy. One important tip: the museum is only open Thursday through Sunday, so make sure to plan your visit accordingly. If you’re a Disney fan, this is an absolute must-visit. It’s not just about the company it’s about the man behind the dream, and we walked away feeling even more inspired and connected to the

As a longtime fan of both The Beatles and thoughtful curation, I was blown away by the Paul McCartney Photographs 1963–64: Eyes of the Storm exhibit at the de Young. As an annual pass holder, I visit often—but this show is easily one of the most intimate and moving exhibitions I’ve experienced in years. These photographs, taken by Paul himself, chronicle the band’s meteoric rise from late 1963 through their first tour of the U.S. in early 1964. What makes it so special isn’t just the historical weight—it’s how raw and personal the images feel. From candid shots backstage and in hotel rooms to moments of quiet reflection between John, George, and Ringo, McCartney captures a whirlwind from the inside, at the eye of the storm. It’s rare to see Beatlemania through the Beatles’ own lens. And what’s astonishing is how sharp Paul’s composition is—his use of light, motion, and framing rivals many professional photographers. The show is organized chronologically by city—Liverpool, Paris, New York, D.C., Miami—and supported with engaging context that brings the era to life. Major props to the de Young for their presentation: the layout flows well, the lighting is respectful of these aged prints, and the optional audio guide adds depth without distraction. I’d recommend weekday visits to avoid the crowds. If you’re remotely interested in pop culture, photography, or 1960s history, don’t miss this one. Even if you’ve seen all the Beatles documentaries, this feels like a missing piece of the story—more human, more vulnerable. A beautiful exhibit by a surprising photographer.

The staff provided great service, and I really enjoyed taking in all the unique plants and stunning scenery. There were so many species I had never seen before—it made me reflect on how much of the natural world is still waiting to be discovered. The only downside was how crowded it was; the walkways are narrow, so it was a bit of a challenge to navigate through the crowds, especially with many people stopping to take photos or admire the greenery. I’d love to return during a quieter time when the focus can be more on immersing myself in the experience, rather than trying to weave through people without bumping into anyone. That said, I completely understand the excitement—everyone wants to witness the beauty of the place. While the crowding was a slight drawback for me, it’s certainly not a reflection on the venue itself. Also, if you want to go to this place as well as the botanical garden and Japanese garden, you should buy the three park ticket deal. I didn’t know about this until I got there.