Exploratorium, San Francisco Peninsula Travel Guide

4.7 (8110)

San Francisco's iconic hands-on science museum featuring interactive exhibits for all ages on the Embarcadero waterfront.

The Exploratorium in San Francisco is a renowned science museum that brings science, art, and human perception together through hands-on, interactive exhibits. Founded in 1969 by physicist Frank Oppenheimer, it encourages visitors of all ages to explore and learn by doing.

A brief summary to Exploratorium

Pier 15 Embarcadero at, Green St, San Francisco, Northern Waterfront, CA, 94111, US
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Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
Thursday 10 am-5 pm
Friday 10 am-5 pm
Saturday 10 am-5 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Exploratorium.

Purchase tickets in advance to avoid potential wait times, especially during peak seasons.
Visit on Thursdays for the After Dark program (ages 18+) featuring live programming, cocktails, and a DJ.
Take public transportation or use a discount code for nearby parking lots.
Explore the outdoor spaces, including public art installations and the Bay Observatory.
Check out the Exploratorium's website for daily events, demonstrations and updated exhibit information.

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Explore Exploratorium on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Exploratorium, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

From the Ferry Building, walk north along the Embarcadero for about 10-15 minutes. The Exploratorium is located on Pier 15. Enjoy the views of the bay as you stroll along the waterfront.
Public Transport

Take Muni's F Market streetcar to the Embarcadero & Green Street stop, which is directly in front of the Exploratorium. Alternatively, several Muni bus lines (2, 6, 14, 21, 31) stop within walking distance. A single ride on Muni costs $3.
Driving

From downtown San Francisco, head northeast towards the Embarcadero. The Exploratorium is located on Pier 15. There are several parking garages nearby, and the Exploratorium partners with SP+ to offer a discount at the Pier 15 parking lot. Use discount code 4302100 at the payment kiosk. Parking rates vary, but expect to pay around $32.77 for 3 hours at nearby lots. Metered street parking is also available along the Embarcadero for $2.50 per hour, with a 3-hour maximum.
Ferry

From various locations around the Bay Area, take a ferry to the San Francisco Ferry Building. From there, it's a 10-15 minute walk north along the Embarcadero to the Exploratorium on Pier 15. Ferry fares vary depending on the origin, check the San Francisco Bay Ferry or Golden Gate Ferry websites for schedules and pricing. A short bus or light rail ride can also be taken from the Ferry Building to the Exploratorium.

Discover more about Exploratorium

The Exploratorium is a museum of science, technology, and arts in San Francisco, California. Founded in 1969 by physicist and educator Frank Oppenheimer, the museum was originally located in the Palace of Fine Arts and was relocated in 2013 to Piers 15 and 17 on San Francisco's waterfront. Oppenheimer's vision was to create a space where visitors could learn about natural phenomena and gain confidence in their ability to understand the world around them.The Exploratorium features over 600 interactive exhibits spanning various topics, including physics, biology, environmental science, and human perception. Visitors are encouraged to touch, manipulate, and engage directly with the exhibits, making it a unique and memorable learning experience. Popular exhibits include the Tactile Dome, a pitch-black environment where visitors navigate using only their sense of touch, and the Fog Bridge, which emulates San Francisco's famous fog.The museum also hosts the "After Dark" program on Thursday evenings for adults, featuring live programming, cocktails, and a DJ. The Exploratorium's commitment to education extends beyond its walls, with programs designed to train teachers and provide STEM-enriched activities for children in underserved communities. The Exploratorium has inspired an international network of participatory museums and remains a beloved San Francisco institution.