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Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 15 January, 2023

Located along the city’s Embarcadero waterfront, this hands-on museum of science, art, and human perception founded by physicist and educator Frank Oppenheimer.

The interactive and experimental space features more than 600 exhibits and seven galleries, both indoor and outdoor. Whether it’s creating the illusions of flying and levitating with the Exploratorium’s anti-gravity mirror, or picking up sound vibrations through your teeth, you’ll experience endless wonder – all while overlooking San Francisco Bay.

Look out for the ping pong balls winding their way through artist Scott Weaver’s replica of San Francisco, made entirely of toothpicks, and the 27-foot-tall wind harp (outdoors).

Price from: £33
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 4+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

The Exploratorium is a 10-minute walk north of the San Francisco Ferry Building, which is accessible via the BART and Muni Embarcadero stops, as well as the San Francisco Bay Ferry from Oakland.

It’s easy to reach by bicycle, and there are numerous for-pay parking garages in the vicinity.

After, grab refreshments overlooking San Francisco Bay at the long-running Pier 23 Cafe, just a few minutes’ walk north of the museum.

When to do it

The museum is open all year round, Tuesday to Sunday. Closed Monday.

After Dark nights take place every Thursday evening, and include unique programming (e.g. learning about fungi), craft cocktails, and exhibit access. Age 18+.

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Exploratorium Admission Ticket - After Dark Thursday Evenings (ages 18+)

Exploratorium Admission Ticket - After Dark Thursday Evenings (ages 18+)

San Francisco

Things Look Different After Dark. See for Yourself. Thursdays After Dark. 6-10pm every Thursday night at the Exploratorium. Adults-only (18...

$20 | Rating 4.79 / 5 [24 ratings]

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Exploratorium General Admission Ticket

Exploratorium General Admission Ticket

San Francisco

Experience the Exploratorium, an award-winning museum of science, art, and human perception that's dedicated to the excitement of experiment...

$40 | Rating 4.66 / 5 [105 ratings]

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Tour supplied by:

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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

1 Hotel San Francisco

San Francisco, California, United States of America (USA)[1 miles]

Boutique retreat that blends an eco-forward sensibility with California cool, in an excellent location right on the revitalised waterfront.

Official star rating:

Hotel des Arts

San Francisco, California, United States of America (USA)[1.4 miles]

Affordable, funky hotel that’s centrally-located, featuring rooms and public spaces designed by provocative, contemporary artists.

Official star rating:

Hotel Triton

San Francisco, California, United States of America (USA)[1.5 miles]

Artsy, eclectic, and one-of-a-kind, the great value Hotel Triton stands in prime location between three distinct (and walkable) neighbourhoods: Chinatown, the Financial District, and Union Square.

Official star rating:

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

San Francisco

California, United States of America (USA)

Beautiful bayside city with home-grown authenticity, charmingly unique neighbourhoods and excellent locally-driven food.

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Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first

San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

San Francisco, California, United States of America (USA)[1.8 miles]

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Best for ages: 13+ | £20

Fisherman’s Wharf

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Best for ages: 4+ | Free

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aerial view looking at Lombard Street and cars driving down it
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Marketers call Lombard the world’s crookedest street. True or not, the block-long lane hits eight hairpin turns – built to slow people as they drive the steep-steep street – as it snakes down Russian Hill. Instead of driving it (and sitting in traffic), you’ll have more fun walking it.

Best for ages: 6+ | Free

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Aerial view down onto Coit Tower
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Best for ages: 8+ | Free

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Best for ages: 13+ | Free

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The Tonga Room
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Best for ages: 18+ | Free

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exterior entrance of the Museum of African Diaspora
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Museum of the African Diaspora

San Francisco, California, United States of America (USA)[1.7 miles]

Celebrating black cultures around the world through a global lens, MoAD remains one of the few museums in the U.S. dedicated exclusively to the artworks of the African Diaspora. Artist discussions, literary events, and film screenings take place here regularly.

Best for ages: 13+ | £8

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