I've been coming to the Exploratorium since I was in elementary school 40 years ago, and after all…read morethese years, I can honestly say that my love for this place has only grown deeper. I'm now a STEAM instructor myself, and I still feel the same sense of wonder every time I walk through the doors. The Exploratorium understands something incredibly important: science isn't just a collection of facts to memorize. It's something to touch, hear, build, question, experiment with, and experience. What I admire most is the institution's mission to make science tangible, accessible, and genuinely fun. The exhibits invite curiosity instead of demanding expertise, which makes them just as engaging for adults as they are for children. Every visit reminds me that science belongs to everyone. As someone who teaches kids for a living, I know how difficult it is to create experiences that are both educational and exciting. The Exploratorium has been doing exactly that for decades, and they continue to set the standard. Their educators, exhibit designers, and staff have created something truly special. San Francisco is full of iconic landmarks, but for me, the Exploratorium will always be one of the city's greatest treasures. It played a role in shaping the person I became, and I have no doubt it will continue inspiring generations of curious minds. I was a science-loving kid when I first walked in, and, thankfully, I'm still a science-loving kid now.

We visited the Exploratorium as part of the City Pass. It was definitely a full day of exploring…read moreand was better towards the end of the day when the summer camp kids left. My kids enjoyed but we also had to take breaks in-between. Why 3 stars you ask? It's a huge space, but all of the exhibits were similar to science museums we have in So Cal. Some things were broken or not operational the day we went. Lunch offerings were super healthy which is a plus. But we liked 2/4 entrees we ordered. Priced are as expected for museums. Logistics wise, you really have to come early to secure good parking. We came an hour after opening and street + parking lots were full. If you plan to come, I say it's a deal via City Pass, but I wouldn't pay full admission prices to go.

I still love this museum! I appreciate how the curators change things up so each time you visit…read morethere are fresh & unique things to experience. Today especially was moved by Shirin Neshat & Philip Glass's collaboration on a an 11 minute video entitled "Passage" that depicts a funeral procession in Morocco.The music and imagery was especially powerful. Mom and I checked everything out & enjoyed the plant wall, Modern Art 101 Gallery, the store, and the cafe. So much to see! We did not opt to pay extra to see the Matisse exhibit. There were people viewing the galleries with us, but it was not too crowded and there was plenty of space. Today was an especially beautiful day, so maybe more folks were outside enjoying the weather, but it was a perfect day for a visit. All employees we interacted with from the security guards to the cafe folks to the ticket checkers were all helpful & pleasant. It is such a joy to come here & you never know what delightful surprises you will happen upon. Peace.

I absolutely loved the exhibits!…read more I didn't get to try the drinks/food this time around but I'll be sure to try them next time I come.

Located in the Golden Gate Park this California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco is the…read moreultimate natural history museum that offers an aquarium, planetarium, as well as a 4-story rainforest ! I think it will take me a week to literally be able to go see everything !! Anazing aquarium with a Philippine Coral Reef, and was able watch feeding time of the fish in this particular aquarium!! 2 scuba divers cleaning aquarium during the presentation!!

The California Academy of Sciences is a wonderful place to visit for all ages. It was my first time…read morethere, though others in my group had visited before. We went on a Wednesday morning during summer break. Tickets can be purchased online or in person; we bought ours on-site and there was no line. Inside, it was busy but not overcrowded, so it was still very enjoyable. Positives: - Clean and well maintained throughout. - Indoor, multi-level space that is accessible. - Convenient food court with multiple options. - Plenty of seating areas for taking short breaks. - A wide variety of exhibits and experiences. Our favorites were the Osher Rainforest and the Steinhart Aquarium. You can easily tailor your visit to be short or long depending on your pace. There is also a lot of engaging and educational information throughout the museum. Be sure to check the daily schedule posted on-site or online to learn about special exhibits and events. Negatives: The only downside was the bánh mì from the food court, which was underwhelming. Overall, I highly recommend the California Academy of Sciences. It is a great outing, especially for families with children.

Came here recently for magnolia season! A lot of trees in bloom but already started to fall away…read more And some buds yet to bloom! Loved the rhododendrons, and all the different sections of the park. It was really relaxing to stroll through and admire all the nature. Free entry for SF residents, otherwise $17 for entry. Found parking along the park and walked over!

Amazingly Beautiful. A must go. Serine, fragrant, visually pleasing gardens. Lots of bench's and…read morewalking paths and can always find a secluded spot to reflect. Reasonable prices but challenging parking. Treat yourself and give a visit. Check out their website to find out what's in Bloom and what's going on. Tip It's very easy to pre purchase tickets on line which is a plus.

I came for the Halloween After Dark where my friend presented. All of the talks were funny and…read moreinformative and well delivered. Very imaginative and fun! The drinks are crazy expensive but thats to be expected. The festivities around Halloween were fun - costume contest, pumpkin carving (though not enough for everyone), etc.

Been always wanting to go here and we finally did it! Came into this thinking we didn't need the…read moreentire 3+ hrs but we did! There is SO much to see, with about over 5 different sections and all being interactive it's a place your inner child can run free. Our favorite part were the many games you could play with a partner or group such as a snake video game, 1:1 table games, and much more. Such an eventful night with music playing and chances to buy a drink. Highly recommend to visit with some friends or for a fun date night!

First tuesday of every month is a free entry day for the bay area residents so we wanted to make…read morethe most of it. We specifically went for their "Treasures of the Pharoahs" exhibit and enjoyed it immensely! This kind of exhibition is first if its kind in the USA. Artifacts dated 3000 years shone beautifully in their individual cases for all to see. We loved it! Parking was $20 flat rate today on a tuesday. We also visited the Hamon observation tower for a 360 degree view of the city. The experience was excellent. Loved the ancient gold jewelry display. It was beautiful and the experience was completely immersive.

Sadly, the behavior of one of the employees in the Monet in Venice exhibit put a damper on our…read moreentire experience today. The middle-aged slender guy with glasses, earrings, and dark hair tinged with gray could not have been ruder to me in how he told me I had to carry my purse backpack, then followed by a loud, obnoxious lecture. If he's an employee, he should be fired. If he's a volunteer, he should be moved to somewhere where he doesn't interact with other humans. He is a terrible representative of the De Young. Luckily the woman in the gift shop who signed us up for memberships was friendly, kind and patient. That helped balance the ugly experience with the rude man in the gallery, but we left there with a bad feeling anyway.

When we went it wasn't crowded so we could take our time and take pictures. I like that there were…read moreguides on the floor that showed where to set up the camera. Also, it was helpful having sample photos up on the wall. Took 1 star off because it's a bit pricey. If it was a crowded day, it would have been stressful to take pics and take our time.

This was a fun little place, and I emphasize, "little." It worked out for us because we were the…read moreonly ones there. I get why this place would be super hot and not the best if there were multiple guests inside. The place itself is really tiny and it's quite stuffy inside. It was just, my husband, my son and I, so we were able to take time to take pics of all the backdrops. The backdrops are painted murals that create cool illusions. They have sample pics so you know where and how to pose and signs where you're supposed to stand to take pics. It took us about 30 minutes to circle the whole thing (maybe even less). This is a fun a little trip if you don't mind taking wacky pics like we do. Also, it would help if you don't mind lying on the floor. We enjoyed it, but I can see why the bad reviews of people expecting it to be much more. As long as you know what to expect, I still think it's an enjoyable experience. Pros: Cute murals that make for cool photos Fun family activity or with friends They have lockers for your stuff up front Cons: it's pretty pricey, and TBH, not worth $30 per person.

"You ain't nothin' but fine, fine, fine And I wish you were…read moremine, mine, mine You ain't nothin' but fine, fine, fine" (Rockpile) I just read that San Francisco ranks #2 among the most expensive U.S. cities to live. But that doesn't mean there aren't some bargains to be had if you know where to look. As a case in point, look no further than the jaw dropping outdoor grounds of the Palace of Fine Arts. You can see this magnificence for free. It was built for the 1915 Panama Pacific Exposition with a Greco-Roman soaring rotunda, looping colonnades, and 17 acres of parks, walking paths, and wetlands make it one of San Francisco's most photogenic spots. The architecture reminds me of what you see in the Gladiator movies, or in photos of ancient ruins, with Corinthian columns, sculpted figures, and grand arches. We spent an hour or so just strolling around and enjoying the beauty of what surrounded us. And it was all free of charge.

The Palace of Fine Arts is one of the most beautiful and peaceful places in San Francisco. Whether…read moreyou're a visitor or a local, it's the perfect spot to slow down and take in the scenery. The views are stunning from every angle, with the iconic rotunda reflected in the lagoon and surrounded by beautiful architecture and lush vegetation. The lake is full of life, and it's common to see swans, ducks, geese, and other birds enjoying the water, making it feel like a hidden oasis in the middle of the city. The lagoon is known for attracting a variety of bird species throughout the year. There are plenty of grassy areas to spread out a blanket, relax with a book, enjoy a picnic, or simply soak in the atmosphere. The walking paths are easy to explore, and every turn offers another great photo opportunity. On busy days, you'll often find vendors nearby adding to the lively and welcoming environment. Whether you're looking for a peaceful morning walk, a romantic setting, or just a place to sit and enjoy nature, the Palace of Fine Arts delivers. A true San Francisco treasure that never disappoints.

Love it here! Came here for the matcha presentation from Constance tea and I learned so much! The…read morepresenters were so knowledgeable about the matcha process and we got see how matcha is grinded with the hand mill. I thought I knew about a lot about matcha but learned even more. The cherry on top was that we were able to taste the matcha with just water. No milk. No sugar. Just matcha. Super smooth without bitterness. That's high quality matcha. Really insightful presentation. Hope they come back here. Will definitely visit their shop. While I was there, I was also able to check out the Chiharu Shiota exhibit. Last day of the exhibit. So in awe of the red yarn tunnel. So elaborate and intricate. The handwritten pages from the journals of Japanese soldiers were also suspended within the yarn. A lot of art and passion went into here and really blown away by the quality. Also the mahjong tables were really fun. Didn't really know how to play but was able to learn quickly. People were so nice and willing to teach me. Great experience. Such a fun Sunday at the museum. Highly recommend for something fun to do in SF.

I went to see their temporary exhibit Chiharu Shiota exhibit and it was amazing. This alone makes…read morethe visit worth. They have several floors of Asian art and history. Everything was beautifully displayed making it easy to follow. The last upper floor was my favorite. Tip or something to keep in mind: I went on a Monday and there were several class students Junior high and elementary. Therefore it was extremely noisy though the guards tried to keep them quite the children were loud and can be disruptive while enjoying the museum.

$10/pp for anyone over 5yo. Unlimited pass for the day. They require everyone to wear gloves…read moreincluding toddlers. It was quite fun, but for some people, it may feel a little claustrophobic. Good way to kill 10 minutes.

Fun for the kids. While you can race quickly to the exit, I noticed most kids including mine,…read moreintentionally stayed in it longer and wandered around. Not supposed to run but some were playing tag or hide and seek while I was there lol. My grown (old) self got a little dizzy following my younger kid around (he wanted someone to accompany him and stick together with), but glad I got to experience it once. Not sure I'd be eager to go again, but it's cool for what it is.