The FrontSteps likes to remind us of the reasons why we live in this fine city. Sometimes it is easy to forget: for instance, the third say in a week you find a ticket under your windshield wiper. I overheard a gentleman on the N-Judah the other day who, in response to a friend asking if he wouldn’t miss the city once he moved away, said “If ever I miss San Francisco, I will take a dump on my own doorstep and write myself a parking ticket.”

Such anger. No, we need to step away from the DPT and look around at our sparkling water views and ridiculously gorgeous architecture. And we need to visit the Academy of Sciences museum– for free.

If you’ve been scared off by the lines which have still not dwindled, let me assure you, a visit is worth the wait. Not only is the building spectacular, but the exhibits are as well. Plus, the roof is alive! And the planetarium is like an I-MAX theater. There’s even a rain forest!

The below is completely lifted from the California Academy of Sciences “Plan a Visit” page. It’s worth looking into this free day since general admission is pretty steep ($24.95). I’ve enjoyed some of the boozy Thursday night “Nightlife” $10 affairs, but these are exceedingly crowded and perhaps less scholarly than a day visit would be.

So take your proof or residency and enjoy your reward for being a San Franciscan!

WACHOVIA WEDNESDAYS
Free admission is available to visitors on the third Wednesday of every month, presented by Wachovia. Admission is on a first come, first served basis, and early arrival is recommended due to the likelihood of high demand. Also, please note that final entry to the museum on free days is 4pm and, finally, that there will be no members-only entrance on Wachovia Wednesdays.
SAN FRANCISCO NEIGHBORHOOD FREE DAYS – 2009 (Proof of Residency Required*)
Free admission is available for San Francisco residents in each zip code during the designated dates listed below. Neighborhood Free Days is presented by Bank of America. Each visiting adult is limited to six children for free entry.Neighborhood Free Days 2009.
Neighborhood Zip Code Area Spring Free Days Fall Free Days
Mission, Bernal Heights 94110 May 1, 2, 3, 2009 Oct. 30, 31, Nov. 1, 2009**
Sunset, Parkside, Stonestown, Lakeshore, St. Francis Wood 94122, 94116, 94127, 94132 May 8, 9, 10, 2009 Sept. 11, 12, 13, 2009
Richmond, Seacliff, Western Addition, Pacific Heights, Laurel Heights, Presidio 94121, 94118, 94115, 94129 May 15, 16, 17, 2009 Oct. 2, 3, 4, 2009
Excelsior, Ingleside, Bayview, Hunter’s Point, Visitacion Valley 94112, 94134, 94124 May 22, 23, 24, 2009 Oct. 9, 10, 11, 2009
Russian Hill, Telegraph Hill, North Beach, Cow Hollow, Marina 94109, 94133, 94123 May 29, 30, 31, 2009 Oct. 16, 17, 18, 2009
Chinatown, Tenderloin, Downtown, SOMA, Potrero, Treasure Island, Mission Bay 94103, 94107, 94130, 94111, 94105, 94108, 94104, 94102, 94158 June 5, 6, 7, 2009 Nov. 6, 7, 8, 2009**
Castro, Noe Valley, Diamond Heights, Miraloma Park, Cole Valley, Haight 94117, 94114, 94131 June 12, 13, 14, 2009 Sept. 18, 19, 20, 2009
*Each visiting adult should provide one of the following documents as proof of residency:

  • Postmarked envelope, postcard, or magazine label with name and date
  • Valid driver’s license or ID card
  • Utility bill (gas/electric/cable), bank statement, or letter from a government agency that has your name and home address (not a P.O. Box)
**Note: These dates have been updated. September 25, 26, 27 and October 23, 24, 25 are no longer designated free days for these zip codes.

Amazing musuem roof picture via California Academy of Sciences