Exploratorium, San Francisco: Hours, Address, Exploratorium Reviews: 4.5/5
Exploratorium
Exploratorium
4.5
12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
About
The Exploratorium is more than an iconic San Francisco museum perched by the Bay—it’s an all-ages gateway to joyful exploration of science, art, and human perception. Let your curiosity roam free through hundreds of exhibits in six spacious indoor and outdoor galleries. Watch, listen, notice, experiment, and play with wondrous phenomena from the world around you: from living cells to cosmic rays, from bubbles to human behavior, from optical illusions to electricity, from playful machines to rainbows, and much more. Plus observe the Exploratorium’s open shop, where our exhibits are designed, built, and tinkered with. You’ll find thoughtful safety protocols for visitors and staff, our unique museum store, excellent dining, and beautiful San Francisco Bay views. Located in the historic Pier 15 along San Francisco's Embarcadero, between Pier 39 and the Ferry Building, the Exploratorium is easy to get to by public transportation, and there's ample parking nearby.
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
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Improve this listingAdmission tickets
from $29.95
All you need to step foot in the door.
Full view
Top ways to experience Exploratorium and nearby attractions
The area
Address
Neighborhood: North Waterfront/Embarcadero
Best nearby
Restaurants
3,573 within 3 miles
Kokkari Estiatorio
2,734
0.3 mi$$$$ • Mediterranean • Greek • Vegetarian Friendly
Coqueta
757
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Mediterranean • Spanish • Catalan
Quince
555
0.3 mi$$$$ • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options • Gluten Free Options
Piperade
231
0.1 mi$$$$ • Spanish • Basque • Vegetarian Friendly
Fog City
544
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Vegetarian Friendly • Gluten Free Options
Pier 23 Cafe Restaurant & Bar
850
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Bar • Seafood
Waterfront Restaurant
800
0.2 mi$$$$ • American • Seafood • Soups
La Mar Cebicheria Peruana
1,369
0.3 mi$$$$ • Peruvian • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
Cotogna
498
0.4 mi$$ - $$$ • Italian • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
Bix
543
0.4 mi$$$$ • American • Contemporary • Vegetarian Friendly
Attractions
803 within 6 miles
Buckyball
4
225 ftPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues
Pier 15/17
4
225 ftPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Piers & Boardwalks
Pier 9
1
225 ftPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Piers & Boardwalks
Pier One
1
225 ftHistoric Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Pier 7
85
0.1 miPiers & Boardwalks
Pelican Paper Company
1
0.1 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Ross Alley
1
0.1 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
Levi's Plaza Park
70
0.2 miParks
The Embarcadero
933
0.4 miNeighborhoods • Piers & Boardwalks
Coit Tower
4,527
0.4 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
3,518 reviews
Excellent
2,488
Very good
780
Average
203
Poor
37
Terrible
10
Isaac K
1 contribution
The Exploratorium is the most innovative and fun space I have ever had the pleasure of visiting. While the main exhibits are dynamic, hands-on and truly cerebral, the guts of the building are even more interesting and inspiring. The Zero Net Energy Facility boasts bay source cooling, solar panels and advances lighting controls that rightly deserve their own tour. Chuck, Marie, and the rest of the Facilities team have been informative, fun and knowledgeable tour guides. Keep up the awesome work!
Written January 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
simicu
Simi Valley, CA366 contributions
Whether it's time tested favorite exhibits or new ones reflecting today's ever-evolving technologies, you can always count of the Exploratorium to make for a fantastic visit. It really is more than just your going science museum, it's also one of perception, art, and even nature. They were one of the first to offer so many interactive exhibits and lectures where you actually become part of the experience instead of just observing. We love their After Dark feature, also affectionately known as 'Date Night', every Thursday evening from 6-10pm. As to their newer exhibits, one of them, the "Cells to Self" is fascinating in its collaboration of science and the human body. But then again, that's just normal for the E, they're always looking for ways to challenge the mind and showcase the wonders of intelligence.
Written January 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Donna D
1 contribution
Solo
I was really impressed with the Exploratorium, with the size of the facility, the slick feel of the facility, the diversity of the exhibits, and the interactivity of the guests with the exhibits. Families can spend as much time as they want and let their children explore the magic on the world around them . Even an older retiree like me can have his curiosity piqued and intellect challenged for a modest entrance fee. Money well spent!
Written January 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
SailingSeas1207
North Dakota19 contributions
Family
This place is a lot of fun, but....Be prepared. It’s pricey. $50 for a child and an adult to walk through the door. We had a few hours of fun, but if you live in or near a major city and/or travel frequently to have access to museums, I’d pass for the price. If you don’t have as much access, you’ll get in a few hours of fun.
Written March 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Wallace M
1 contribution
There is nothing like The Exploratorium - a museum where you can pretty much touch and play with everything there! This isn't just fun, it is also the essence of what real science is about. i've been going for years and every time i go, I see new things that I had't noticed before. As a longtime resident of San Francisco I can categorically say that this is the best museum in our city.
Written January 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Fiorella04
San Rafael, Argentina18 contributions
Family
I loved it! I went with my family in July 2018 and we really enjoyed it. It’s a great activity to do with kids because you learn playing and touching the different objects around the building. So didactical and fun.
Written February 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
20LWood
Seattle, WA16 contributions
Our family of four (2 adults & 2 teens) spent a rainy afternoon exploring the scince center. It is a huge complex filled with interactive tactile attractions for all ages. Be prepared to spend atleast 2 hrs or more there.
Written January 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Basman
26 contributions
This facility was fantastic and truly engaged the tweens. The only issue is that we allowed 3 hours and while the kids had an excellent time, you really need the whole day to sample the majority of exhibits. The staff were friendly and ready to help. If we had more time in SF, we would have spent the day.
Written December 31, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Ben C
1 contribution
I've never experienced anything like the Exploratorium anywhere else in the world. It's hard to describe without actually visiting, but it's well worth the trip. Equal parts, science, mystery, and pure fun, it's the kind of place you can completely lose track of time.
Highly recommended!
Highly recommended!
Written January 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
John L
San Francisco, CA43 contributions
OK, let's get the cost out of the way, $30 for adults plus $$ for children. Go early, grab a self-guided map and explore. There are too many things to dwell on, but classify this as "science at your fingertips." I know, in an era where touching and being close to others is not cool, take precautions and wear latex gloves or something similar. Wait until it's OK to roam freely then let your inner science geek discover how you fit into the world in which you live. You don't have to know trigonometry or physics to understand how things work. Plus you can always say "I knew that." It's an all day adventure for friends, family, couples, whoever. Engage, explore, discover and learn.
Written March 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
nayeonjung
Tokyo, Tokyo Prefecture, Kanto
Is there in and out privileges at the Exploratorium?
(I know California Academy of Sciences does and it was nice to take a break outside for lunch as we spent almost all day in the museum.)
tifsterv
San Jose, CA55 contributions
Make sure to get a hand stamp.
merh
Maui108 contributions
Would a two year old find this interesting?
tifsterv
San Jose, CA55 contributions
There will be some items for a two year old. It can be crowded in the narrow walkways.
I would recommend the Bay Area Discovery Museum (North of Golden Gate) and/or the Children’s Discovery Museum in San Jose. Great places for 2-3 year olds.
CruiseGirl2
Virginia Beach, VA339 contributions
Would a 16 year old girl find this too childish?
NYCBabeRomford
Essex, UK360 contributions
Definitely not. There’s lots to do and I’d recommend getting there as soon as it opens because it gets REALLY busy.
We are coming to San Francisco for my husband's work conference. We will have our 17,15 & 13 year olds with us. I am going to purchase the city pass for us and I'm not sure if the Exploritorium or the Museum of Modern Art would be better for our teens. My husband is a scientist so I'm leaning towards the Exploritorium but I don't want to take them to a children's museum.
ExploSF
San Francisco, CA8 contributions
Hi Becka,
While SFMoMA is a wonderful experience, it is a traditional museum experience, whereas the Exploratorium is all interactive/hands-on. Our 650+ exhibits are all meant to be touched and experimented with by visitors of all ages. It would be up to you to determine which type of experience your family would enjoy the most.
Please note that nearly 1/2 of our annual visitors come without children and have a great time—why we are rated the #1 Museum in San Francisco on TripAdvisor. We pride ourselves on appealing to visitors of all ages as a Museum of Science, Art and Human Perception.
We hope this helps you make your decision and we look forward to your visit!
Chorch2000
18 contributions
How long it could take to see it all ? 4 hours it would be enough ?
ExploSF
San Francisco, CA8 contributions
Hello,
Our average visit is about 3-4 hours, but there are many visitors who will spend from open to close experiencing the 650+ hands-on exhibits. We look forward to your visit!
Pam m
Antelope, CA2 contributions
I would like to take my 2yr old granddaughter but is she to young to enjoy the exploratorium.
ExploSF
San Francisco, CA8 contributions
Hi Pam,
While the Exploratorium is geared for visitors of all ages, we do offer exhibits that are particularly appealing to toddlers. Involving color, bubbles, light and shadows these installations get a five-rattle rating from younger children: Colored Shadows, Soap Film Painting, Spinning Blackboard and more. Admission is always free for children ages three and under.
We look forward to your visit!
TERESA Z
Salinas, CA2 contributions
Sugggested child’s age
ExploSF
San Francisco, CA8 contributions
Hi Teresa,
While the Exploratorium is geared for visitors of all ages, we do offer exhibits that are particularly appealing to younger children. Involving color, bubbles, light and shadows these installations get a "five-rattle rating" from younger children: Colored Shadows, Soap Film Painting, Spinning Blackboard and more. Admission is always free for children ages three and under.
We look forward to your visit!
Thanks!
SoDakMom
Summerset, SD114 contributions
My kids are 14 and 12. They love hands on science, but I'm wondering if this would be too young for them.
Hillarodri
Houston, TX45 contributions
Ohhh no I think these are perfect ages to go...
Yael D
Ramat Gan, Israel65 contributions
traveling with a very mature 4.5 year old and an almost two year old. Have 1 full day(friday) and one half day(thursday after driving in from Yosemite) and debating whether to spend the full day on the exploratorium and that vicinity and half day on the california academy and park (maybe lands end too) or vice versa. We are sleeping in Oakland and planned on coming by ferry to the Exploratorium. which area is better for the full day?
Hollie834
Smithfield, UT77 contributions
I would spend the full day at the California academy of science. You could walk over to the Japanese tea garden, rent a paddle boat on the lake or just picnic in the park nearby. Then do half day at exploritorium. Make sure you go see the elephant seals on pier 39. Great idea to ride the ferry. That will be fun and scenic too.
Frequently Asked Questions about Exploratorium
- Exploratorium is open:
- Sun - Sun 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
- Wed - Sat 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Thu - Thu 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
- Exploratorium admission prices can vary. Entrance tickets currently cost $29.95, while a popular guided tour starts around $5.99 per person. See all 9 Exploratorium tickets and tours on Tripadvisor
- Exploratorium can be crowded, so we recommend booking e-tickets ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund. See all 9 Exploratorium tickets and tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Exploratorium:
- Exploratorium General Admission Ticket (From $29.95)
- Go City: San Francisco Explorer Pass - Choose 2, 3, 4 or 5 Attractions (From $58.00)
- San Francisco CityPASS (From $76.00)
- Go City: San Francisco All-Inclusive Pass with 25+ Attractions (From $67.00)
- Streets of San Francisco Guided Electric Bike Tour (From $99.00)
- Hotels near Exploratorium:
- (0.25 mi) The Battery
- (0.41 mi) Club Quarters Hotel Embarcadero, San Francisco
- (0.40 mi) Green Tortoise Hostel - San Francisco
- (0.58 mi) ITH Pacific Tradewinds Hostel
- (0.43 mi) Le Méridien San Francisco
- Restaurants near Exploratorium:
- (0.01 mi) Seismic Joint
- (0.10 mi) Cafe deStijl
- (0.15 mi) Piperade
- (0.21 mi) Coqueta
- (0.20 mi) Pier 23 Cafe Restaurant & Bar