Exploratorium Tours and Activities

Exploratorium featuring interior views as well as a small group of people
Exploratorium which includes interior views
Exploratorium which includes interior views
Exploratorium featuring interior views
Exploratorium showing industrial elements and interior views


Use all your senses as you explore science through dozens of interactive exhibits at San Francisco’s famous museum on Pier 15.

The Exploratorium makes learning fun. Walk through its exhibits and discover the wonders of science, from fog machines to clock simulators. A regular rotation of temporary exhibits makes the museum a new adventure every time you visit. Check out the Exploratorium’s six galleries, each focused on a specific theme.

Learn about weather patterns in the Fisher Bay Observatory Gallery on the museum’s upper level. Find out why San Francisco gets so foggy and see current weather forecasts for regions around the world.

Become acquainted with living things both great and small in the East Gallery, located in the back of the Exploratorium. See live organisms under microscopes and learn all about California’s giant redwood trees.

In the Bechtel Central Gallery, immerse yourself in the study of sound and vision. Capture your shadow in the Shadow Room or measure the sound you create as you walk on gravel.

Work with your hands in the South Gallery, also known as Tinkerville. Make creations with magnets and learn how a clock works.

Make your way to the West Gallery, which focuses on human emotions and behavior. Explore facial expression recognition and join a group think table.

Find the Exploratorium at Pier 15 on the Embarcadero. This part of San Francisco, which snakes along the eastern waterfront, is filled with things to do and see. Within minutes, reach other tourist destinations such as Fisherman’s Wharf, Coit Tower, the Ferry Building and more. Discover dozens of restaurants, shops and other entertainment destinations.

Visit the Exploratorium any day of the week except Monday. Adults are invited to After Dark, a special program on Thursday nights for visitors over the age of 18.

Pay your admission at the Exploratorium’s front desk. For a quintessential San Francisco experience, take a streetcar to the stop right in front of the building. Drive in and park your car at the Levi's Plaza Garage or Embarcadero Center.

Popular places to visit


Top Exploratorium Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Holiday Inn Golden Gateway, an IHG Hotel
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway, an IHG Hotel
3.5 out of 5
1500 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway, an IHG Hotel
Club Quarters Hotel in San Francisco
Club Quarters Hotel in San Francisco
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424 Clay St, San Francisco, CA
Club Quarters Hotel in San Francisco
Hilton San Francisco Financial District
Hilton San Francisco Financial District
4 out of 5
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Hyatt Regency San Francisco
Hyatt Regency San Francisco
4 out of 5
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Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
4 out of 5
2500 Mason St, San Francisco, CA
Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
Fairmont San Francisco
Fairmont San Francisco
5 out of 5
950 Mason Street Atop Nob Hill, San Francisco, CA
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Kimpton Alton Fisherman's Wharf, an IHG Hotel
Kimpton Alton Fisherman's Wharf, an IHG Hotel
4.5 out of 5
2700 JONES STREET, San Francisco, CA
Kimpton Alton Fisherman's Wharf, an IHG Hotel
Handlery Union Square Hotel
Handlery Union Square Hotel
3.5 out of 5
351 Geary St, San Francisco, CA
Handlery Union Square Hotel
The Westin St. Francis San Francisco on Union Square
The Westin St. Francis San Francisco on Union Square
4.5 out of 5
335 Powell Street, San Francisco, CA
The Westin St. Francis San Francisco on Union Square
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Beautiful view of the beach with palm trees

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