The Exploratorium is a unique science, technology, and arts museum that offers a more participatory experience than similar museums of its kind. The nature of this museum has had such a massive impact that it is often cited as the inspiration or prototype design for participatory museums found across the globe.

The museum has over 600 exhibits divided into 6 galleries. Each gallery covers a unique kind of content, including Human Behavior, Tinkering, Seeing and Listening, Living Systems, Observatory, and Outdoor. If you want to see every exhibit, it's going to take about 3 to 4 hours.

Exploratorium in San Francisco - one of the highlights of 12 Best Things to Do for Couples in San Francisco and 16 Best Family Things to Do in San Francisco (Read all about San Francisco here)

photo by Fabrice Florin (CC BY-SA 2.0) modified

Exploratorium highlights

While the Exploratorium is packed full of exciting things to see and do, there are a few exhibits that stand out. The Tactile Dome is one of the most popular, as visitors have to traverse the area in pitch darkness with only their sense of touch to guide them.

Additionally, you can explore exhibits such as the tornado, where you can step inside to learn about its inner workings. The museum is also home to a fog bridge and a giant curved mirror that will make you feel as if your whole world has literally turned upside down.

photo by PhiRequiem (CC BY-SA 4.0) modified

Good to know when visiting the Exploratorium

While the museum is family-friendly, you'll find special screenings and exhibits for adults as well, so keep that in mind if you're traveling without kids. It's also the top-rated museum in the city, so expect crowds. Some exhibits like the Tactile Dome require reservations.

Visiting this museum will put you close to several other attractions in town. You'll find yourself just a short walk away from Chinatown, Fisherman's Wharf, and the ferry to Alcatraz. Be sure to check out the Wave Organ as well, a special exhibit nearby on the San Francisco Bay coast.

photo by Fred Hsu (CC BY-SA 2.0) modified

Exploratorium in San Francisco

Location: Pier 15, The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94100, USA

Open: Tuesday–Wednesday and Friday–Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm, Thursday from 10 am to 5 pm and 6 pm to 10 pm (closed on Mondays)

Phone: +1 415-528-4444

This article includes opinions of the Go Guides editorial team. Hotels.com compensates authors for their writing appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs.

Start planning your trip

Where to stay in San Francisco

Terrace/patio
Club Quarters Hotel in San Francisco
8.8 out of 10, (2081)
The price is $109
per night
$128 total
includes taxes & fees
Club Quarters Hotel in San Francisco
Outdoor pool, open 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, sun loungers
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway, an IHG Hotel
8.8 out of 10, (3363)
The price is $132
per night
$155 total
includes taxes & fees
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway, an IHG Hotel
Restaurant
Beacon Grand, A Union Square Hotel
9.0 out of 10, (1094)
The price is $188
per night
$259 total
includes taxes & fees
Beacon Grand, A Union Square Hotel
Front of property - evening/night
Hotel Nikko San Francisco
9.2 out of 10, (2152)
The price is $161
per night
$235 total
includes taxes & fees
Hotel Nikko San Francisco
Exterior
Hyatt Place San Francisco Downtown
9.2 out of 10, (1516)
The price is $189
per night
$222 total
includes taxes & fees
Hyatt Place San Francisco Downtown
Exterior
LUMA Hotel San Francisco
9.4 out of 10, (1683)
The price is $159
per night
$188 total
includes taxes & fees
LUMA Hotel San Francisco
Terrace/patio
Fairmont San Francisco
8.8 out of 10, (1132)
The price is $217
per night
$296 total
includes taxes & fees
Fairmont San Francisco
Front of property - evening/night
Hilton San Francisco Financial District
8.6 out of 10, (787)
The price is $142
per night
$167 total
includes taxes & fees
Hilton San Francisco Financial District
Lobby sitting area
FOUND Hotel Carlton, Nob Hill
8.6 out of 10, (459)
The price is $89
per night
$105 total
includes taxes & fees
FOUND Hotel Carlton, Nob Hill
Exterior
Handlery Union Square Hotel
8.8 out of 10, (2173)
The price is $149
per night
$175 total
includes taxes & fees
Handlery Union Square Hotel

Related stories