Where is The Exploratorium,San Francisco, California?

Written by | Updated On: March 13, 2026, 13:58 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 Area330,000 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 Visitors1 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)

Top Places to Visit in California

Explore the most popular tourist places in California. The list below includes famous beaches, national parks, historic sites, and scenic attractions across the state, along with map locations.

Places (A -J)Places (J - P)Places (P - Z)
Alcatraz IslandJoshua Tree VillagePebble Beach 17-Mile Drive
Angel Island State ParkKings Canyon National ParkPebble Beach
Anza-Borrego Desert State ParkLa Jolla CovePfeiffer Beach
Badwater BasinLaguna BeachPinnacles National Park
Balboa IslandLake Shasta CavernsPoint Lobos State Natural Reserve
Balboa ParkLake Tahoe Scenic DrivePoint Reyes National Seashore
Bixby BridgeLassen Volcanic National ParkRedwood National and State Parks
Big Sur CoastlineMalibu BeachSan Diego Zoo
Big SurMalibu Creek State ParkSan Francisco Cable Car System
Bodie State Historic ParkMalibu Lagoon State BeachSanta Barbara Mission
Burney FallsMammoth Lakes BasinSanta Monica Pier
Carlsbad BeachMission DoloresSanta Monica State Beach
Channel Islands National ParkMission San Antonio de PaduaSequoia National Park California
Coronado BeachMission San Carlos BorromeoSonoma County
Crissy FieldMission San Juan CapistranoSonoma Wine Country
Crystal Cove State ParkMission San Luis Obispo de TolosaTahoe National Forest
Death Valley National ParkMission Santa BarbaraThe Broad Museum
Disneyland ParkMono Lake Tufa State Natural ReserveThe Exploratorium
Donner Memorial State ParkMonterey Bay AquariumThe Getty Center
Emerald Bay State ParkMount Lassen Peak TrailHenry W. Coe State Park
Fort Point National Historic SiteMount ShastaJ. Paul Getty Villa
Golden Gate BridgeMount Tamalpais State ParkThe Presidio
Golden Gate ParkMount WhitneyUSS Midway Museum
Griffith ObservatoryMount Whitney TrailThe Wave Organ
Griffith ParkMuir Woods National MonumentTorrey Pines State Natural Reserve
Hollywood SignNapa Valley Wine CountryTransamerica Pyramid
Hollywood Walk of FameNewport BeachUniversal Studios Hollywood
Joshua Tree National ParkPalace of Fine ArtsYosemite National Park
Joshua Tree Scenic Drive

Explore the complete list of places to visit in the United States, including national parks, cities, landmarks, and famous attractions.