Step into the Exploratorium, the award-winning museum of science, art, and human perception. With more than 650 hands-on exhibits across six indoor and outdoor galleries, this is a place built for touching, testing, and asking "wait, why does that happen?" Watch particle trails at the Cloud Chamber, freeze your silhouette in light at Shadow Box, or disappear into artist Fujiko Nakaya's living cloud on Fog Bridge #72494. At Gallery 2: Prototyping, peek into the machine shop where the museum's own engineers test fresh prototypes. Whether you're 6 or 60, there's something to get lost in.
Journey through total darkness in the world-famous Tactile Dome. Refuel at the Tinkering Table Restaurant, with its stunning Bay view, or grab something quick at Catalyst Coffee Lab (hours vary daily), then browse the museum stores on your way out.
Located at Pier 15 along San Francisco's Embarcadero, between Pier 39 and the Ferry Building, easy to reach by public transportation, with parking nearby.
Options
SKIP THE LINE: Mon-Sat
SKIP THE LINE: Sundays
What's included
SKIP THE LINE Daytime Admission to the Exploratorium
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Food and drinks
Tactile Dome experience
Viator ticket purchases cannot be applied to an annual membership at the museum.
After Dark - Thursday Evening Admission (Ages 18+ only)
What to expect
Exploratorium
Admission ticket included
Kids and adults both will love the Exploratorium in San Francisco! This favorite family attraction boasts a convenient location along the Embarcadero waterfront, between Fisherman’s Wharf and the Ferry Building. Enjoy the vibrant bayside energy of Pier 15, and then head inside the museum with your all-day general admission ticket.
Meeting and pickup
Meeting point
Exploratorium
Pier 15, The Embarcadero at Green Street, San Francisco, 94111, United States
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
All exhibition spaces, the Store, dining areas, and all public restrooms are wheelchair and stroller accessible.
A limited number of wheelchairs and strollers are available for loan, free of charge. They are located at the Info Desk on a first-come first-serve basis.
Guide dogs and other certified assistance animals are welcome
Tactile maps for blind and visually impaired visitors are available upon request.
Coin-operated lockers are located just past Ticketing and the Info desk
Complimentary museum maps are available in English, Spanish, French, Italian, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, German, Portuguese, Arabic, Japanese, Korean and Filipino.
Free admission for children ages 3 and under
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
