Make room for
a little wonder.

Opening times

All times are local to San Francisco.

Tuesday to Saturday

10:00–17:00Thursday evenings are for adults (18+) only, with their own tickets

Sunday

12:00–17:00Members only from 10:00 to noon

Closures

Most Mondays, 26 November and 25 DecemberOpen Mondays 23 November, 21 and 28 December 2026; closes early on 5 and 24 December

Allow time to explore before closing. Your ticket shows your date and entry time.

Finding the museum

The Exploratorium is on Pier 15, on the Embarcadero at Green Street, between Pier 39 and the Ferry Building.

• By streetcar or BART: the F Market streetcars stop in front of the museum; from Embarcadero BART station it is a 10–15 minute walk along the waterfront.
• By car: the Pier 15 lot and metered spaces on the Embarcadero are not run by the museum; a white-curbed drop-off zone is just south of the entrance.
• Before arrival: leave time for the journey and entry checks so you are ready for your booked slot.

Useful stops along the way

Facilities can change through the year. Visitors can usually expect:

• Lockers for a small fee, indoors and out.
• Benches throughout the museum.
• The Tinkering Table Restaurant and Catalyst Coffee Lab.
• Free loan wheelchairs and strollers at the Information Desk.

Dress in layers for the bay weather and wear comfortable shoes: the campus covers 3.3 acres. Ask staff about current arrangements when you arrive.

A visit that works for you

All spaces in the Exploratorium can be reached by wheelchair or other mobility devices. Public entrances have automatic doors, an elevator serves the Bay Observatory gallery, and wheelchairs can be borrowed free of charge at the Information Desk.

• Check arrangements for your particular mobility or access needs before travelling.
• Strollers can be borrowed free of charge at the Information Desk; you will be asked to leave an ID as a deposit.
• Leashed service animals are welcome. Ask any staff member wearing a vest for help during your visit.

Enjoy the museum thoughtfully

• Children aged 12 and under must stay with a parent or caregiver aged 18 or over.
• Handle exhibits gently and give other visitors a turn.
• Some exhibits contain strong magnets: look for the warning symbol if you use a pacemaker or other medical device.
• Personal photos are welcome, but photographing strangers needs their written consent.
• Follow the signs and staff guidance, including any restrictions in the exhibition spaces.

A little care keeps the exhibits working and the museum welcoming for everyone.

Make time for a pause

The Tinkering Table Restaurant and Catalyst Coffee Lab are inside the museum, and the Ferry Building nearby has many places to eat.

• Stop for breakfast, lunch, a hot drink or refreshments nearby.
• Leave room in your plans to sit down and enjoy the setting.
• Check opening hours and menus on the day; food and drinks are purchased separately.

You are welcome to bring your own food and eat it at an outdoor table.

A few details worth planning

• Book ahead: choose the date, time and places you want to visit before making other plans.
• Keep your QR ticket ready: save it on your phone or bring a printed copy, with any proof needed for reduced admission.
• Start in the right place: tickets are for the date you choose, and you can stay until closing whatever time you arrive.
• Dress in layers: part of the museum is outdoors on the pier, open to the bay weather.
• Leave space to linger: most visitors spend two to four hours exploring.