Discover the Wonders of Science at the Exploratorium

The Exploratorium is more than a museum—it’s a gateway to curiosity, science, and art, located at Pier 15 along San Francisco’s Embarcadero waterfront, between Pier 39 and the Ferry Building. Just a short ride from Hotel Nikko, this iconic attraction features hundreds of interactive exhibits across six indoor and outdoor galleries, inviting exploration of phenomena from living cells and cosmic rays to bubbles, electricity, and human behavior.

The Palace of Fine Arts near Hotel Nikko San Francisco is beautifully serene

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Pier 15, San Francisco, California 94111

Distance from hotel : 1.5 mile

415-528-4444

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What about accessibility?

The Exploratorium is fully wheelchair accessible. We can also lend wheelchairs to visitors who need them. We have tactile maps for blind and visually impaired visitors. You can pick one up at the Information Desk, located just past the ticket scanning station. For more information, visit Accessibility.

What should I wear?

You'll want to wear comfortable clothes. We recommend layers, so that you're ready for whatever San Francisco weather comes your way—sun, fog, or a chilly ocean breeze. Comfortable shoes are a must. The Exploratorium campus covers 3.3 acres, so expect to do plenty of walking. Don't worry if your shoes do turn unfriendly, though; we have bandages at our First Aid station.

What can I do with my bag/coat/stuff?

There are coin-operated lockers just past the ticket scanning station (small) and outside the Information Desk (large). Small lockers are 10"w x 14"h x 14"d; large lockers are 23.5"w x 29"h x 23"d.

What about food?

There are two museum dining areas—the Seismic Joint Café, which faces the outdoor plaza, and Seaglass Restaurant in the Bay Observatory. Both feature seasonable and sustainable cuisine prepared under the auspices of acclaimed San Francisco chef Loretta Keller.