California Academy of Sciences Living Rooftop

Famed architect Renzo Piano designed this rooftop garden, which offers sweeping views of the de Young Museum, Golden Gate Park and Sutro Tower, fog permitting. This is no ordinary green roof: The terrain is marked by rolling hills symbolizing the seven hills of San Francisco. All the plants are native to California, with a particular focus on butterfly- and bird-attracting species. Visit at dusk to catch the sunset and seek out constellations with the museum’s high-powered telescopes.