Experience the California Academy of Sciences with Dex
The California Academy of Sciences Dex experience is an interactive self-guided tour available exclusively with selected California Academy of Sciences admission tickets booked through Headout.
Put on your earphones and follow a story that unfolds across the Academy’s four levels, connecting the rainforest dome, the aquarium, and the planetarium with the tanks, specimens, and roof above them that are easy to overlook. Historical and fictional characters lead you through stories of the living rainforest built inside a glass sphere, the coral reef tank and how it is kept alive, the albino alligator in the swamp, the African Hall dioramas, the research collections behind the scenes, and the living roof planted with native species, accompanied by original music and immersive sound design.
How Dex guides you through the Academy
- Dex uses your phone’s location to guide you along a recommended route covering the Osher Rainforest dome, the Steinhart Aquarium and Philippine Coral Reef, the swamp, African Hall, the Morrison Planetarium, and the Living Roof.
- As you reach each location, it automatically begins the story connected to what you are seeing.
- The route is only the starting point. When an animal, a tank, or an exhibit catches your attention, pause and ask your Dex guide a question. Photograph a supported specimen, exhibit, or architectural detail to uncover more about it, open a related story, or return to the route when you are ready.
- Dex also points you towards recommended viewpoints, photo spots, and exhibits that are easy to miss between the headline attractions. You decide when to pause, where to go deeper, and when to continue.
How Dex differs from an audio guide and a group tour
An audio guide gives you a collection of prepared recordings. Dex builds those stories into a location-aware route, automatically connects them to what is around you, and lets you ask questions or investigate supported objects along the way.
A group tour gives you live interpretation from a human guide while following a scheduled departure, shared route, and group pace.
Dex offers a different experience: a structured tour that you can begin when you choose, pause whenever something interests you, and explore at your own pace. Choose Dex if you want the direction and storytelling of a guided visit with the freedom to explore the Academy independently.
Unlock California Academy of Sciences Dex
Selected California Academy of Sciences admission tickets booked through Headout unlock the complete California Academy of Sciences Dex experience at no additional cost. It is not available as a standalone purchase or with tickets bought elsewhere.
After booking:
- Download the Dex app.
- Sign in with your Headout details.
- The California Academy of Sciences experience will unlock automatically.
