Where is The Exploratorium,San Francisco, California?

Written by | Last Updated: November 19, 2025, 12:28 PM ET

The Exploratorium is located in San Francisco, California, USA. It lies between the Embarcadero and Pier 15 and is situated along the San Francisco waterfront. It is famous for its interactive science and art exhibits for all ages.

The Exploratorium Location Map,San Francisco, California

Top Attractions Inside The Exploratorium

  • Tactile Dome – Interactive experience navigating a dark maze using touch alone.
  • Living Roof – Eco-friendly rooftop with plant displays and educational exhibits.
  • Physics and Light Exhibits – Hands-on stations demonstrating optical illusions and scientific principles.
  • Marine Science Gallery – Interactive displays featuring marine life and aquatic ecosystems.
  • Human Phenomena Exhibits – Engaging experiments exploring perception, senses, and cognition.
  • Outdoor Exhibits & Terraces – Science demonstrations and activities with views of the San Francisco Bay.

The Exploratorium Facts

Official NameThe Exploratorium
LocationSan Francisco, California, USA
Latitude & Longitude37.8008° N, 122.3989° W
Total Area~330,000 sq ft (≈30,660 m²) science museum and exhibit space
Established / OpenedFounded 1969; Current location at Pier 15 opened 2013
Managed ByThe Exploratorium (Nonprofit Organization)
RegionEmbarcadero / San Francisco waterfront, California
AddressPier 15, The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94111, USA
Zip Code94111
Area Code415
CurrencyUnited States Dollar (USD, $)
Time ZonePacific Time (PT) – UTC−8 Standard / UTC−7 Daylight Saving
Theme / ConceptInteractive science, technology, art, human perception, hands-on learning, STEAM education
Main Sections / ExhibitsHuman Phenomena, Tinkering Studio, Living Systems, Outdoor Exploratorium Exhibits, Observation Deck, Special Exhibitions
Famous AttractionsInteractive science exhibits, Fog Bridge, Tactile Dome, Kinetic Art Installations, Pendulum Waves
Annual Visitors~1 million visitors
Entry Fee TypePaid Admission – Ticket Required
Ticket Price RangeAdults ~$29.95; Youth (4–17) ~$19.95; Seniors ~$24.95; Children under 4 Free; Memberships available
Ticket OptionsGeneral Admission, Membership, Group Tickets, Special Events, Educational Programs
Best Time to VisitWeekdays, mornings, and off-peak seasons (Fall & Spring) to avoid crowds
Nearby AirportSan Francisco International Airport (SFO) – 14 miles (23 km)
TransportationCar / Parking, Muni Streetcars & Buses, BART (Embarcadero Station), Ride-share, Walking along Embarcadero
Official Websitehttps://www.exploratorium.edu

Distances from The Exploratorium to Nearby Landmarks

  • Ferry Building – 0.5 km (0.3 mi)
  • Embarcadero – 0.5 km (0.3 mi)
  • Pier 39 – 2.5 km (1.6 mi)
  • Coit Tower – 1.8 km (1.1 mi)
  • Alcatraz Island Ferry Terminal – 2.8 km (1.7 mi)
  • Bay Bridge – 0.5 km (0.3 mi)
  • Union Square – 3 km (1.9 mi)
  • Ghirardelli Square – 4 km (2.5 mi)
  • San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) – 2.5 km (1.6 mi)
  • Palace of Fine Arts – 6 km (3.7 mi)
  • Golden Gate Bridge – 7.5 km (4.7 mi)
  • Chinatown – 2.5 km (1.6 mi)
  • Lombard Street – 3 km (1.9 mi)
  • AT&T Park / Oracle Park – 3.5 km (2.2 mi)
  • North Beach – 2 km (1.2 mi)